SRR Series: Pitt vs. West Virginia (The Backyard Brawl)

Historical Significance of the Rivalry

The Backyard Brawl is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in college football, pitting the West Virginia University Mountaineers against the University of Pittsburgh Panthers.

The rivalry dates back to 1895, when the two teams first met in Wheeling, West Virginia, with the Mountaineers winning 8-0. This match marked the beginning of a fierce competition that has spanned over a century, with both teams battling for regional supremacy and recruiting dominance.

The rivalry is rooted in geographical proximity, with the two universities located just 75 miles apart. This closeness has fostered a deep-seated animosity between the fan bases, making each meeting a highly anticipated event in the college football calendar.