College football keeps changing, but some rivalries just stick. The Backyard Brawl between the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and West Virginia University (WVU) is one of those rare matchups that feels bigger than the game itself.
It’s a rivalry that’s survived new rules, new players, and a shifting landscape. If you know, you know—this one just hits different.
The 2007 Backyard Brawl: An Iconic Upset
The 2007 Backyard Brawl is seared into the memories of both teams’ fans. On December 1, 2007, Pitt faced off against the No. 2 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers.
Pitt came in as the underdog and somehow pulled off a 13-9 win. That upset didn’t just ruin WVU’s shot at a national championship; it gave Pitt fans a story they’ll probably never stop telling.
Memories of the Game
Scott McKillop, one of Pitt’s key guys, remembers the nerves and tension. He said he and his teammates were always bracing for WVU’s offense to explode.
But Pitt’s defense just kept holding. McKillop’s fourth-and-3 tackle became a moment nobody would forget.
Pat Bostick, Pitt’s quarterback that day, felt the pressure on both sides. He saw WVU start to crack as the game dragged on.
That night, WVU’s usually unstoppable offense just didn’t show up. It was a big reason Pitt pulled it off.
Changes in College Football
Since then, college football has changed a lot. Conference realignment and new revenue models have shaken things up.
The Backyard Brawl will hit its 108th chapter soon, but after that, it’s on pause until 2029. That’s just the reality for a lot of these old-school matchups now.
Impact of Conference Realignment
Teams keep moving conferences, chasing money or competition, and that’s broken up a lot of great rivalries. The Backyard Brawl’s been put on hold before, too.
Still, the passion hasn’t faded. Players and fans hang on to what this game means.
Elation and Dejection: The Emotional Rollercoaster
These games are emotional whiplash. For Pitt, 2007 is a highlight reel. For WVU, it’s a gut punch they haven’t really gotten over.
Rich Rodriguez, WVU’s coach at the time, called it the worst moment of his career. That kind of pain? It sticks.
Player Perspectives
McKillop lives in West Virginia now, so he hears about that game a lot. WVU fans remind him what could’ve been.
Bostick doesn’t brag about his role. He says Pitt got lucky with some WVU mistakes and missed field goals.
The Modern Era: New Challenges and Opportunities
College football’s new era brings its own headaches. The transfer portal and changing roster rules mean teams look different every year.
It’s harder for players to feel the rivalry in their bones, but somehow, the Backyard Brawl keeps its spark.
Adapting to Change
Most players didn’t grow up with this rivalry, but they learn fast. Pitt’s defensive coordinator Randy Bates says it’s the fans and history that crank up the intensity.
Even the new guys get it by kickoff. The energy is contagious.
Grasping Immortality: Legends in the Making
The Backyard Brawl is a chance to become a legend. A big play here can live on for decades.
As Pitt and WVU get ready for the next round, you can’t help but wonder—who’s going to write the next chapter?
Looking Ahead
The rivalry’s about to hit pause until 2029, so this next game just feels bigger. Pitt center Lyndon Cooper talked about how much a win would mean for the team’s legacy.
Players like Bostick and McKillop still hold onto those rivalry moments with real pride. Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi summed it up: this is the kind of game where legends and heroes are made, and the ones who step up won’t be forgotten.
For more details and some extra perspective on the Backyard Brawl, check out the full article on TribLive.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
