Leading up to World War I, the world was experiencing a period of peace that led to an arms race and enthusiasm for war.
To say there was no lost love in Backyard Brawl might be the understatement of the century. And to say it was a good game might be an understatement of the year.
Revival!
no love lost
I’ll get straight to the point – these two fanbases have a fierce hatred that has evolved into rudeness. Talking about his Backyard Brawl in 2022 wouldn’t be possible without talking about the chilling chants from both fanbases and the downright disgusting and intolerant insults thrown back and forth.
And I say I’ve been to many rivals. Some of the fans’ disdain for each other went well beyond the borders of a fun rivalry.
Ok, that’s not intrusive. Now for good things.
The return of backyard brawls has been hotly anticipated all through the offseason. West Virginia entered the game unranked, but it was the culmination of Week 1. The grandeur and excitement surrounding the match was felt from the moment you stepped out of the car.
The student section of the pit was a third over two hours before kickoff. They were agitated and confused all night long.
Despite Pitt playing home games in a professional football stadium, there was a constant chanting battle between the two teams, which created a truly college atmosphere. The chants suggesting other fans had relationships with relatives were truly thunderous.
But as it turns out, the fans in the stands hated each other more than the players on the field.
all the bells and whistles
Pittsburgh knew what this game would bring to the city. Steel City brought out the big guns as far as pre-game entertainment was concerned, highlighted at Pittsburgh Ribhi festival. I jumped at the chance to get my hands on the 2021 Rib Festival Champion Badass his barbecue (and many, many other champions).
Talk about how to start your gaming day.
Speaking of game days, College GameDay hosted a special hour-long show from inside the stadium. Enthusiastic fans who entered the stadium early had a chance to front the special.
Ohio is known for its tradition of putting a dot on the “i”, a tradition shared by Pittsburgh as well. But it’s not a recurring spectacle of Columbus, it’s an opportunity to recognize donors and special alumni.
Legend in the pits and Steelers rookie just before halftime Kenny Pickettalong with several teammates unveiled the Panthers’ 2021 ACC Championship banner. Pickett is loved by the city of Pittsburgh and has an internal route to becoming him one of their favorite sons.
Penn State may be the school best known for “Sweet Caroline,” but in-state rival Pitt also delivers a hearty rendition heading into the fourth quarter.
Additionally, the game was played in front of 70,622 fans. This is a record of a sporting event (professional, college, or otherwise) in Pittsburgh.
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#17 Pittsburgh 38, West Virginia 31
The game lived up to the hype. Both teams were frustrated in Week 1, especially from both his QBs, but the backyard brawl turned into a true thriller by the end.
A pair of USC transfers took the field on opposite sides: JT Daniels (West Virginia) and Kedon Slovis (Pittsburgh). Daniels looked sophisticated although he didn’t fly off the field, while Slovis showed playmaking ability but also tended to take very bad sacks.
The real drama started with just under four minutes left in the game. Pitt trailed him 31-24, but had no offensive traction and no chance to win the game (on ESPN, West Virginia had an 89% winning percentage).run back Israel Avani Kanda Pulling a pass en route to a thrilling 24-yard TD and tearing up several tackles tied the game.
On the next possession, Daniels threw a pass to the receiver, which went through his arm and hit Pitt’s knee. MJ DevonshireDevonshire returned the pick 56 yards for the go-ahead TD.
Acrysure Stadium was on the verge of collapse from the eruption of the crowd.
It’s a really incredible finish.
game day results
stadium: C-. I don’t like college football in NFL stadiums. The ambiance almost masked that of a pro stadium, which I still don’t like – much higher for an NFL stadium. The views of the Pittsburgh skyline and Tri River area are simply spectacular.
tradition: A. This is a grade based on the tradition of backyard brawls rather than pit football per se. The game was first played in his 1896 and has run for over 100 years. Pitt is also his one of the oldest college football teams in the country.
atmosphere: A. It was tense, exciting, and explosive. A truly hateful rival.
Tailgating: B. The tailgating felt like a professional tailgating in and out of Pittsburgh’s urban streets. It wasn’t overwhelming, but I’m sure there were far more tents than I could see.
fan: I’m scared to give grades here. Fans who throw in really nasty insults get an F from me. I don’t take it lightly when I say it was the most lewd behavior of a college football fan I’ve ever seen.
At the complete opposite end of the spectrum, I was sitting among several season ticket holders. They sit in the 537 section for his 22nd year in a row. Those fans made game day great. Thanks to all of you. That sector of fandom deserves an A+.
extracurricular activities: B. I was really impressed with the rib festival and the pre-game extravaganza. However, on a typical pit game day, they won’t be there. Pittsburgh is a great city, but the downtown and cultural districts are far from the stadium.
Road to CFB is an ongoing series that follows our journey to see a game at every FBS college football stadium. Click here for the continuation of the trip.
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