WVU Football: 2023 Season in Review (game-by-game recap)

Game 3 - vs Pitt

Whatever it takes

September 16th, 2023 was the date of the first backyard brawl in Morgantown since the 2011 season. Quarterback Garrett Greene got injured on the Mountaineers second possession and did not return to the game. Redshirt freshman, Nicco Marchiol stepped up and helped lead the Mountaineers to victory. Both teams struggled mightily to have any success through the passing game. Neither Phil Jurkovec of Pitt nor Marchiol of WVU eclipsed 100 yards passing in the game. Jurkovec finished the night with just 81 yards passing and 3 interceptions. He completed just 8 of his 20 attempts through the air. Marchiol attempted just 9 passes, completing 6 for 60 yards and 1 touchdown. 

West Virginia relied heavily on their run game. CJ Donaldson Jr. and Jaylen Anderson combined for 164 yards rushing on 37 carries. A staple of West Virginia football during the 2023 season was their ability to run the football. A season-high 51 carries against Pitt was enough to get the job done and secure a victory in the Backyard Brawl. 

The West Virginia defense was sensational against Pitt, keeping the Panthers out of the end zone for all 4 quarters. Beanie Bishop Jr., Aubrey Burks, and Malachi Ruffin each picked up an interception.

Mountaineer Notables:

CJ Donaldson Jr. - 18 carries, 102 yards, 1 touchdown 

Jaylen Anderson - 19 carries, 62 yards

Kole Taylor - 3 receptions, 21 yards, 1 touchdown 

Trey Lathan - 8 tackles

Final Score: West Virginia 17, Pitt 6