Pitt Stuns West Virginia with Last-Minute Comeback in Backyard Brawl

The rivalry between Pitt and West Virginia delivered another thriller, with the Panthers pulling off a dramatic 38-34 comeback win in the 107th edition of the Backyard Brawl at Acrisure Stadium. Trailing by 10 points with less than five minutes left, Pitt stormed back to score two late touchdowns and stun the Mountaineers, maintaining their undefeated start to the season.

West Virginia took an early lead when quarterback Garrett Greene connected with CJ Donaldson on a 10-yard touchdown pass. Pitt responded with a 42-yard pass to Kenny Johnson, setting up a field goal to make it 7-3. After another quick Mountaineers touchdown, Pitt countered with a 9-yard scoring pass from redshirt freshman Eli Holstein to Desmond Reid, giving them a 10-7 lead.

The game remained tight throughout the first half. Pitt capitalized on West Virginia’s mistakes, including a crucial interception by Cruce Brookins. However, the Panthers couldn’t extend their lead before halftime, and West Virginia tied the game 17-17 on a field goal after Pitt failed to convert on fourth down.

West Virginia’s power running game appeared to take control in the second half. Despite a blocked punt returned for a Pitt touchdown that broke a 24-24 tie, West Virginia responded with an 81-yard drive capped by Donaldson’s second rushing touchdown of the day to tie the game again. The Mountaineers then took a 34-24 lead late in the fourth quarter after Greene hit Justin Robinson for a 28-yard score.

With time running out, Holstein led Pitt on a furious comeback. He found Daejon Reynolds for a 40-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 34-31. After the Panthers’ defense forced a quick three-and-out, Holstein drove Pitt down the field again, setting up Derrick Davis Jr.’s 1-yard rushing touchdown to give the Panthers a 38-34 lead with just 32 seconds left. West Virginia’s final drive ended in an interception by Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis, sealing the victory.

Pitt’s offense, which struggled for much of the second half, came alive when it mattered most, scoring two touchdowns in just under three minutes. Holstein’s leadership on the final drives built his growing legend, as he finished the day with three touchdown passes.

Pitt’s victory continues the storied rivalry, which has been played continuously since 1945. The Panthers have now won two straight against the Mountaineers, with another dramatic finish to add to the Backyard Brawl’s history.

West Virginia dominated time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 13 minutes more than Pitt. However, Pitt’s quick-strike offense proved deadly, scoring touchdowns on drives of 1:49 and 1:27 in the final minutes to complete the comeback.

Pitt will wrap up their non-conference slate next weekend at home against Youngstown State. West Virginia, reeling from this loss, will return to Morgantown to open Big 12 play against Kansas who is coming off a bad loss against UNLV.

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Eric Boggs

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