In the world of college football, few rivalries ignite passion quite like the Backyard Brawl. For Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi, this longstanding feud with West Virginia is more than just a game; it’s a clash of cultures and emotions that runs deep. Recently, during an interview on Pittsburgh radio station 93.7 The Fan, Narduzzi didn’t hold back in expressing his thoughts on the intensity of the rivalry, particularly the fiery animosity exhibited by West Virginia fans.
Narduzzi underscored the significance of the Backyard Brawl, placing it among the most intense rivalries in college football. “This rivalry goes probably right at the top or near the top of rivalry games I’ve played in,” he declared. His excitement for the matchup is palpable, and he believes that anyone who hasn’t experienced it firsthand is missing out on one of the great spectacles the sport has to offer.
What fuels this fierce competition? Narduzzi pointed to the deep-seated emotions involved, particularly the palpable disdain that West Virginia fans seem to harbor for Pitt. He characterized the intensity of the rivalry as “hate,” and noted that this level of passion is what truly distinguishes a rivalry. “Sometimes it’s not clean,” he acknowledged, citing the experiences of Pitt fans who might think twice before making the trip to Morgantown.
As September 13th approaches with just 104 days to go, anticipation is building for what promises to be an electric atmosphere in Morgantown. Fans on both sides are gearing up for what could be another chapter in a storied rivalry, and the stakes have never felt higher. Narduzzi’s remarks only heighten the tension and excitement surrounding this clash, reminding us all just how much is on the line when these two teams meet.
So, as we count down to kickoff, one thing is clear: the Backyard Brawl is about more than football—it’s about pride, passion, and fierce loyalty to one’s team. And in a rivalry like this, that rivalry fire burns hotter than ever.
