PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – To tell you how special the atmosphere was for Pitt Thursday night against West Virginia, defensive lineman John Morgan said it more memorable than winning the ACC Championship. Really, he said that.
"It's number one, without a doubt," Morgan said after a 38-31 win over West Virginia. "The magnitude, it's been a decade since we played this game. This is my senior year, being able to be that leader on the defense and playing this magnitude of game is amazing to me. I would rank it number on for sure."
It was the largest crowd ever in Pittsburgh to watch a single-day sporting event. Over 70-thousand into a stadium that doesn't seat that many.
"Oh my God, that was amazing," said running back Rodney Hammond. "I've never seen anything like that. I came from a small high school, we never had anything like that. Even last year, we didn't have a crowd like that. That was the best crowd I ever seen."
"That place was electric," said Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi. "Pitt fans showed up, like, big-time. Was kind of real upset the night before when we heard there was going to be 75 percent West Virginia fans, which I knew ESPN had some bad facts. But they disrespected our fans and our fans showed up. They were unbelievable all day today so I thank them first of all because they were critical in the victory."
Even Kedon Slovis who played for USC in some great rivalries including the Notre Dame game, said this was a first for him.
"This is great," Slovis said. "I've never been in a home rivalry game at my own stadium having that many fans there and that much support. Selling out the crowd, it was awesome. I was very happy to be a part of it."
"That was definitely the best atmosphere I ever played in," said Pitt corner and Aliquippa High School alumnus MJ Devonshire. "A shout out to the fans for coming out. Hopefully they will be back next Saturday."
It should be another big crowd with Tennessee looking like it's rising back in the SEC visiting Acrisure Stadium September 10th at 3:30p on 93.7 The Fan.
Credit to the Mountaineers
When the Panthers players gather for post-game interviews, it starts with a question. After the Backyard Brawl on Thursday, linebacker SirVocea Dennis asked to be able to give an opening statement.
"The Backyard Brawl, that's a good name because that was a brawl tonight," Dennis said. "West Virginia played their hearts out, so did we. I tip my hat to them, even though that's something us Pitt guys don't usually do. I tip my hat to them and wish them good luck on the season."
Sorry for the "F – West Virginia"
Getting caught up in the emotion of a Pitt pep rally on campus Tuesday, Slovis said he wanted to add one thing at the end of his quick talk, 'F--- West Virginia'. It quickly became viral and caught the attention of Mountaineer Nation.
"I kind of want to address that," Slovis said. "I don't mean any disrespect to the other team. Just trying to have fun, get the fans rowdied up. It's an exciting rivalry, they say their stuff about us. A lot of respect for the guys on the field. Just trying to have some fun with the fans and the guys on our side."
Rivalries
Asked if he likes opening with a rival, Narduzzi said 'yeah, if we win it'. The Pitt head coach he wants to play in these types of games.
"We'll play Penn State any time they want to," Narduzzi said. "We'll play West Virginia. We have West Virginia for another seven games. We are excited about that."
