The Backyard Brawl resumes after more than a decade hiatus, and most of the buzz has been around the matchup of former USC quarterbacks who are looking to make the most of their new opportunities. Kedon Slovis of Pitt is getting some Heisman buzz and the Panthers are expected to continue posting big numbers. But as in recent years, the Panthers appear a little overvalued in the betting market, especially early in the season. West Virginia quarterback JT Daniels, a one-time prodigy now at his third school, has more to prove and coach Neal Brown can help remove his name from early hot-seat consideration with a victory. Take the points in a rivalry that has long favored the underdog.

This is a battle of disgruntled former USC teammates at QB and also a battle of teams bringing back all five offensive linemen. I figure Pitt will win by double-digits. QB Kenny Pickett is tough to replace, but Kedon Slovis was impressive at USC in 2019 (30 touchdowns, nine interceptions). Pitt also returns seven starters on defense and a kicker who made 17-of-21 field goals last season. West Virginia will benefit with JT Daniels at QB, but I’m taking Pitt at home, laying the points.

It ain't called the Backyard Shootout, it's called the Backyard Brawl. The fabric of this rivalry, renewed on Thursday night for the first time since 2011, is rock fights where every yard is earned and the defenses rule the day. While the two former USC quarterbacks -- JT Daniels for WVU, Kedon Slovis for Pitt -- will dominate the conversation, both teams are stronger on the defensive side of the ball. There's also the matter of Pitt's offense evolving through the loss of Kenny Pickett, Jordan Addison and OC Mark Whipple and the implementation of a new offense. Signs point to a team that's going to run the ball a little more than it did in 2021, rely on its advantage at the line of scrimmage and, for our purposes, play a style that sets up well for unders.

I can't tell you how happy I am that the Backyard Brawl is back. This is one of the most intense rivalries in the country, and the added storyline of two former USC quarterbacks squaring off against each other makes this one extra spicy. I still believe in Mountaineers quarterback JT Daniels and what should be a much better defense, and I can't buy into the new-look Pittsburgh offense yet. This one will be a field goal game one way or the other.