Since Chas has challenged me, I had to consult my “Greatest Moments in Pitt Football History” book, edited by Mike Bynum, Larry Eldridge, Jr., and Sam Sciullo, Jr.

Also, in Tuesday’s Post-Gazette, there is a good article on this subject.

Naturally, the best Pitt win over WVU has to be the 1997 triple overtime win at Morgantown. Can anyone say “4th and 17”? I knew you could. One of the best Pitt games ever. Our friend Mike doesn’t remember it, sadly, since he spent much of the 4th quarter vomiting in the bleachers (too much Bushmills). This game marked the end of the Majors debacle, and the beginning of the Harris era.

While it was not a win, the 1989 tie between Pitt and WVU stands out as a great comeback by Pitt. Down 31-9 in the 4th Quarter, freshman QB Alex Van Pelt led the Pitt comeback, which was dramatically capped by a Ed Frazier last second field goal. The game was not televised, so we had to tune in to the radio broadcast. I remember how the Litchfield Towers erupted just after the kick, with fans pouring out into the Oakland night – a great post game booze fest was had by all.

Another great comeback, this one resulting in victory, was in 1970. This game is considered the greatest come from behind victory in Pitt history by most Pitt historians (Billy Hillgrove included). Homecoming at Pitt Stadium, with less than 45,000 on hand (it was always like that – not just when we were in school). Bobby Bowden’s Mountaineers jumped to a 35-8 halftime lead. Pitt QB Dave Havern, in a performance that permanently secured his place in Panther lore, led Pitt back in the second half, passing for three TD’s, including the winning TD with time running out. Pitt was a bad team in those days (5-5 record), but they got the better of the Hoopies that day.

Pitt had some good games with WVU in the Sherrill-Fazio years (especially after Hostetler transferred to WVU from PSU), with Pitt winning most. WVU won quite a few against Pitt in the 1990’s, though.

For others, I have to consult the history books:
1954 at WVU – Pitt is the only team to beat the Mountaineers that year
1955 at Pitt – Pitt wins 26-7 before almost 58,000 at Pitt stadium; WVU entered the game undefeated again (had won 11 straight since the last loss to Pitt); Joe Walton was the star of those teams; both goal posts were torn down with with 30 seconds to play, but police cleared the field and WVU scored on the games final play, with the extra point forfeited because there were no goalposts.
1956 at WVU – Pitt wins 14-13 on opening day

There are lots of close games between these two teams, and not a lot of long winning streaks either. WVU is Pitt’s longest rival (even before Paterno wimped out of playing Pitt, WVU played against Pitt more than any other school).
If this year is anything like those past years, it should be a hell of a game…

Thank God we do have the Backyard Brawl this Saturday, because there just doesn’t seem to be that many other games worth watching on tap. Of course, I’ll probably be too busy dodging flaming debris in Morgantown to watch many games anyways…

PITTSBURGH (no line yet) at WEST VIRGINIA: It’s nice to see the new brothers-in-arms spirit between West Virginia and Pitt due to all of the Big East defections this summer. It’s nice to see that West Virginia still cares more about this rivalry than we do. But it’s especially nice to see Walt Harris and his staff taking this game so seriously. However, closing off practices to the media does make me nervous, in that John Cooper (Harris’s mentor) used to do that right before he’d get the team too tight and blow another Michigan game.

Let’s break my analysis down into “football for idiots” format once again…

When West Virginia has the ball: The Mountaineers have a much more balanced offense than Virginia Tech had. But like the Hokies, the Hoopies clearly prefer running to passing. And they can run well: they ran for 264 yards against Virginia Tech (in comparison, we ran for only 143 against the Hokies). West Virginia’s star running back, Quincy Wilson, is not nearly as fast as Virginia Tech’s stud Kevin Jones (who scorched us for 241 yards last Saturday). However, West Virginia’s offensive line is perhaps even stronger than Virginia Tech’s. Thus, our defensive front must do a far better job of handling the opposing offensive line, closing gaps, not overpursuing plays (which we did FAR too often last week), and stopping the run in general. Otherwise, the Mountaineers will be able to establish the same ground-based, clock-chewing, ball control offense that Virginia Tech came within a few turnovers and other gaffes of successfully imposing on us.

But make no mistake, the Mountaineers can pass too. Starting quarterback Rasheed Marshall (I keep wondering if he looked at any other West Virginia colleges), who sat out last week’s Boston College game with a concussion, will be back for the Backyard Brawl. Marshall threw for a respectable 162 yards against Virginia Tech’s fast secondary. Plus, Marshall is a constant threat to dart out of the pocket and run for a few yards of his own.

To me, this game will be decided, first and foremost, by how well our defensive front can handle WVU’s offensive line, slow down Quincy Wilson, and contain Rasheed Marshall. If we can go one step further and pressure Marshall into making some bad throws every now and then, great. But slowing down Wilson is mandatory. Panther Defensive Coordinator Paul Rhoads has a tremendous amount of preparation to do this week, as his defense must be much better than it was against Virginia Tech and Kevin Jones. His seemingly cavalier attitude towards his defense’s piss poor performance last week is some cause for concern.

When we have the ball, we will have some trouble running against West Virginia’s unorthodox 3-3-5 defense. Virginia Tech certainly did: they only got 65 yards on the ground against WVU (in comparison, they got 269 yards on the ground against us). Even scarier, the Mountaineers absolutely dominated Tech’s offensive line all game long. Thus, our offensive line will have to work hard to provide any run support at all. And protecting Rod Rutherford may be even harder than it was last week.

Nevertheless, we should be able to pass against WVU’s defense: Boston College did for 326 yards and Virginia Tech did for 146. However, we have to be wary of the Hoopies’s secondary. The Mountaineers intercepted Boston College four times last Saturday, including two picks from Big East Defensive Player of the Week, free safety Brian King. King has grabbed five picks in the last three games, and will be watching Rod Rutherford’s eyes closely.

West Virginia will have a clear advantage on special teams. Big East Special Teams Player of the Week Adam “Pac Man” Jones is a dangerous punt returner who took two to the house at Boston College last week.

So the Mountaineers (like the Hokies) will try to use a ball control offense featuring Quincy Wilson to keep our high-powered passing game off the field. We will, once again, be forced to pass to set up the run. For us to win, we have to (1) slow down Wilson, (2) pass effectively without turnovers, and (3) avoid special teams mistakes — all in the midst of the loudest crowd that Pitt will see this year.

In Mountaineer Field, I feel it is more likely that our team will make mistakes than theirs. Virginia Tech gave us a lot of breaks last week. I’m not so sure that the Hoopies (and their fans) will. I’m waiting for the spread to make my final, official pick. But for now, I’m leaning towards going Bob Smizik (the archetypical self-loathing Panther alumnus) and picking the Mountaineers outright. But cheer up, Pitt fans! Remember that I’m only 19-21 against the spread so far this season. Worse yet, I’m only 3-6 against the spread when picking Pitt games. You didn’t want me taking the Panthers anyways.

PURDUE (+3) at OHIO STATE: Earlier this season, Purdue and Michigan State were the twin Cinderellas of the Big Ten. Each stood on top of the conference, temporarily (as I predicted). Each was built on a high-powered passing game staring an especially talented quarterback and receiving corps.

Then the Michigan Wolverines quickly and efficiently decapitated both of them with a solid defense. Last week, Ohio State dominated Michigan State, slowly shutting down quarterback Jeff Smoker and the Spartan receivers. I can’t see one reason why the Buckeyes shouldn’t be able to do the same to the other Cinderella. I’ll take the Buckeyes to cover.

INDIANA (+19) at PENN STATE: After Penn State put forth a valiant and competent effort against archrival (if not the other way around) Ohio State (or as Penn State players strangely insist on calling it, “O-State”… Can we call you “P-State?”), the Lions went right back to their bumbling ways last Saturday against Northwestern. For three quarters, the Wildcats tried to hand the game to the Nittany Lions, and the Lions steadfastly refused. Finally in the fourth quarter, Penn State went completely Keystone Kops on us and blew the game in truly comic fashion (the deflected pass for a Northwestern touchdown was on SportsCenter’s “Bottom Ten” for the week).

So Penn State seemingly can’t motivate itself except when it’s playing a rival (better get Pitt back on the schedule). Why should they be motivated against the lowly Hoosiers? Why should I believe that PSU can hang 19 on Indiana when they could only hang 13 on Temple? I’ll take the Hoosiers and the points, please.

So I got the Buckeyes, the Hoosiers, and potentially the Mountaineers (I’ll post again on that when Vegas finally gives me a freakin’ spread already).

Hail to my continued complete incompetence in picking Pitt games.

When there are no pro teams in a state, there tends to be a lot of focus on the college teams, if they are any good. West Virginia media has plenty on their Hoopies.

First, from the student paper, a column that includes thanks for the night game.

That is why I am glad the University decided to move this game to a late start, because now the game means so much more, particularly to the students.

After all that happened in the aftermath of Virginia Tech, I think it is great to give the students another chance.

After all, we are all young adults, and we should act and be treated as such.

Um, apparently he didn’t know who really pushed for the night game. Nor does he seem aware of how WVU really feels.

Regarding the decision last week by the network to move the game from noon to 7 p.m., Athletic Director Ed Pastilong said, “It is an honor and a privilege for our Mountaineer football team to be showcased on national television. They have worked hard to earn this prestigious opportunity. With that said, however, we did discuss with ESPN and the conference options for different start times for the game, but in the end, the network invoked its contractual right to televise the game in prime time.“

Emphasis added.

The press release details the increased security precautions taken for the game and the alumni association paid to install hinged goal posts. Expect more stories about extra security taken in Mountaineer stadium and around Morgantown in general in the coming days.

On the injury front, starting senior defensive end Fred Blueford is done for the season with a knee injury.

That sign with the date 11-15-03? According to this AP report, it’s been in Pitt’s weight room all season long. The article echoes a point John made yesterday — the game has always meant more to WVU than Pitt.

The Dominion Post lists its 5 greatest Hoopie victories over Pitt. Pat, you’re our resident historic Pitt expert. Counterpoint?

“Paranoia in Hoopie Land” could be the alternate title to this column on how WVU could get jobbed out of the bowl picture this year. Apparently, there’s some lingering bitterness over ending up at the Continental Tire Bowl. Of course, the writer of this piece shows no real intelligence since he couldn’t even read a box score. In his “game analysis” he refers back to the VT-Pitt game scores

f nothing else, both coaches know the dangers involved in not facing up to the other’s offensive strength. For West Virginia, that means trying to contain Fitzgerald, Pitt’s Heisman Trophy candidate at wideout.

“There’s two trains of thought. You can let him get his and control everybody else or you can say, ‘We’re not going to let one great player beat us. Let’s make the other ones beat us,’ ” West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez said. “The problem with Pitt is that they have a lot of other guys who can catch the ball and get open. And I think people are finding that out.”

Those other guys, though, didn’t necessarily hurt Virginia Tech last week. Yes, Princell Brockenbrough and tight end Kris Wilson caught some passes and the Pitt running game did some damage. But Tech still led 24-14 in the second half and 24-21 with under four minutes to play.

Emphasis added. Uh, no. Pitt led by those scores. VT took a 28-24 lead, which led to a 31-28 Pitt victory. I don’t think his analysis should be relied upon by Mountaineer fans — especially considering treceiverse two receiers from Pitt he refers to as catching “some passes” combined for 11 catches, 171 yards and a touchdown.

Meanwhile the coverage of Walt Harris’ press conference was excerpted and shows that Harris is gung-ho for the game.

But Harris said, “Our focus is on what we have to do to get better for West Virginia. They’re going to be a formidable challenge.

“That’s all we’re concerned about right now. We’re not concerned about destiny or anything like that.

“If we struggle down there, it will be because of the quality of the opponent – not because we’re still thinking about having beaten Virginia Tech or that West Virginia won’t show up.

“This is the Backyard Brawl. It’s an all-time rivalry for this university.”

As far as game analysis goes, it’s early but there is plenty of focus on Pitt WR, Larry Fitzgerald. Another cocky corner is ready.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Adam “Pac-Man” Jones.

Pay-per-view worthy.

Or maybe Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh’s sophomore wideout and leading Heisman Trophy candidate, and Jones, WVU’s sophomore cornerback who fears no leading Heisman Trophy candidate, should be a separate bout placed in the 1920s. You know, the ones outside in Montana or Yankee Stadium. Dempsey, Tunney, Johnson, etc.
…
“I’m emotional, but I know how to control myself,” Jones said.

Like it or not, Jones is someone who has to be noticed. An exceptional talent, he sometimes is his worst enemy, on and off the field. He is serving probation for bar-brawl participation two summers ago.

On field, he takes more risks than a New River Gorge Bridge jumper. Any kick he handles could be a touchdown — for either team. Yet he returned an interception and a kickoff for touchdowns Saturday at Boston College. As he crossed the goal line on the kickoff, he raised his arms wide. Six points and extra running this week.

Now he faces Fitzgerald, an anti-Winslow in that he usually flips the ball to an official and even helps opponents off their cans after plays. A sticks-and-stones guy.

“I love playing against great competition,” Jones said. “I’d rather play against someone like Fitzgerald than a rinky-dink.”

We’ll see.

This piece considers that while Fitzgerald is major talent, he also allows for other parts of Pitt’s offense to beat a team. It notes, that the area where WVU’s defense has struggled has been against the Pass. Both teams offenses play to the defenses’ weaknesses. It should be wild.

Meanwhile here is the official Hoopie sports site. Coach Rich Rodriguez also has his own site.

It even has a page with photos of their cheerleaders, and the Mountaineer cheer, which features the always popular line:

Come on you old grads, join with us young lads.

I guess the sheep get a night off.

No word yet as to whether the WVU Alumni Association is offering its ancient moonshine bottle up as a prize again.

These were Lee’s thoughts on the “prize” last year:

I don’t even know where to begin with this one…

— A moonshine jug? Gee, that’s great. So much for West Virginia trying to live down its unfortunate national image.

— So is the “Backyard Brawl” now going to become known as the “Founders Jug Game?” And if so, what about a moonshine jug says anything about Pittsburgh?

— Now that we’re apparently playing for the “Founders Jug Trophy,” have we stooped to the level of the “Land Grant Trophy?” Does this mean that I can’t make fun of Penn State/Michigan State anymore?

If we won this game, I’d seriously give the jug back to WVU.

Just because the Big 11 has trophies for every game, doesn’t mean we need one. The game has enough meaning and history without trying to bootstrap a stupid trophy.

Here are the Game Notes (in PDF, both 36 pages) for the Pitt-WVU game from both sides.

Pitt

Hoopies

The Pitt game notes are just updated from the week before, so there isn’t much that is new. Just updated stats.

Looking at the WVU game notes, the things under Coach Rich Rodriguez that I noticed:

— The Mountaineers are 3-7 against ranked teams. Virginia Tech, twice; and Pitt.

— Hoopies are 5-3 in night games, and 2-0 at home.

— The only Big East losses by WVU in 2002 and 2003 have been to Miami.

I’ll get to the West Virginia media coverage later, but right now I’ve got way too many browser windows open that I will crash the computer.

First up, yet another reminder that this game is on at 7pm on ESPN2. Apparently the Big East and, especially, WVU fought like hell to keep the game as a 12 noon start, even if it meant limiting it to regional coverage. Why? Well basically, they are fearful of Morgantown burning — again. People hitting the bottle early, often and late into the evening. Ron Cook’s Post-Gazette column is the kind he loves to do, and the ones that make me wince: moral scold. You know the kind of drill. Sanctimonious, self-righteous, and condemning ESPN for daring to want to make a profit off one of the biggest games of the weekend. How dare they. How dare they actually assure those not living in Western PA or WV of actually being able to see the game (like me), rather than risk the vagaries of regional ABC telecasts — like say being stuck in Big 11 country where it inevitably is a key Indiana-Illinois match-up that is shown. How dare the game get national exposure — at a time when both programs and the Big East can surely need it. If the threat of riots would drive off a recruit, then Tom Izzo and Michigan St. wouldn’t be a perennial contender.

Anyways, it appears the big deal in the Pittsburgh media is Coach Walt Harris closing off all practices for the first time in his tenure. This year, Walt seems to be embracing the idea that this is a “big game” rather than “just another game.”

“It’s a real big game to us,” he said. “Our guys seem to focus better when there are not a lot of distractions. We tried to reduce the number of things we have to focus on (outside) as a staff for our players, and it seems like this is helpful. …. We have to keep our eye on the bull’s-eye.”

Somebody then asked Harris about the sign hanging in the locker room. The coach turned to media relations director E.J. Borghetti and asked how reporters could have seen it. Borghetti simply said, “through the window.”

“First of all, they’re our biggest rival,” Harris said, explaining the sign. “It’s an exciting game for both universities to play in the Backyard Brawl. This will be my seventh, and I have some vivid memories, of all-time highs and all-time lows. Last year, was an all-time low.”

Ah, the sign. Apparently it is simply a sign reading: 11-15-03.

Media lockout is the way some see it. Chuck Finder lays into Harris for this, in a somewhat amusing fashion. Finder, who doesn’t hide a strong distaste for Harris, thinks that Harris is risking making his players too tight by playing up its importance.

I have mixed feelings. I want this game to be played up. It is a big game. It is a rivalry game. It is for 1st place in the Big East. It would keep Pitt in the driver’s seat for the Big East BCS bid. That being said, I’m just not sure that closing off practices is that necessary. It seems like a useless gesture that pisses off the media needlessly, and forces the writers to look for other things that may cause a bigger distraction. Sportswriters, especially the beat writers, are already limited and probably a bit bored with the same routine. It’s not the smartest thing in the world to make them part of the opposition.

There’s a decent article talking about past Backyard Brawls — but you have to be able to stand excessive quoting of Beano Cook.

Pitt QB Rod Rutherford was named Big East offensive Player of the Week. RB Brandon Miree is likely to still be out for the game on Saturday. WVU’s stud running back, Quincy Wilson has been cleared to play after bruising a lung and spitting up blood in the win this past weekend over Boston College. WVU QB Rasheed Marshall has also been declared fully recovered from his concussion.