Key Takeaways from WVU’s Backyard Brawl Win Over Pitt

BY JUSTIN WALKER & JON MARTIN | WV Sports Chat

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In a Backyard Brawl for the ages, the West Virginia Mountaineers outlasted the Pittsburgh Panthers 31-24 in overtime at Milan Puskar Stadium. The 108th edition of this storied rivalry – the first to go to overtime since 1997 – saw WVU rally from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit, thanks to a gritty performance under head coach Rich Rodriguez.

Despite early struggles, the Mountaineers’ offensive attack found its rhythm when it mattered most, leaning on key contributions from quarterback Nicco Marchiol, running back Tye Edwards, and tight end Grayson Barnes.

Here are three key offensive takeaways from the win.

Tye Edwards Emerges as the Bell Cow Back, Powering WVU’s Ground Gam

With star running back Jahiem White sidelined for the season due to a knee injury suffered against Ohio the previous week, Tye Edwards stepped into the spotlight and delivered a breakout performance that anchored WVU’s offense.

The senior tailback carried the ball 25 times for 141 yards and punched in three touchdowns, including a decisive 1-yard score in overtime that gave the Mountaineers the lead for good.

Nicco Marchiol’s Clutch Comeback Leadership Ignites the Rally

Quarterback Nicco Marchiol’s journey in this game was a tale of redemption, as the junior was replaced, only to be re-entered and orchestrate the drives that forced overtime and ultimately won the game. After a shaky first half, Marchiol’s poise under pressure highlighted his growth as the starter.

Marchiol completed key passes down the stretch, including a 20-yard strike to Rodney Gallagher that set up a field goal to cut Pitt’s lead to 24-17. But his defining moment came on the game-tying 87-yard touchdown drive, where he displayed perfect clock management to consume the final minutes. Culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Grayson Barnes with just 11 seconds remaining, Marchiol’s accuracy and decision-making turned a potential loss into a tie.

Tight End Grayson Barnes Proves a Reliable Red-Zone Weapon in the Passing Game

While the run game stole the headlines, tight end Grayson Barnes emerged as a crucial safety valve for WVU’s passing attack, particularly in the red zone, where his physicality and sure hands made a significant difference. Barnes caught a short pass from Marchiol for a 2-yard touchdown on the final play of regulation, tying the score at 24-24 and sending the game to overtime.

Barnes recorded five catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.

WVU Defense

Facing a Pitt offense that had averaged 53 points through its first two games, WVU’s defense bent but rarely broke, forcing crucial turnovers and making game-sealing stops. After allowing a 21-point run by the Panthers in the second half, the Mountaineers’ unit regrouped to force overtime and secure the win.

Here are three pivotal defensive takeaways from the victory.

Resilient Run Defense Stuffs Pitt Late, Seals Overtime Victory

Pitt’s ground game was expected to test WVU’s front seven, but the Mountaineers’ run defense stepped up in crunch time, allowing just 46 rushing yards and stuffing short-yardage situations to force overtime.

The West Virginia defense held Pitt to an average of just 1.4 yards per carry.

Secondary’s Ball-Hawking Turnovers, Led by Darrian Lewis, Swing Momentum

Under Zac Alley’s direction, WVU’s secondary transformed potential disaster into opportunity with an interception that kept the Panthers at bay. Transfer safety Darrian Lewis, a redshirt senior who joined the Mountaineers from Akron in the offseason, emerged as the defensive MVP with his pick.

Lewis’ interception, which he returned just enough to flip the field, came at a pivotal moment with WVU leading 7-0 and Pitt threatening to take control inside the 10-yard line. His pick prevented a go-ahead touchdown and preserved WVU’s slim margin, marking his first interception as a Mountaineer and extending the team’s turnover-forcing streak.

Veteran Leadership from Reid Carrico Bolsters Run Defense in Crunch Time

Despite entering the game day-to-day with a nagging injury, Reid Carrico’s presence galvanized WVU’s run defense, which allowed just 46 total rushing yards and stuffed short-yardage situations to force overtime.

Carrico recorded six tackles and. five sacks in the game.