PITTSBURGH — Over the years, the Backyard Brawl has been defined by big plays. The last meeting between Pitt and West Virginia at Acrisure Stadium was highlighted by the M.J. Devonshire pick-six.
In the 107th edition of the Brawl, Pitt needed to break through in a 17-17 deadlock. West Virginia took advantage of Pitt pulling back on a punt on fourth down as Oliver Straw took off for a first down. Moments later, it looked as if the Mountaineers would take the lead on a deep Garrett Greene to Hudson Clement connection. However, it was called back due to offensive holding.
On the ensuing fourth-down punt attempt, redshirt freshman Maverick Gracio was unblocked off the edge as he blocked the Straw punt.
With the ball bouncing on the ground, Brandon George located it, scooped and scored on a 24-yard touchdown. The score put Pitt in front 24-17 with 8:27 to go in the third quarter.
Since the Brawl returned, there has been a blocked punt in each game. CJ Donaldson blocked one in 2022 and Pitt’s Rasheem Biles knocked one down last year in Morgantown.
It comes as Pitt’s first blocked punt scoop and score since Sept. 12, 2020 when Todd Sibley Jr. did so against Albany.
Pitt/WVU football game should not even been on TV. Both teams are terrible. Both will be lucky to win two games in their conference and both will have a losing season.
What a way to formally introduce yourself to Pitt fans. I was happy to see the young guy make a huge impactful play for Pitt. Has to be a confidence booster for the youngster.