West Virginia vs Pitt Odds, Spread & Prediction for 2024 Backyard Brawl

Gavin Bartholomew (86) of the Pittsburgh Panthers blocks Lee Kpogba (8) of the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first half of the Backyard Brawl at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on September 1, 2022.

Pitt Vs West Virginia Backyard Brawl

• Pittsburgh hosts West Virginia in the 106th edition of the Backyard Brawl
• The Mountaineers are slight 1.5-point favorites in a projected thriller
• Read below for WVU vs Pitt odds and predictions for Saturday’s Backyard Brawl

The Backyard Brawl is set to reignite on Saturday, September 14, 2024, as the Pittsburgh Panthers (2-0) host the West Virginia Mountaineers (1-1) at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, with the game being televised on ESPN2.

The Mountaineers enter the contest as slight 1.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 61.5 points. Last year, the Mountaineers grinded their way to a victory in Morgantown. Now, the setting flips to the Steel City.

Let’s further examine the Pitt vs WVU odds, as we make our Backyard Brawl prediction for 2024.

West Virginia vs Pitt Odds

The odds suggest a closely contested matchup, with West Virginia being favored by less than a field goal. The Mountaineers’ -118 moneyline odds imply a 54.1% probability of winning, while the Panthers’ -102 odds translate to a 50.5% chance of victory.

Despite being the underdog, Pittsburgh has covered the spread in all 12 of their last games as a 1.5-point or greater underdog. The over/under of 61.5 points indicates the potential for a high-scoring affair, with the implied score being West Virginia 32, Pittsburgh 31.

Odds as of September 14, 2024, at BetMGM Sportsbook. Claim the BetMGM promo code to bet on the Backyard Brawl and other Week 3 college football games.

Pitt vs West Virginia H2H

In their past five meetings, West Virginia leads the series 4-1. The Mountaineers have covered the spread in four of those five games.

The Mountaineers have also won the last two meetings when favored, while Pittsburgh pulled the upset as a 3.5-point underdog at home in 2022. The rivalry has been closely contested, with three of the last five matchups decided by a touchdown or less.

Mountaineers Betting Analysis

West Virginia, coached by Neal Brown, aims to bounce back from a season-opening loss to Penn State and build upon their 49-14 win over Albany in Week 2.

Junior quarterback Garrett Greene has thrown for 397 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions on 62.7% passing. The Florida native has also added 73 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Garrett Greene is going to be a highlight machine this season ⛰️

Dark horse Heisman? 🏆
pic.twitter.com/wJZMqcJJZi

— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) August 28, 2024

The Mountaineers’ backfield tandem of CJ Donaldson Jr. and Jahiem White has combined for 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns through two games. Donaldson, a sophomore from Miami, leads the team with 167 yards and two scores, while White, a freshman from Philadelphia, has contributed 133 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, West Virginia has struggled to generate consistent pressure, recording just two sacks thus far. Linebacker Josiah Trotter, son of former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, leads the team with 11 tackles.

If WVU wishes to secure the W, they must establish their running game early and often, controlling the clock and keeping Pitt’s offense off the field. Greene must also protect the football and make timely plays through the air. On defense, West Virginia will need to find ways to disrupt Holstein’s rhythm and contain Reid in the running game.

Panthers Betting Analysis

The Pittsburgh Panthers, led by head coach Pat Narduzzi, have started the 2024 season a perfect 2-0.  Redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein has been a revelation for the Panthers, completing 66.7% of his passes for 635 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Louisiana native has already thrown for over 300 yards in both games this season.

Pitt’s ground game has been equally impressive, with sophomore running back Desmond Reid rushing for 293 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries (8.9 yards per attempt). The Panthers’ offensive line has paved the way for Reid, who has eclipsed the 140-yard mark in each contest.

Putting the college football world on notice 👀

Desmond Reid is the nation’s leader in all-purpose yards‼️#H2P » @fastboidez pic.twitter.com/5MkfgZgdxN

— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) September 8, 2024

On the defensive side of the ball, Pitt has been relentless in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, recording eight sacks through two games. Defensive back Donovan McMillon leads the team with 19 total tackles and an interception.

For the Panthers to pull the minor upset in the Backyard Brawl, they will need to continue their balanced offensive attack while maintaining their aggressive defensive approach. If Holstein can continue his efficient play and Reid finds running room, Pitt has a strong chance of defending their home turf.

West Virginia vs Pitt Prediction

While the odds slightly favor West Virginia, I believe the Panthers will defend their home turf and win a close, tightly-contested Backyard Brawl.

Pitt’s balanced offensive attack, led by the emerging Eli Holstein and the dynamic Desmond Reid, will likely be too much for the Mountaineers’ defense to contain. The Panthers’ pass rush will also play a crucial role in disrupting Garrett Greene and the West Virginia offense.

Pittsburgh has covered the spread in each of its last four games at Acrisure Stadium, while West Virginia has lost each of its last five road openers. In an intense rivalry game like this one, I expect the infectious home crowd to truly be the 12th man and help propel Pitt to victory.

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