A rivalry dating back to 1895 has been renewed as today the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University have announced a scheduled four-game series set to begin in 2022.
The “Backyard Brawl” was played between the Panthers and Mountaineers 104 times up until 2011 when it was abandoned due to conference realignment. West Virginia getting the upper hand the last time the “Brawl” took place, winning 21-20.
“Pitt and West Virginia have a long and storied rivalry that dates back to the 19th century,” Pitt athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement. “I’ve learned there is a lot of passion surrounding this game and we’re pleased to be able to rekindle that history.”
The four-game series will run from 2022 through 2025, with the Panthers taking on the Mountaineers at Heinz Field on September 17, 2022 to kick off the next chapter of this rivalry series. Pittsburgh will also host West Virginia in 2024 on September 14th, and the Mountaineers will welcome the Panthers to Morgantown on September 16, 2023 and September 13, 2025.
Pitt leads the all time series with West Virginia 61-40-3. The second most played rivalry for the Panthers is Penn State with those schools facing off 96 times between 1893 and 2000. The Nittany Lions make their first trip to Heinz Field on September 10, 2016.
“An unfortunate byproduct of conference realignment has been the interruption of numerous traditional rivalries across the country. Everyone wins when two great series like Pitt-Penn State and Pitt-West Virginia are renewed, especially the student-athletes and fans of college football.” Barnes added.
PITT-WEST VIRGINIA FUTURE MEETINGS (Pitt leads series, 61-40-3)
September 17, 2022 at Pittsburgh
September 16, 2023 at West Virginia
September 14, 2024 at Pittsburgh
September 13, 2025 at West Virginia
PITT-PENN STATE FUTURE MEETINGS (PSU leads series, 50-42-4)
September 10, 2016 at Pittsburgh
September 9, 2017 at Penn State
September 8, 2018 at Pittsburgh
September 14, 2019 at Penn State
Photo credit: Athlon Sports
