Editor’s Note: First of all, thoughts and prayers to Reed and his family through this trying time. I think we can all agree to that. Second, I emailed with him briefly today and he expressed his gratitude for keeping the blog running smoothly (Richard gets credit for this too). We’ll need your help with that, so I’ll ask you all to continue to keep the conversation civil and observe the usual rules of decorum. And with that, feel free to discuss the 2022 schedule.

Per the Pitt Sports SID

Pitt’s 2022 Football Schedule Revealed on ACC Network

PITTSBURGH—Defending Atlantic Coast Conference champion Pitt will play a compelling 2022 schedule that features eight bowl teams and a primetime national spotlight for the revival of the “Backyard Brawl,” it was revealed this evening on ACC Network.

The Panthers’ 12-game slate includes seven home games, including a highly anticipated season opener against West Virginia at Heinz Field. The Panthers and Mountaineers will open the first full week of the 2022 college football season on Thursday, Sept. 1 before a national television audience on an ESPN network.

Additional home season highlights: 

·        Pitt will host a Southeastern Conference opponent for the first time when Tennessee visits for the “Johnny Majors Classic” on Sept. 10.

·        The Panthers’ road back to the ACC Championship Game includes three crucial Coastal Division matchups at Heinz Field: Georgia Tech (Oct. 1), Virginia Tech (Oct. 8) and Duke (Nov. 19).

·        For the 68th consecutive season, Pitt will play traditional eastern foe Syracuse. The Panthers host the Orange on Nov. 5.

·        Rhode Island (Sept. 24) rounds out Pitt’s home opponents. The Panthers and Rams meet for the first time as head coach Pat Narduzzi faces his alma mater.

Pitt plays its road opener at Western Michigan on Sept. 17, closing out a two-game scheduling agreement.

In October, the Panthers make consecutive ACC road trips to Louisville (Oct. 22) and North Carolina (Oct. 29).

Two November road games—at Virginia (Nov. 12) and Miami (Nov. 26)—figure prominently in the race for the 2022 Coastal title.

With the return of 18 starters, Pitt is already garnering mention in early Top 25 listings, including The Athletic (No. 11), Athlon (No. 19), Pro Football Network (No. 19), Sporting News (No. 24) and Yahoo Sports (No. 24).

Season tickets are currently available at PittsburghPanthers.com and start at just $180. Fans have the option to pay in full or take advantage of an interest-free monthly payment plan. For pricing, seating maps, season ticket holder benefits and more, click here or call (800) 643-7488.

The Panthers conclude spring drills with the annual Blue-Gold Spring Game presented by PNC at Heinz Field on Saturday, April 9. Additional spring game details will be forthcoming in the near future.

The Panthers’ complete 2022 football schedule:

Sept. 1 (Thurs.): West Virginia   

Following an 11-year hiatus, the “Backyard Brawl” gets the Thursday night spotlight on an ESPN network.

Sept. 10: Tennessee

Pitt has won all three meetings with the Vols, including 41-34 last year in Knoxville.

Sept. 17: at Western Michigan

The Broncos defeated Nevada, 52-24, in the 2021 Quick Lane Bowl.    

Sept. 24: Rhode Island

Pat Narduzzi was a three-year starting linebacker for the Rams from 1987-89.

Oct. 1: Georgia Tech*

Pitt has won four consecutive games against the Yellow Jackets.

Oct. 8: Virginia Tech*

The Hokies visit Heinz Field under first-year head coach Brent Pry, an Altoona native.

Oct. 22: at Louisville*

Pitt plays at Louisville for the first time since a Big East encounter in 2011.

Oct. 29: at North Carolina*

The Panthers used overtime to top the Tar Heels in each of the last two meetings.

Nov. 5: Syracuse*

The Panthers have won 17 of the past 20 games against the Orange.

Nov. 12: at Virginia*

Jordan Addison’s 62-yard touchdown clinched the Coastal and a 48-38 win in last year’s game. 

Nov. 19: Duke*

The Panthers own a 7-1 series advantage over Duke in ACC play.

Nov. 26 : at Miami*

Pitt seeks its first win over the Hurricanes since its 2017 upset.

Dec. 3: Subway ACC Championship Game

Pitt looks to return to the ACC title game in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium for the second consecutive year and third time overall.

*ACC game

Let’s ride Hail 2 Pitt !!! pic.twitter.com/F0NT4zg9zI

— Voss (@Sirvocea) February 1, 2022

My friends and fellow POVers, I want to take a second and let you know what is going on with me and my family. As I mentioned earlier my son has had small cell cancer since mid-October. His treatments worked well for three months… then they didn’t.

Now he is in the ICU with rapid expansion Stage 4 cancer and his oncologist, myself and his mother are going to visit with him tomorrow to deliver the doctor’s findings. It will not be good news but has to be done. I don’t think he’ll be surprised.

So – you could tell I haven’t been involved with the POV much before now- and it might be a very long time before I do so again. Mike, Rick and others seem to have a good handle on the blog and I hope you all keep enjoying it. As life turns and the dust settles I’ll get back with you guys and have real fun again. I just have no idea when that might be.

Don’t worry about me – I’ve an amazingly strong family, open and honest about all things so this is not a real surprise – we knew this would happen sooner or later and we are prepared. Please keep us in your thoughts and I will keep hoping Pitt sports lives up to all our expectations.

Hail to Pitt and thank you so much for being such good friends.

Reed