Behind Enemy Lines: West Virginia
9/11/2025 2:28:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH — Each week, as Pitt prepares for its next opponent, we'll look at what the other side is saying about the Panthers. Here's a snapshot of how West Virginia is sizing up Pitt ahead of Saturday's matchup in Morgantown.
"The Biggest Game on the Schedule"
Head coach Rich Rodriguez is no stranger to the Backyard Brawl. As both a former player and longtime Mountaineer coach, he knows exactly what this rivalry represents.
"I think it's one of the greatest rivalries in sports — in all sports," Rodriguez said. "There's a lot of intensity with it. There never seems to be any love lost between the fanbases."
And from WVU's point of view, the game carries a weight unlike any other.
"It's always, to me, the biggest game on your schedule when you're at West Virginia," Rodriguez said. "I don't know if Pitt would say that's what they think — but from our standpoint and our fan standpoint, it's the biggest game we play."
That energy has clearly trickled down to the locker room.
"Yeah, definitely. It's Pitt week — we all know it," said defensive lineman Devin Grant. "Even our lift felt more intense. Everyone's locked in and excited."
Defensive lineman Edward Vesterinen still remembers the first time he played in the rivalry — Pitt's dramatic win in 2022 at Acrisure Stadium.
"It was an NFL stadium, completely sold out. I think it broke the record for attendance at a Pittsburgh sporting event," he said. "It was loud. That was everything I ever wished for in a one-game moment. After that, I just craved more."
"One of the Top Quarterback Prospects in the Country"
Rodriguez and his staff know this year's Pitt offense presents a serious test—starting with quarterback Eli Holstein.
"He's a great player. I think he's an NFL guy," Rodriguez said. "He can make all the throws. One of the top quarterback prospects in the country coming out. I don't know if he's even lost a game as a starter."
WVU defensive coordinator Zac Alley echoed that praise.
"Great quarterback — can throw the ball all over the place," Alley said. "Big, hard to tackle when he scrambles."
But Holstein isn't the only weapon West Virginia is preparing for.
"Reid Might Be the Best in the Country"
Alley spent much of his week planning for dynamic running back Desmond Reid, whose explosive ability has already turned heads across the ACC.
"The tailback is unbelievable — maybe the best in the country," Alley said. "Explosive, fast, and really tough to bring down in space. They'll hand it to him, throw it to him — just find ways to get him the ball."
When asked if it's more about limiting big plays than stopping Reid completely, Alley didn't flinch.
"I don't accept that, no," he said. "I want to stop him on every play. I don't want to give up anything. But yeah — you try to limit the explosives. It's about understanding how he fits in their scheme and then building a plan to prevent those big plays."
Rodriguez agreed that Pitt's offense demands discipline across the board.
"They'll throw it all over the place if we don't pressure [Holstein] or cover well," he said. "He can move around, too. He's not a statue."
Kickoff between the Panthers and Mountaineers is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at Milan Puskar Stadium. Saturday will mark the 108th all-time meeting in one of college football's fiercest rivalries.
