Backyard Brawl Line Drops and Oddsmakers Are Not Buying WVU’s Home Edge

WVU as the underdog? Interesting.

Sep 14, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Jahiem White (1) scores a touchdown against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Donovan McMillon (3) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

We've still got a good way to go before the Pitt Panthers stroll into Morgantown for the final edition of the Backyard Brawl until 2029, but the anticipation is growing by the day. It will be Rich Rodriguez's first game against a Power Four opponent, and really, the first meaningful home game, which will be against the same team he coached against in his last game at WVU in his first stint.

On paper, Pitt has higher expectations, thanks to the return of starting quarterback Eli Holstein, and the fact that they don't have well over 70 newcomers like the Mountaineers have. But considering the game is taking place in Morgantown, you would think West Virginia would be favored.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Pitt is the one actually favored, currently sitting at -2.5. The over/under is 57.5. West Virginia has won four of the last six matchups and five of the last six against the Panthers at home.

This line will certainly change after we see how the two play in the first two weeks of the season.

The Mountaineers and Panthers will meet on September 13th at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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