For those trying to find out about Pitt recruiting efforts, check out the latest from Rob Lichtenfels at Panthers Report (formerly part of Insiders.com, now Scout.com).

I’m starting to really worry about the Backyard Brawl because WVU is only favored by 4 points (the over under is a whopping 53.5). Plus, I’m seeing people starting to really sell WVU short because of their flop against BC.

There’s no doubt Pitt has improved by leaps and bounds this season, and the victories over Boston College and Notre Dame should have saved coach Walt Harris his job. One reason is quarterback Tyler Palko, who is a cool leader, as evidenced by the two big wins already mentioned. Pitt has a ton of momentum, a 6-3 record and should certainly go bowling after the season.

West Virginia, although 8-2, hasn’t looked good in a month. The Mountaineers’ loss at home Nov. 13 to Boston College showed a distinct lack of effort. How could they not show up at home with the Big East title riding on the game? Maybe they’ll show up for this backyard rivalry, but the way the line has been dropping this week, we doubt it. Also, West Virginia has suspended its top wide receiver – Chris Henry – again.
The pick: Pittsburgh.

While Pitt’s overall run defense looks decent in the standings (42nd overall), they have sucked against teams that have a really good running back (UConn, Syracuse and ND), and WVU has the 5th best rushing attack in the country led by Kay-Jay Harris. Add in the fact that people seem to be devaluing the Hoopie defense that is solid and contains a shut-down cornerback in Adam “Pac-Man” Jones. Well I think people are not looking at the whole picture of the Backyard Brawl.