Nov 23, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi calls a play from the sideline during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Louisville defeated Pittsburgh 37-9. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

Pat Narduzzi Expects WVU Fans to be 'Less Liquored Up' for 2025 Backyard Brawl

Originally posted on West Virginia Mountaineers on SI
By Schuyler Callihan | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 8:51 AM ET

Earlier this week, it was announced that the 108th edition of the Backyard Brawl between West Virginia and Pitt would kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown.

Many West Virginia fans are upset that this isn't going to be a night game, but nonetheless, it'll be a rowdy atmosphere as always. Well, maybe not everyone is expecting that.

On Saturday, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi sounded grateful for the game not teeing up under the lights during a radio appearance on 93.7 The Fan.

“They’ll probably be less liquored up. Probably less likely to throw a full beer can at you on the field. Hopefully, they’ll still be interested in drinking it first and can maybe empty one.”

Really??? Taking a shot at the fans for something that's never happened? Come on, Pat. There's never a reported incident of a beer can being thrown at Narduzzi. It's also not the first time he's said something untrue about WVU fans.

Also, it may not be a 7 p.m. kick, but I think Narduzzi is underestimating what this fan base can do out in the tailgates. It wouldn't matter if they kicked off at noon or 7 a.m., WVU fans will show up to the tailgate, get the party going, and carry that energy with them into the stadium.