Storyline & Series History For The 103rd 'Backyard Brawl'
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - One of the nation's longest running rivalries, Pitt and West Virginia will renew ties for the 103rd time in the "Backyard Brawl." With 102 prior encounters, West Virginia is the Panthers' most-played opponent.
The 2010 "Backyard Brawl" has major Big East title implications. The Panthers can secure at least a share of the league championship and eliminate West Virginia's title hopes, with a victory over the Mountaineers.
Pitt and West Virginia have split the last 10 games in the series. The Panthers, however, have won two of the past three games.
SERIES HISTORY - Courtesy of Pitt's Senior Associate Athletic Director/Media Relations E.J. Borghetti
This year's "Backyard Brawl" between Pitt and West Virginia marks the 103rd game played between the two rivals. The Panthers lead the series, 61-38-3. The series is tied, 5-5, since the 2000 season. Pitt holds a 39-19 series advantage in games played in Pittsburgh. The two teams have met every year since 1943. This year's game marks the 68th consecutive year the teams have played. The visiting team has won 13 of the last 23 games. Pitt has won two of the past three, but lost last year's meeting, 19-16, in Morgantown. In the last game played at Heinz Field (2008), Pitt rallied for a 19-15 win. In 2007, Pitt upset the heavily favored Mountaineers, 13-9, in Morgantown, denying WVU a shot at the BCS title game. With 102 prior meetings dating back to 1895, Pitt and West Virginia have the longest running series among Big East schools. West Virginia is Pitt's most-played opponent, Penn State is next with 96 meetings.
The Panthers are 26-11 over their last 37 games, the program's winningest stretch since the 2001-04 seasons.
E.J. Borghetti
Senior Associate Athletic Director/Media Relations E.J. Borghetti
University of Pittsburgh Panthers
