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In a college football season that has been so unpredictable, what better way to end the season than with an upset of massive proportions?  West came in ranked #2 in the BCS.  Their mission was simple, beat your 4-7 rival and you're going to the national championship.  The Mountaineers were 28 1/2 point favorites entering the 100th edition of the Backyard Brawl.  Already being called one of the greatest upsets in college football history, up with the likes of Appalachian St. over Michigan and Stanford over USC, the Pittsburgh Panthers came out with passion and outplayed their bitter rivals.  No one gave Pitt a chance.  I even felt that WVU had too much firepower.  Pitt deserved the win.

After receiving the opening kickoff, Pitt Quarterback Pat Bostick's long pass attempt was intercepted by Mountaineer defensive back Antonio Lewis.  WVU then took over deep in Pitt territory.  The Pitt defense held the Mountaineers to a short field goal attempt by Kicker Pat McAffee who entered the game 11 for 13 in field goal attempts.  He missed that kick and then another later in the first quarter following a Pitt Punt.  Pitt's defense continued to play well as the offense sputtered.  With 5:00 left in the second quarter, star Mountaineer quarterback Pat White left the game with a dislocated thumb.  Backup Jarrett Brown entered the game and led WVU to a touchdown and a 7 point lead with less than 2 minutes left in the first half.  Pitt answered right back with a Connor Lee 48 yard field goal to go into the locker room trailing 7-3.

Pitt began the second half brimming with confidence.  On the opening kickoff of the second half, WVU's Vaughn Rivers fumbled and Pitt recovered at the Mountaineer 48 yard line.  After 3 plays, Pitt appeared to be stalled out on fourth and one from the WVU 38.  Pitt lined up in a punt formation, but then up-back Shane Murray motioned under center and gained three yards on the QB sneak to convert the fourth down.  After a completion by Bostick and a couple of LeSean McCoy runs, Bostick scored on a one yard Quarterback sneak to give Pitt a 10-7 lead.  The score turned out to be the game winner as the Panther's defense continued to dominate.  After forcing a quick three and out, McCoy took over, running the Panthers down to the WVU thirteen.  On third and 5, McCoy ran 13 yards for the Pitt touchdown that was called back on a holding call against wide receiver Oderick Turner.  The penalty was questionable at best with Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt saying after the game about that call, "It was bull$#!t."  After Bostick's pass fell incomplete on the replayed 3^rd down, Connor Lee missed from 35 yards. 

At that point, the momentum was appearing to switch sides as West Virginia caught their first break of the second half.  However, the defense continued to hold forcing another three and out.  The teams continued to exchange possessions until just over ten minutes remained in the game, when Jarrett Brown was sacked and fumbled at his own 17 yard line.  Pitt's Tommie Duhart made the recovery.  Pitt worked the ball down to the one yard line before being stopped on a clutch goal-line stand by the Mountaineers.  The Panthers settled for a field goal and a 13-7 lead.  On the ensuing West Virginia drive, Steve Slaton gained only one yard on fourth and three, allowing Pitt to take over on downs. 

On Pitt's next drive, LeSean McCoy was carried the ball on 3^rd and 5 and gained 9 yards, but the gain was once again called back on a questionable holding call.  Pitt was forced to punt.  Pat White then returned at quarterback for the Mountaineers.  After leading his team deep into Pittsburgh territory, White was sacked on third and 10.  On the ensuing fourth and 17 from the Pitt 28, White's pass to the end zone intended for Darius Reynaud fell incomplete.  Pitt took over and was able to kill the clock with punter Dave Brytus running out of the end zone as time expired.   

Will Pitt be able to contain the dynamic duo of Pat White and Steve Slaton? 

Yes, the Pitt Defense held West Virginia to a season low 192 yards, with White missing most of the game and Slaton Getting only 11 yards on 9 carries.

Which team will control the time of possession?

Pitt held the ball for just over 36 minutes, keeping the WVU offense off the field.

Will Pat Bostick be able to effectively manage the offense and limit his mistakes?

Bostick threw two interceptions early, but WVU couldn't capitalize.  He held on to the ball the rest of the game and even made some big plays when the Panthers needed it.

Can LeSean McCoy and Larod Stephens-Howling establish an effective running game, opening up plays in the passing game?

McCoy was very good, gaining tough yards and making key plays to the victory.

Which team will be able to make more big plays?

Neither team made many big plays at all, so it's pretty much a wash.

Which team will be able to make a big play in the return game?

West Virginia's Noel Devine made a big return to provide a spark late in the fourth quarter, but the Mountaineers were unable to capitalize.

Pitt outplayed West Virginia and deserved to win this game.  West Virginia came out tight and was never able to get going.  Pitt's defense was stifling and their offense did just enough to win the game.  This win provides a great ending to an otherwise tough season.  Pitt will go into the offseason with some good feelings and momentum.  Meanwhile, West Virginia is reeling after seeing their dreams crushed.  They must now re-group and prepare to play a lesser BCS bowl game.  The 101^st meeting next year is sure to be an interesting one.