MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — A close Big East race, two coaches with a competitive past and rival schools whose century-old series is in flux — yep, the bitter Backyard Brawl has its usual passion and drama.
The winner of the game between the schools 70 miles apart will remain in contention for the league title when West Virginia (7-3, 3-2 Big East) and Pittsburgh (5-5, 3-2) meet on Friday night.
They were considered the preseason front-runners for the league title, but missteps along the way have forged a tight conference race that will come down to next week’s final games.
For now, the focus is on a series with an uncertain future and the final home game for 22 West Virginia seniors. Both schools are moving to other conferences within the next few years.
