SI.com is ramping up its college football stories. Today, they have a flurry of articles about what it takes to be national champion, five teams that fit the mold, and the ten games on national TV that you must watch this year. Well since they put WVU in the list of five teams that they think could be national champion, the Backyard Brawl makes the list.

Many believe that since Miami and Virginia Tech (and next year, Boston College) left the Big East, the weakened conference’s winner doesn’t deserve an automatic BCS bid. Regardless, the bid still exists, and it’s a safe bet that the Backyard Brawl will decide which team receives it. The Mountaineers have the league’s most talented team and its most explosive trio in quarterback Rasheed Marshall, running back Kay-Jay Harris and wideout Chris Henry. If the Panthers wish to successfully defend their home turf, they’ll have to keep this a low-scoring affair. Pittsburgh’s offense is depleted, returning just three starters.

Next week they preview the Big East, but it looks like they just leaked who they think will be #2 in the Big East. SI.com also has, in conjuction with Athlon a preview of all teams including Pitt.

This will be WVU‘s turn as the darkhorse/sexy sleeper pick to be a major contender. Pitt blew it last year. It will be interesting to see how Rich Rodriguez and WVU handles the pressure.