Backyard Brawl Recap: WVU beats Pitt 17-6

Last night in Morgantown, West Virginia prevailed in an ugly and sloppy 106th addition of the Backyard Brawl. While there is plenty to discuss in the game, the story was about 2 men: Pitt Quarterback Phil Jurkovec and Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi. Both men infuriated a fan base for different reasons. For Jurkovec, his play was not only atrocious, but it was expected to be atrocious. Every Pitt fan had no confidence in his ability to throw the football with any success after last week’s 10-32 debacle. On Saturday night, in front of a national ABC audience, Jurkovec played worse than he did the week before against Cincinnati. He completed only 8 passes on 20 attempts for 81 yards and three interceptions. One can only imagine the fan reaction next when Jurkovec steps on the field next week at Acrisure stadium, assuming any fans show up to the game next after last night’s embarrassment.

As for the other culprit from the game last night, Pat Narduzzi confirmed every Pitt fan’s lack of confidence in Jurkovec by running the ball on the first drive 10 times, and not attempting a pass. Pitt had the ball deep in West Virginia territory on the opening drive but did not throw, despite West Virginia stacking their defensive line and linebackers near the line of scrimmage, knowing Pitt would run. When Pitt eventually tried to pass, Jurkovec was woefully inaccurate, then started turning the ball over. Some of his passes were 10 yards off target. Many Pitt fans also blame offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti for an unimaginative game plan.

However, Cignetti understandably called some simple pass plays, to which Jurkovec responded by throwing the ball at his receivers’ feet or way off target. Head Coach Pat Narduzzi is responsible for the debacle because he allowed it to happen. Pitt fans were asking so many questions last night during the game. Why is Narduzzi sticking with Jurkovec? Are the backup quarterbacks worse than Jurkovec? Is Narduzzi afraid that if he benches Jurkovec, he will not be able to lure transfer quarterbacks to Pitt? Is Frank Cignetti pushing for Jurkovec to remain the starter? After the game, Narduzzi blamed turnovers for why Pitt lost. While that is true, the reality is the turnovers were all on Jurkovec. His decisions were bad and his throws were worse. Almost any coach at any level of football would have made a change. Narduzzi, by his nature, is loath to switch quarterbacks. His hubris and stubbornness is blinding him to reality: Jurkovec is not a good college quarterback. 

By sticking with Jurkovec, Narduzzi is doing a disservice to his other players. Overall, the Pitt players fought hard for 60 minutes. Their defense kept them in the game until late in the game, their players tackled, hustled, and sacrificed, while their coach gave them no shot at winning. Narduzzi should apologize to his players today. On offense, the Pitt running backs showed great effort, as did their line and receivers. It is hard to remain motivated for 60 minutes when the Quarterback gives you no chance of winning. The defense generated pressure, turnovers, and stops. The special teams produced a timely punt block, only to be reciprocated with nothing from the offense.

Here is the scary part: Pitt could lose players to the transfer portal if they do not make a Quarterback change. They have several talented players whose NFL futures depend on production, including Gavin Bartholomew, Rodney Hammond, and Konata Mumpfield. All good players who are hamstrung by lousy Quarterback play. Moreover, Pitt has several talented freshman wide receivers such as Kenny Johnson and Zion Fowler El that could easily transfer to a more open and productive offense. Even scarier, Pitt is playing at Acrisure stadium next week against a legitimate NFL prospect at Quaterback: Drake Maye. The North Carolina Quarterback sliced up the Pitt defense last year. He will likely do the same next week. How will Pitt respond? If they trot Jurkovec out next week, they may not score more than 3 points. What will Narduzzi do next week if Pitt loses 45-3 to a conference opponent? How many fans will be at Acrisure Stadium if this keeps up? Only one man can provide solutions, and thus far he refuses to do anything. Pitt fans will start chanting “Michigan State '' at Narduzzi if he allows this to continue. 

Below are some other observations from last night’s game.

Donovan McMillon and Shayne Simon were bright spots

The Florida safety transfer, and Peters Township native made several plays last night throughout the game. He was active and tackled well. Pitt has a good safety prospect for the next two years. Shayne Simon had a nice sack on an overload blitz in the second half. He also had a nice pass breakup and several good tackles throughout the game.

Ryan Baer struggled in his first action at Left Tackle

The talented freshman showed his inexperience, with a penalty and sack allowed in his limited playing time last night. He is talented but there is a reason the Pitt staff is reluctant to play him right away. If the Pitt staff is right about keeping Baer on the bench because they do not feel he is ready, they might be right about their backup Quarterbacks. If that is the case, Pitt may not win more than 2 games. Remember, the rest of their games are against “Power 5” teams. 

Injuries mount up

Bengally Kamara and Matt Goncalves left the game and did not return. Those are two key leaders on the team that may miss time. At this point, Pitt needs to play younger players to see what they have for the future.

CJ Donaldson is an excellent running back

West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson willed his team to victory. The big power back is a throwback player who carried tacklers and his team in the Backyard Brawl. He is the type of back that would do well at the next level, given his strength, toughness, and leadership.



Looking ahead:

Pitt plays #20 North Carolina at Acrisure stadium next Saturday at 8:00pm on ACC Network. If you want to watch an excellent Quarterback, watch Drake Maye. Last season, North Carolina exploded for 42 points in a 42-24 victory over Pitt. Does anyone think Pitt can keep up with Drake Maye and the North Carolina offense?