What the ESPN BPI Says About WVU vs. Pitt

West Virginia is off to a disappointing 3-4 start to the season - one that "doesn't sit well" with interim head coach Josh Eilert. 

To his defense, the Mountaineers are extremely shorthanded and are only able to truly play six players significant minutes thanks to the NCAA denying RaeQuan Battle a waiver and the suspension of Kerr Kriisa for something that happened at Arizona. WVU's depth took another hit when Akok Akok suffered a medical scare in the charirty exhibition game and has yet to return.

Eilert knows he's been dealt a tough hand but he's not one for excuses. Tonight, he and the Mountaineers can begin to turn their season around with a win over heated rival Pitt in the Backyard Brawl.

Jeff Capel's Panthers began the season winning four straight but have since dropped three of the last four, all to Power Five opponents. A win over Pitt would create a nice spark of momentum right before Kriisa makes his season debut against Drexel.

According to the ESPN BPI, West Virginia has a 40.6% chance to win while Pitt has a 59.4% chance.

Although the Mountaineers have a short bench and have shown fatigue in the second half of games, having a rowdy crowd behind them should provide an extra boost. West Virginia has won six straight over the Panthers. Can they make it seven?