Pittsburgh, PA
Sep 14, 2024
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The Pittsburgh Panthers mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat the West Virginia Mountaineers 38-34 in the 107th Backyard Brawl played at Acrisure Stadium. Redshirt freshman Eli Holstein led the charge with 301 passing yards and three touchdowns, orchestrating a thrilling 77-yard drive in the final minutes that culminated in a game-winning 1-yard plunge by Derrick Davis Jr. with just 32 seconds remaining. This marked the second consecutive week Holstein engineered a fourth-quarter comeback, having rallied Pitt from a 21-point deficit the previous week against Cincinnati.
Pitt's victory was bolstered by a key defensive stop late in the fourth quarter and a pivotal interception by linebacker Kyle Louis with only seconds left, sealing the win in front of an ecstatic home crowd. The Panthers' special teams also contributed significantly as Brandon George returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Despite a valiant effort from West Virginia's Garrett Greene, who passed for 210 yards and two touchdowns, and CJ Donaldson's 79 rushing yards and two scores, the Mountaineers could not withstand Pitt's late-game surge. The game featured multiple lead changes and showcased both teams' offensive prowess, making it a memorable chapter in this storied rivalry.
CJ Donaldson Jr. (West Virginia Mountaineers)
Garrett Greene connected with CJ Donaldson Jr. for a 10-yard touchdown, capping a 5-play, 53-yard drive. This play gave West Virginia an early lead and set the tone for the offensive battle to come.
Desmond Reid (Pittsburgh Panthers)
Eli Holstein found Desmond Reid for a 9-yard touchdown, equalizing the score at 10-10. The drive featured a series of effective passes and a 42-yard strike to Kenny Johnson, showcasing Holstein's deep-ball accuracy.
Jahiem White (West Virginia Mountaineers)
Jahiem White scampered around right end for a 5-yard touchdown. This play culminated an 8-play, 75-yard drive that highlighted back-to-back gains by tight end Kole Taylor.
Desmond Reid (Pittsburgh Panthers)
Eli Holstein connected with Desmond Reid once more, this time for a 19-yard touchdown. Holstein evaded a blitz to find Reid, capping an 11-play, 65-yard drive that put Pittsburgh ahead 17-14.
Brandon George (Pittsburgh Panthers)
Pittsburgh's special teams made a significant impact as Maverick Gracio blocked a punt, which Brandon George scooped up and returned 24 yards to the end zone. This play gave the Panthers a 24-17 lead, shifting the game's momentum drastically in their favor.
CJ Donaldson Jr. (West Virginia Mountaineers)
CJ Donaldson Jr. rushed 4 yards into the end zone, evening the score at 24-24. West Virginia's drive was fueled by key plays, notably a 44-yard pass to Jalen Bray and a 15-yard scramble by Garrett Greene.
Justin Robinson (West Virginia Mountaineers)
Justin Robinson made a spectacular one-handed, 28-yard touchdown catch, extending WVU's lead to 34-24. The play was controversial, as Robinson appeared to push off the Panthers defender with his free hand.
Daejon Reynolds (Pittsburgh Panthers)
Eli Holstein launched a 40-yard touchdown pass to Daejon Reynolds, pulling Pittsburgh within three points. The Panther's offense showed urgency and precision, briefly stalling the game clock.
Derrick Davis Jr. (Pittsburgh Panthers)
Derrick Davis Jr. rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, culminating an intense, 77-yard drive that began just before the two-minute warning. Holstein, who orchestrated the drive, watched from the sideline after a helmet issue.
Kyle Louis (Pittsburgh Panthers)
Kyle Louis secured Pittsburgh's victory by intercepting Garrett Greene's desperation pass with just seconds remaining. This play sealed the 38-34 win, sparking celebration among the Panthers' faithful.
Eli Holstein (Pittsburgh Panthers, QB)
Displayed poise and precision, throwing for 301 yards and three touchdowns. His leadership was instrumental in the fourth-quarter comeback, particularly in a 77-yard drive that set up the game-winning touchdown.
Garrett Greene (West Virginia Mountaineers, QB)
Showed versatility by amassing 210 passing yards, two touchdowns, and adding 49 rushing yards. Greene kept West Virginia competitive throughout, particularly with a 28-yard TD pass to Justin Robinson in the fourth quarter.
Desmond Reid (Pittsburgh Panthers, RB)
Played a dual-threat role effectively, contributing 76 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Reid’s performance kept the Panthers in contention, including crucial receptions that turned the tide.
CJ Donaldson Jr. (West Virginia Mountaineers, RB)
Delivered a powerful performance with 79 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Donaldson's consistent play was a cornerstone for the Mountaineers’ offense.
Kyle Louis (Pittsburgh Panthers, LB)
Had a standout defensive game with 12 tackles and capped it off with a game-sealing interception, demonstrating exceptional situational awareness and athleticism.
Brandon George (Pittsburgh Panthers, LB)
Made a significant impact on special teams by returning a blocked punt for a touchdown, which shifted the momentum in favor of Pittsburgh in the third quarter.
West Virginia vs. Pitt Game Highlights | 2024 ACC Football - YouTube
Pittsburgh vs West Virginia - NCAA Football 9/14/24 Full Game Highlights (College Football 25 Sim) - YouTube
2024 Football Schedule - West Virginia University Athletics
Football vs West Virginia on 9/14/2024 - Box Score - Pitt Panthers #H2P
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Pitt Panthers — Pre-game updates, TV info, betting odds and more - The Smoking Musket
West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh Prediction, Odds, Picks - September 14, 2024 | FOX Sports
West Virginia Mountaineers
7
10
7
10
34
Pittsburgh Panthers
10
7
7
14
38
