West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh

                                                                                         

Mountaineers -3 1/2 vs. Panthers

In one of the best rivalry games of the weekend, Pittsburgh plays host to West Virginia as the bitter rivals renew acquaintances in the Backyard Brawl. The loss last season at home to the Panthers cost the Mountaineers a chance at the BCS title game and once again this game will be meaningful.

Both teams ride into the game at 7-3. West Virginia is in a better position than Pittsburgh, as the Mountaineers have a better conference record, but both teams are headed for a bowl game. The victor of this game will go on to a more prosperous and prestigious bowl game.

Due to their loss to Cincinnati 26-23 a few weeks back, West Virginia finds themselves on the outside looking in at the Big East championship. The Bearcats have a game lead and hold the tiebreaker. The Mountaineers did well to rebound from that tough loss to Cincinnati by beating up Louisville 35-21 last week. Quarterback Pat White threw for 122 yards against the Cardinals with two touchdowns, but really made his mark on the ground. The senior rushed 21 times for 200 yards with three more touchdowns. White will take his last regular season snaps in his brilliant career which has totaled 98 touchdowns both on the ground and through the air.

For Pittsburgh, the excitement and momentum of beating Notre Dame on the road in overtime and coming home to crush Louisville was lost when they were defeated at Cincinnati 28-21 last week. It was the Bearcats first ever win over the Panthers and it cost them any hopes at capturing the Big East title.

The Panthers will definitely regroup against their archrival. However, West Virginia has had more success in the series over the years. Prior to last year, the Mountaineers had taken seven out of the last nine. But Pitt hopes they have turned the tide with the stunning 13-9 road victory last season.

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