The Backyard Brawl is back, but that doesn’t mean that all of Pitt’s players will be back dressed on the field for tonight’s contest.
While Pitt left summer camp without any significant issues, there is a knock that has forced an inactive status for Brandon George.
George picked up a knock during summer camp, spending some time in a walking boot and will not play against West Virginia. It’s a major blow to Pitt’s linebacking depth. Without George, the top reserve Mike linebacker is starting Money linebacker Shayne Simon.
Expect a heavy dose of SirVocea Dennis at Mike, and a strong rotation with reserves Tylar Wiltz and Solomon DeShields.
Wide receiver Jake McConnachie and defensive lineman Samuel Okunlola also are inactive.
Gabe Houy is dressed, after not seeing a lot of time during the summer as he rehabbed an injury, but Matt Goncalves took first team reps with the otherwise intact starting offensive line.
Goncalves, who started five games last season at right tackle, has been touted as an extra starter by the coaching staff all summer. He took a majority of the first team reps during the summer.
WVU linebacker Tirek Austin-Cave and defensive lineman Jalen Thornton are both inactive for the Mountaineers.