It’s a good thing the Panthers no longer play football games atop Cardiac Hill. Otherwise, their fans may not have survived the latest edition of the Backyard Brawl vs. West Virginia at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday.

The two historic rivals, separated by just 75 miles, met for a third-straight season after an 11-year hiatus. As always, there were few dull moments in a 38-34 victory for Pitt that improved its record to 3-0 on the season.

And what a 38-34 win it was, as fans of both schools will be talking about the outcome for many years…but in very different tones.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, and the two programs headed to their respective locker rooms tied at 17. The Panthers’ fast-paced and exciting offense under new OC Kade Bell lived up to its modern monicker by totaling 217 yards over the first two quarters.

I don’t know if it was the halftime adjustments by WVU’s defense or if Pitt’s players ate something that didn’t agree with them at the break, but Bell’s offense was non-existent in the third quarter and into the fourth, netting just four yards on three possessions.

Believe it or not, the Panthers’ special teams gave them a 24-17 lead midway through the third period when redshirt freshman defensive lineman Maverick Gracio blocked a Mountaineers’ punt and linebacker Brandon George scooped it up and raced 24 yards for a score.

But WVU’s offense answered immediately on its next possession, marching 81 yards on seven plays and tying the score at 24 on a four-yard touchdown by running back C.J. Donaldson.

Following a five-play drive by Pitt that netted zero yards, the Mountaineers took a 27-24 lead on a 23-yard field goal by Michael Hayes II with 11:19 left in regulation.

Moments later, on the heels of another futile possession by the home team, WVU appeared to put the game away after driving 68 yards on eight plays and taking a 34-24 lead on a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Garrett Greene to receiver Justin Robinson with 4:55 left in the fourth quarter.

The Mountaineer players were celebrating, as were their fans who made the 80-minute trip up the Interstate to take in the game. As for Pitt and their fans? They were likely pondering how to shower off a second-straight loss in the Brawl.

But just like that, the nightmare turned into a dream.

Pitt’s slumbering offense suddenly woke up and quickly drove 75 yards and cut the deficit back to three points with 3:06 remaining; Eli Holstein, a redshirt freshman quarterback who is quietly becoming the talk of college football, launched a “Sea of Hands” pass downfield that somehow avoided several Mountaineers’ defenders before settling into arms of receiver Daejon Reynolds for a 40-yard touchdown.

The Panthers desperately needed a stop from its defense, even though it had offered little resistance while allowing 17 points on WVU’s previous three possessions.

Thankfully, Pitt’s defense did get the ball back after Jimmy Scott sacked Greene on third and seven.

The Panthers regained possession at their own 23 with just over two minutes remaining. One week after rallying his team from a 21-point deficit to defeat Cincinnati, the game was once again in the hands of Holstein who, once again, failed to disappoint. Instead, he navigated a memorable drive that included a 17-yard pass to tight end Gavin Bartholomew. One play later, Holstein connected with receiver Konata Mumpfield on a 23-yard strike down to the West Virginia 30. Seconds later, Holstein avoided a sack and raced 17 yards before safely sliding down at the Mountaineers’ 13 with 47 seconds left in regulation.

WVU was called for pass interference on the next play, setting up a first and goal from the six with 43 seconds left. Holstein rushed for five yards to make it second and goal from the one. One play later, running back Derrick Davis plunged into the end zone to give the home team a 38-34 lead with 32 seconds left.

Would the Mountaineers make Pitt fans sweat it out?

Not really.

Kyle Louis intercepted Greene on fourth and 10 to secure the victory for the Panthers.

It was another excellent showing by Holistein, who completed 21 of 30 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns. He was also Pitt’s leading rusher on the day, tallying 59 yards on 14 carries.

It was a rather quiet day for running back Desmond Reid, at least on the ground. But while he only netted 26 yards on 11 carries, Reid did add 50 receiving yards and two first-half touchdowns on four catches.

The Panthers and their fans will have bragging rights for the next year before the two schools end this current four-game series next September at Mountaineer Stadium in West Virginia. After that, the Backyard Brawl isn’t scheduled to resume again until 2029.