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The return of the Pitt-West Virginia rivalry before a record Pittsburgh sports crowd was certainly one of the classics in the long history of the series. The two teams battled back and forth throughout the evening, but unfortunately the Panthers made one more play on an interception touchdown return of 56 yards with 2:58 remaining to secure the 38-31 win. The pick six was a deflection off the hands of Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WVU's best receiver who otherwise had an outstanding game with two TD receptions.
The Mountaineers fought back twice when every indication on both occasions was that Pittsburgh was about to take complete control of the game. Late in the first half after falling behind 10-7, West Virginia was facing a third and long deep in its own territory when quarterback JT Daniels was hit when he threw a pass but Ford-Wheaton was able to grab the floater for a first down. The Mountaineers took advantage of their good fortune by driving down the field for a tying field goal.
West Virginia struck quickly at the beginning of the second half with a blocked punt and ensuing touchdown, but this time it was the Panthers who responded with two scores to retake the lead. Once again it appeared WVU was in deep trouble, with the momentum having shifted and Pitt beginning to control the Mountaineer offensive line. But instead of folding West Virginia put together scoring drives of 75 and 72 yards to take a 31-24 lead in the 4th quarter.
There has been some criticism of head coach Neal Brown for his decision to punt on 4th and 1 at the Pitt 48 with a 7 point lead. While it may have been tempting to go for the first down in an effort to put the game on ice, if the try had failed it would have given the Panthers the ball at midfield. The WVU defense had stopped them on their two previous possessions, and it is hard to argue that forcing Pittsburgh to go 92 yards after the punt to tie the game was a bad decision.
Even after the disastrous turn of events resulting in Pitt taking the lead, the Mountaineers responded yet again with a drive which ended by nearly completing a pass at the Panthers 1 yard line in the waning seconds. It was originally called a catch but reversed by the replay official on what appeared to be the correct call.
Despite the loss there were some positives. Daniels at the quarterback position is a leader and playmaker, and one had to admire his grit as he was pounded play after play when attempting to pass. The Mountaineers have also discovered a running back in freshman CJ Donaldson. Originally recruited as a 240 pound tight end, Donaldson gained 125 on just 7 carries, and will certainly see more of the football in the weeks ahead. Special Teams play was also solid.
In addition to the blocked punt leading to a score Pitt never began a possession outside of its own 25 after kickoffs.
The defense had some good moments, sacking the quarterback 5 times, but will need to address giving up big yardage pass plays that punctuated each of Pittsburgh's last three scoring drives. There are a lot of new players on the back end of the WVU defense and they were playing without their best defensive back in Charles Woods, who was injured in the first quarter. Hopefully we can see some improvement as the season plays out.
This was a tough loss that hurts. But it was against a good opponent on the road and Mountaineer fans can be encouraged that this WVU team can compete.
THIS SATURDAY: The final conference opponent in 2021 opens the league slate in 2022 as Kansas comes to Morgantown for a 6:00 kickoff Saturday evening. The Jayhawks are becoming more competitive but still have a long way to go. The risk here is not taking an opponent seriously, but the Mountaineers should be focused for their home opener. WEST VIRGINIA 41 KANSAS 24.