ESPN’s Football Power Index projected the outcome of Thursday’s game between Pittsburgh and West Virginia.

The projection gave Pitt a 78.1% chance to win the season opener at home. On the other side, West Virginia received just under a 22% chance to defeat Pitt. If the Panthers pull off the win, it would be a huge win against an old rival.

The 2 campuses are located 1 hour from each other and Thursday’s game will be filled with fans from both schools due to the proximity. At one time, this was an annual game that was played every year from 1919 until 2011.

Ten years ago, West Virginia left the Big East for the Big 12, and the rivalry came to an end. Pitt eventually joined the ACC in 2013 and the 2 schools haven’t played since.

Pittsburgh holds a 54-35-2 record over West Virginia in 91 games. Pitt is 35-21 at home against West Virginia. In 2011, West Virginia defeated Pitt by 1 point, 21-20.

Even with the odds for the 2022 matchup heavily in Pitt’s favor, the renewed rivalry will make it a compelling game. In addition to the matchup, 2 former USC teammates will potentially be facing off in the game. Pitt quarterback Kedon Slovis and West Virginia quarterback JT Daniels will be on opposite sidelines after they played together in 2019 at USC.

The season kicks off for Pitt and West Virginia on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium.