When two fanbases truly dislike each other, that hostility spills onto the field, and from there, a rivalry is born. For many, these battles are not just games on a schedule. They are legacy-defining events circled on the calendar, with alumni and students gathering in stadiums or around televisions, ready for moments that could stand the test of time. The annual game between Pittsburgh and West Virginia, the Backyard Brawl, is one of those rivalries, but it could be about to change significantly.
West Virginia Faces Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl Facing Imminent Rivalry Hiatus
Pittsburgh and Morgantown are only 69 miles apart, a short drive that has led many Pittsburgh residents to attend West Virginia University over the years. Pat McAfee, one of WVU’s most famous alumni, is a perfect example of this connection. This historic rivalry reignites Today for the 108th time, but it will be the last time fans see it until 2029. A report from WBOY, a West Virginia television station, provides crucial context on the scheduling challenges.
The problem is that Pitt and West Virginia are in different conferences. The Panthers call the ACC home, while the Mountaineers are a Big 12 school. As a result, this game carries deep regional, visceral, and personal meaning, but it has no impact on conference standings, making it a scheduling headache.
“Although there may be mutual interest, there may be limited options,” the article explains. “West Virginia recently announced seven future non-conference games, including out-of-league games in 2026 (UT-Martin), 2027 (VMI), and 2028 (Youngstown State and Akron).”
Furthermore, WVU’s future schedules are already packed. “A home-and-home series versus Alabama, neutral-site contests versus Virginia and Tennessee, and the Morgantown-based matchup to conclude a home-and-home series versus Ohio also appear on future schedules between this season and the planned resumption of the Backyard Brawl in 2029.” While the WBOY article mentions that Pittsburgh has some wiggle room to fit the game in, it would require West Virginia to free up space, which could involve paying a scheduled opponent to vacate a spot just to slide the Panthers in.
What Moments Have Defined This Historic Rivalry?
The two programs once competed under the Big East banner before the conference decided to abandon football, creating a natural spot on the schedule. After the conference realignment, the rivalry paused from 2012 to 2021 before returning strong. Historically, the Mountaineers have struggled in the series, trailing the Panthers 63-41-3.
The series is filled with moments woven into the cities’ tapestry, fanbases, and players wearing uniforms. It all kicked off on October 26, 1895, when the Mountaineers defeated the Panthers 8-0, sparking a rivalry that has spanned generations.
As mentioned, McAfee played a personal role in its dramatic history. In 2007, WVU seemed destined to claim a spot in the BCS National Championship game. McAfee missed two crucial field goals that could have been the game-winners in a stunning upset. He has since retold how heartbreaking that loss was for him personally and for the entire state.
Coming into this matchup, West Virginia looks to erase the taste of their last game, a 17-10 upset loss at the hands of Ohio University. Meanwhile, the Panthers hope to remain undefeated and claim what will be the last laugh in this heated rivalry for the next four years. So, which team will walk away with the victory and four years of bragging rights?
