Seventy-five miles. That is all that separates the University of Pittsburgh from West Virginia University. If you hop on I-79 and don't hit too much traffic, you can make the trip in about an hour and fifteen minutes. But honestly? Those 75 miles feel like a massive, jagged canyon when these two schools meet on a field or a court.
They call it the Backyard Brawl. It’s not just a clever marketing name. It’s a description of what actually happens when people who live in the same neighborhood decide they absolutely cannot stand the sight of each other for four quarters.
The Game That Broke the BCS
If you want to understand the pure, unadulterated chaos of Pittsburgh vs West Virginia, you have to look at December 1, 2007. This is the holy grail of "what just happened?" moments. West Virginia was ranked No. 2 in the country. They had Pat White and Steve Slaton—essentially a cheat code on grass. They were 28-point favorites. All they had to do was beat a 4-7 Pitt team to play for a National Championship.
They lost. 13-9.
Pitt didn't even score a touchdown until the second half. It was ugly. It was muddy. It was miserable. West Virginia fans still talk about that night like it was a family tragedy. That’s the thing about this rivalry; records don't matter. You could put the best team in history against a squad of walk-ons, and if one is wearing Blue and Gold and the other is in Navy and Vegas Gold, it’s going to be a dogfight.
Why the Hatred Is Different
Most rivalries are built on "we're better than you." This one is built on "we are exactly like you, and that’s why I hate you."
The Monongahela Valley connects these two places. For a century, the coal from West Virginia fueled the steel mills in Pittsburgh. It’s the same dirt, the same families, and often the same dinner table discussions. Half the kids playing for WVU usually grew up in the Pittsburgh suburbs. They weren't recruited by Pitt, so they went south with a chip on their shoulder the size of a Mountaineer boulder.
There is a legendary story from 1961. A Pitt player allegedly called the West Virginia team "Western Pennsylvania garbage." West Virginia won that game, and they’ve been using that "garbage" label as fuel for over sixty years.
The Modern Era: 2025 and Beyond
We just witnessed a classic. In September 2025, the 108th edition of the football brawl went to overtime. West Virginia pulled off a 31-24 thriller at Milan Puskar Stadium. Tye Edwards was a beast, scoring three touchdowns, including the game-winner in the first overtime period.
But here is the kicker. After that game, the series goes on a hiatus. We won't see them on the football field again until September 8, 2029.
Why? Because college football scheduling is a mess of TV contracts and conference realigned nightmares. Pitt is in the ACC. WVU is in the Big 12. They don't have to play each other, which is a crime against sports fans. Pitt’s coach, Pat Narduzzi, and WVU’s AD, Wren Baker, have been trading jabs in the press about who’s responsible for the gap. Honestly, it doesn't matter who started it. The fans are the ones losing out.
It's Not Just Football
While the gridiron gets the headlines, the basketball rivalry is arguably more intense because of the proximity of the fans. They’ve played 192 times.
In November 2025, West Virginia handled Pitt 71-49 in Morgantown. The atmosphere was loud. Like, "can't hear the person next to you" loud. Basketball in the Backyard Brawl feels more personal because the fans are right on top of the court. You’ll see a grandmother in a WVU sweater screaming things at a 19-year-old Pitt point guard that would make a sailor blush. It’s beautiful in its own twisted way.
Key Moments That Defined the Brawl
- 1921: The first-ever college football game broadcast on radio (KDKA). Pitt won 21-13.
- 1970: West Virginia led 35-8 at halftime. Pitt stormed back to win 36-35. Bobby Bowden, the legendary coach, later called it his "darkest day."
- 2009: A 19-16 WVU win where the field goal to win it went through as time expired.
- 2022: The return of the Brawl after an 11-year break. A record-breaking crowd of 70,622 packed Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
The Economic Reality
It isn't just about bragging rights. These games are massive for the local economy. When the game is in Morgantown, the city's population basically doubles. Hotels are booked out a year in advance. When it's in Pittsburgh, the North Shore becomes a sea of blue and gold.
The move to stop playing annually is purely a business decision, but it's a short-sighted one. Rivalries are the lifeblood of the sport. Without them, it’s just guys in different colored shirts.
What To Do If You're Going to a Game
If you ever find yourself heading to a Pittsburgh vs West Virginia matchup, there are rules.
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First, leave the "nice" car at home if you're parking in a rival lot. I'm kidding. Mostly.
Second, get to the tailgate early. The food is incredible. In Morgantown, look for pepperoni rolls—they are a state treasure. In Pittsburgh, you're getting a Primanti’s sandwich with the fries and slaw inside. Don't ask for them on the side.
Third, be prepared for "Sweet Caroline" or "Country Roads." Depending on whose stadium you're in, one of those songs is an anthem, and the other is a target for some of the most creative (and profane) lyrical substitutions you've ever heard.
Looking Toward 2029
The schedule is set. We have games locked in from 2029 through 2032. There’s even talk of extending it further to 2036.
The gap until 2029 is going to feel like an eternity. In the meantime, fans will have to settle for the basketball matchups and the occasional meeting in other sports. But the tension never really goes away. It just simmers.
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If you're a student at either school right now, you might graduate without ever seeing a home football game against your biggest rival. That’s a shame. But when 2029 rolls around, the explosion of energy is going to be unlike anything else in the country.
Practical Steps for Fans
- Check Basketball Schedules: Since football is on break, the winter matchups are your only fix. Tickets for these sell out almost instantly.
- Follow the Recruits: Much of the drama happens on the recruiting trail. Watch for players from the WPIAL (Western PA) choosing WVU; those are the guys who usually play with the most fire.
- Visit the Museums: The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh has a great collection of Backyard Brawl memorabilia if you want to see the 100th-anniversary ball or old jerseys.
- Plan the 2029 Trip Now: It sounds crazy, but hotel availability in Morgantown and Pittsburgh for rivalry weekends disappears years in advance. Keep an eye on the official schedule releases to snag a room the moment they open.