in Pitt Football 695 Words

Football Schedule Unveiled

Per the Pitt SID

PITTSBURGH—Seeking a third consecutive finish in the national rankings, the Pitt football team will face a challenging 2023 schedule comprised of eight 2022 bowl teams, including three squads listed in ESPN’s “Way-Too-Early” Top 25.

ACC Network revealed the Panthers’ complete 12-game regular-season slate Monday evening.

Pitt will play eight ACC contests as the conference moves to a non-divisional format in 2023. The Panthers’ four non-conference games include three Power 5/Major Independent foes.

Pitt Football 2023 Schedule

The schedule’s home highlights:

  • Pitt will host four ACC games: North Carolina(Sept. 23), Louisville (Oct. 14), Florida State (Nov. 4) and Boston College (Thursday, Nov. 16).
  • Already touted as a College Football Playoff contender, Florida State won 10 games last season and rank No. 4 in the ESPN Top 25. North Carolina, winners of last season’s Coastal Division title, places No. 21 in ESPN’s early rankings.  
  • Pitt renews ties with newly minted Big 12 member Cincinnati on Sept. 9. Once annual Big East foes, the Panthers and Bearcats meet for the first time since 2012.
  • Pitt will open the 2023 season at Acrisure Stadium against Wofford on Sept. 2.   

The Panthers play their road opener at rival West Virginia on Sept. 16. Last year’s renewal of the “Backyard Brawl” drew 3.15 million viewers to ESPN and a Pittsburgh sports-record attendance of 70,622 at Acrisure.

Pitt concludes its non-conference slate with an Oct. 28 trip to Notre Dame. The Irish (No. 14 ESPN) won nine games last season, including a Gator Bowl victory over South Carolina.

The Panthers’ ACC road schedule features a Nov. 11 visit to Yankee Stadium to play Syracuse. The game commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first college football contest played in the historic venue in 1923 between the Orange and Panthers.

Pitt’s additional ACC road trips include Virginia Tech(Sept. 30), Wake Forest (Oct. 21) and Duke (Nov. 25).

Season tickets are on sale at PittsburghPanthers.com and start at just $180. All season tickets purchased by March 1 will be eligible for the 2023 Repark Process and provides first priority for away game tickets at West Virginia, Notre Dame and in Yankee Stadium against Syracuse. 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 M@C Discount at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday, April 15, at 1 p.m. Additional spring game details will be forthcoming in the near future.
The Panthers’ complete 2023 football schedule:

Sept. 2: Wofford
The Terriers are under the new direction of head coach Shawn Watson, Pitt’s offensive coordinator from 2017-18.

Sept. 9: Cincinnati
The Bearcats, who advanced to the 2021 College Football Playoff, make their Big 12 debut this fall. Pitt and Cincinnati were annual Big East foes from 2005-12.

Sept. 16: at West Virginia
M.J. Devonshire’s 56-yard interception return lifted Pitt to a thrilling 38-31 victory in last year’s Brawl renewal. The Panthers visit Morgantown for the first time since 2011.

Sept. 23: North Carolina*
The Panthers won the last two encounters in Pittsburgh in overtime (2019 and 2021).

Sept. 30: at Virginia Tech*
The Panthers have won three consecutive games against the Hokies, including a 45-29 rout last season.

Oct. 14: Louisville*
Record-setting Louisville quarterback Jeff Brohm returns as head coach after leading Purdue the past six seasons.

Oct. 21: at Wake Forest*
The Panthers and Demon Deacons meet for the first time since Pitt’s 45-21 ACC Championship Game triumph in 2021.

Oct. 28: at Notre Dame
Pitt seeks its first win in South Bend since the memorable 36-33 four-overtime marathon in 2008.

Nov. 4: Florida State*
Florida State visits Pittsburgh for the first time since the Panthers’ inaugural ACC game in 2013. Pitt rolled past the host Seminoles, 41-17, in the last meeting on Nov. 7, 2020.

Nov. 11: at Syracuse* (Yankee Stadium; Bronx, N.Y.)
The Orange defeated Pitt, 3-0, in Yankee Stadium on Oct. 23, 1923.

Nov. 16 (Thurs.): Boston College*
The Panthers and Eagles have not met on Thursday night since a 20-13 Pitt victory on Oct. 31, 1996.

Nov. 25: at Duke*
ACC Coach of the Year Mike Elko guided the Blue Devils to nine wins and a Military Bowl victory over UCF last year.

Dec. 2: Subway ACC Championship Game
Pitt seeks a third trip to the ACC title game in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium.

*ACC game

Times and television networks will be announced at a later date.

92 thoughts on “Football Schedule Unveiled”

  1. With this OCC, 9 wins would be quite a feat

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    1. …jrn you are too quick…we lost “slowpoke” and won a bowl game with our 2nd team….do not under-estimate these PITT gridders!!! There is something special about this crew…and No Way we lose to Mike Norvell a disciple of the Fraudster.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Great home schedule except for a Thursday night in November. All the guys that want a tough OOC should be pleased. They may get to bash the win/loss record as a bonus.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. after the Slowvis fail I am gun-shy about Jurk(damn, this is going to be easy) creating at Pitt

    and it’s not Jerk(see) who will fail, it’s far more likely the receiving crew without that solid, reliable #1 or #2 or #3 from what I recall of all of last year outside a couple catches in El Paso

    if not for those question marks and considering the progression of the team last year might continue if it was in part due to growth of players in the Cig offense including o-line as much as anything else, then the actual schedule plays out somewhat well with the slower start

    no Terrier could ever think of whipping up on a Panther 🙂

    then who the H knows what Cincinnati might be? but it’s home

    UNC we’ve apparently figured out in BB(eyes closed Wednesday night) and broken through and rolling in FB

    we OWN VaTech and they can’t have made up too much ground and at home

    Wake without their #1 QB, no idea about the rest of the team

    ND happens at the point we should have all the bugs worked out and this year won’t need to salvage the season with November if we get to this point in tact

    FSU? probably most likely loss but this IS in November and hopefully an early cold day at HOME

    Syracuse as a neutral we already know what Babers face will look like in the 4th quarter, hands on hips

    BC, no way Cig loses this one

    Duke for solidifying our CFP placement

    11-1 and that’s if we only get one lucky break along the way

    but WTH do I know 🙂

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  7. A few to blame for the tough OOC.

    Pitt never learns from the past. But, hey, the good news is so many Panther fans “just want to see play competitive teams” each and every year. Put your money where your mouth is and get to Heinz Field. Ticket sales should be through the roof in 2023.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Our Panthers should be pretty well beat up by the time the ACC schedule starts with UNC and QB Maye (Heisman candidate). Onward soldiers – you’ve got to beat the best, to be the best.

      If we do as tvax projects, we will probably play FL State a 2nd time in 2023.

      Go Pitt!

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    2. My wife and I were in the stands for every home game. It was a magical year. TD, Matt, Gordon Jones, Elliot, Willie Taylor. Awesome. Beating Penn State. Tony’s 6082 yards. I could go on…..

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I was at the PSU game at Three Rivers…then we went to Oakland to celebrate. Me and a budding I worked with got free tickets from our boss. I think I still have the ticket stub. Kicking myself for not saving the Immaculate Reception game stub…

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  11. It’s pretty certain that Jurkovic is going to start this year. But I really don’t have a feel for who the backup QB will be. If I’m one of the backup guys, and have less than 2 years remaining, I’m outta here. I don’t think the incoming Pedo QB can leave now without sitting out a year, but he has 3 years left and so could sit a year behind Jurk and start for 2 years. So he may stick around. It will probably come down to who appears to be the backup QB after spring ball.

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    1. Being the back-up QB at PITT somehow reminds me of Cliff Stoudt’s career with the Steelers…occupying a position….rarely, if ever, used…

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        1. I agree. If I am a Pitt backup quarterback, I would feel good about my chances of playing this year.

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    2. From what I hear (and saw on the field in 2022…) Cig’s offense is not easy to learn. Advantage Yarnell. But…he brought in the Frenchman to be the #2, and he brought in Slovis to be the #1 last year, and we all saw that Patti was the better guy, and we all saw what happened. (and there is a Patti-interview podcast from Pantherliar that pretty much corroborates that).

      Soooo…. my guess is they don’t anoint the #2 until right before the first game, and it’s ain’t going to be the Texan.

      Liked by 2 people

  15. Everybody thinking Clem and FSU as big winners. FSU tends to mess up in a couple of games. My concern is our backup QB as he will almost for sure be put in critical situations.
    I would be happy with 9 – 4.
    Big game tomorrow.

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  16. If I’m still in good health, I’m going to Notre Dame on October 28th.
    My mom was a huge ND fan and we only had one radio on Saturdays. I listened to a lot of Irish Football.

    If you haven’t been to S Bend, put it on your bucket list. It’s a must for any college football fan. H2P

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I was at ND with the Pitt Band in 1961 (?) …Pitt won with Mike Ditka destroying The Irish.
      Later in life as a seller of national advertising radio time, one of our clients was NDU. WNDU AM/FM excellent stations!! I had a wager every year with Bob Nowicki the station’s manager …I Pitt won the game he would “give me the shirt off his back” (nice hoodies, t’s sweaters, etc., and vicea versa I would have to send Pitt goodies…fun times!!

      ND great atmosphere for a game…beautiful campus…but check the weather forecast because it can be cold, rainey, etc

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I agree 100%, Dan. The grotto is humbling, especially if you are Catholic. And I challenge anyone to find a cigarette butt, gum wrapper, or any speck of litter on that campus. It is immaculate.

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Went to mass with the ND Football team pregame. Very impressive, beautiful and sacred!. Don’t know how they ever lose after attending.

        A top 10 sports highlight of my life. Pitt played tough but lost that day. Palko at QB. Two years later Palko would set a ND record with 5 TD passes.

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  18. Regarding the 2023 football schedule (subject of this thread), I think it could be just about perfect! We start off with Wofford at home. With the Repark occurring this spring, this gives us a tune-up to work out the kinks in how we will plan, set up, and conduct our tailgates this year and several years to come. Hopefully not in a new location but who knows at this time? Then Cincinnati could likely be a late afternoon/evening game. Perfect for gathering our group and great weather for the out-of-towners to come back “home”.

    Both North Carolina and Florida State are potentially national, primetime, evening games. Not likely to have to start drinking at 7 AM! Louisville will depend on the records of both teams at that time, but a better than even chance of a late day game. Finally, the most likely home game to not warrant a late Saturday time slot, Boston College, is scheduled for Thursday evening! I’m thinking this schedule was set up specifically with tailgating in mind! Thank you, Heather!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. FYI, both the Wofford and the Cincy game are road games for the Pirates. In fact, the North Carolina game on the 23rd is also a road Pirates game. I think this is a first – no Pirate conflicts!

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      1. That is outstanding news, KK! I’m usually on top of that aspect of our home schedule but I hadn’t thought of it yet. Thank you!

        Liked by 2 people

  20. UNC lost their very very good OC. A change in OC can change a team. Ask Pitt and Armstrong from UVA.
    Cinci hired Satterfield for God’s sake.

    Pitt’s success will rest on good old Frank C. That is frightening. The run game will be there, will he ever figure out a passing scheme that resembles college football. The bowl game was somewhat promising.

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    1. I’m looking for a very good run game this season with Rodney and D. Davis leading a hard charging, physical ground game. I trust Cig and Jurk together. I think we’re all going to be pleasantly surprised with the O side of the ball this year.

      Liked by 2 people

  21. What was promising about the bowl game was not to have to call plays with Slovis at QB. The first series Pitt had the ball he calls a run play for Patti. That was one of the the missing links all season long and Narduzzi was blind to those facts all season long also.

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  23. hey, Desmond Howard, John Morgan and I are the only ones predicting a CFP season for the Duzz 🙂

    I don’t see it happening and am kidding of course BUT if the Jerk is perfect and throws an extremely catchable ball I see a very entertaining season ahead

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think Pitt will cover. I wonder what zone UNC will throw at Burton this time to try to stop him?

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  26. I strongly feel the qb room will be a big positive this year. As with many college teams nowadays we most likely will need 2 qbs. Can’t tell you how much I like both kids. If he stays I think the PSU transfer will be amazingly good over the next few years.
    My concern is more with the D believe it or not. Lots of questions and I really don’t like any of the answers. Depth will be a problem and schedule is brutal. All you who want tough OCS should be happy. I like difficult OCS also, but only if we win.

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  27. UNC plays in the Dean Smith Center over 21.000 screaming people mostly in Carolina Blue. Bacot and R.J. Davis if hot will be tough to top. Bacot is strong as an ox and is a rebounding machine. Davis an excellent all-around player and a sharp shooter. Bottom line–beyond making 3’s the Panthers MUST play strong defense or the night might get ugly.

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  28. OT – Looks like Pitt has offered Federicko Federicko’s “little” brother, Okku.

    The Pitt Panthers May become the Pitt Brothers…

    Go Pitt.

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    1. Terrible performance by the Tigers. Only 2 players in double figures and an EXTREMELY LOW assists total for the game of 4>>not a mistake ONLY 4 assists WOWZA!

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  30. Here’s something that bothers me about football coaches – specifically coordinators. Take offensive coordinators – there are no secrets. Every play run by the best offenses in the country are on tape. Any coordinator could – and should – be studying this stuff to see what worked, why it worked, and what they can incorporate.

    So does someone like Coach Cignetti have to have the same plays and same approach every season? I know the roster plays a big role, but you’d think an OC would be eager to steal successful plays and the set-up to calling them…. Study the Chief’s offense, the Bungles, etc.

    This applies to Coach Cig for the Panthers and Coach Can for the Steelers…

    What am I missing?

    Go Pitt.

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    1. Your IQ is much higher than most OC’s that Duzz has hired.

      Imagine getting paid 1/2 a million and your boss doesn’t pay attention to what you are doing? How easy would your life be?

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    2. Can’t agree more. They all run the same sets and plays but the good ones call the right play against the defense that get them mismatches. They have to study defensive tendencies on various downs and distances. Cignetti does not spread the field much. That is a head scratcher.

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  31. Think how much money Jamie Dixon has made coaching basketball. After many years as HC at Pitt, he has had a good run at TCU. Old Jamie should be set for life at this point!

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    1. Jamie was set for life before he even left Pitt. And Narduzzi was most probably set for life before he even came to Pitt. Capel hit the lottery after being hired at Pitt with very little to show for his pay absent this season.

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  32. And Jamie took down Huggy Bear last night!
    Meeting Scooter, Richman and Annie at the NLI event this evening.
    Should be fun!

    Liked by 6 people

  33. Jamie and TCU beat wvcc last night by 9 in impressive fashion with two of his best players injured.

    84-75

    TCU ranked # 15

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    1. Here’s a player that I would certainly draft up to make sure I get him. I believe he will be a multiyear starter in the NFL. Star!

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  40. I’m pleased with the way the schedule sets up. Typically, the home games are front-loaded – this year its spread out a bit more. I think Farmers analyzed it well, but I will add that early Sept games at AreYinzSure Stadium run a bit on the hot side and its a bit bit easier on those of us who travel in for games too.

    As for the whining about the OOC…would you rather not play WVU and ND? Both should be on the schedule every year imo – along with Navy and a rent-a-win. Here’s a test… raise your left hand if you complain about too strong of an OOC. Now, raise your right hand if you complain that Pitt plays up to the competition only to lose games we shouldn’t. If you have both hands raised…. I got nuthin for ya.

    The Syracuse game is wonderful – especially since its an away game. Harkens back to the barnstorming days of college football before television. Can’t wait and I hope some of you will decide to go. Biggie… this is begging you and Jeannie.

    Still disappointed in the elimination of the two ACC divisions. Its going to turn into a horse race and the last regular week may not have as much up for grabs. I would have kept it and re-seated the divisions every 3-5 years.

    Count on home-cooking in South Bend.

    As for how we might do…the team has a lot going for it:
    Some OL are returning
    Rodney Hammond, C’Bo and Derrick Davis at RB
    Mumpford and Means have a full year under their belts… and watch out for Che!
    Partridge and Duzz have demonstrated ability to reload the gun on D
    Nahki Johnson, Bengally Kamara, Elliot Donald developing…
    We know who our PK is

    So while its understandable to be concerned about the roster losses from the 2022 team, things will probably be ok. Notice that was lower-case ok, not upper case, no exclamation points or any superlatives. We will need to wait to see if those are warranted. A lot will depend on how quickly Jurkovic develops timing/rhythm withthe receivers and how well this version of the OL gels on run-blocking.

    I’ll probably be taking the over on Maestro’s +/- 7.5 wins, but lets see how the spring and summer unfold.

    Liked by 6 people

  41. Nice job JoeL! << Capitals and exclamation points! 🙂

    A name on defense to watch for Sam Oklunlola, throw Fitzsimmons in there as well.

    Liked by 2 people

  43. Until I see Che on the field I don’t think i would be counting on him for any extended play in 2023. Cignetti didn’t even find a way to get him on the field in 22 even after several of our WR’s(the B & B twins)s disappeared before our very eyes.

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    1. Che is going to stretch opposing defenses. Should create a lot of good underneath opportunities…. even if he doesn’t get targeted, they will have to account for him.

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    2. I suspect they wanted Che to add some muscle/weight before seeing the field. He looked kind of slim as he huddled next to the heaters…

      But we sure need a couple of WRs to show up out of the freshmen and sophomores…

      Go Pitt.

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  46. Mentioned this above in a reply — but comparing the Pirates and Pitt, there are no conflicts this year. I think this is a first – Pirate home games are when Pitt is away and Pitt home games are when the Bucs are away.

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  47. I’m also taking the points tonight. The team is in a good place right now, and even if the 3s aren’t falling I expect a good defensive showing. This is a pick ‘em game in my mind right now.

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  48. JeanieB tells me “ we have a basketball game tonight” to which I responded “ we just went to the grandkids games last night.” Then she says “ PITT – Carolina @ 8!!!” Who woulda thunk…. This team is making fans!

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    1. I’m primed and ready for the Tar Heels. Mrs. Erie and I are confident Pitt will play well and for 40 minutes.

      Look for the big guys to rotate a lot tonight and Nike to get 20+ minutes.

      Needs some threes to fall to win.

      Liked by 1 person

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