University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt Announces 2009 Football Schedule
3/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 6, 2009
PITTSBURGH—Already touted as a Big East and national contender for the upcoming season, Pitt announced today its 2009 football schedule.
Two national websites — CollegeFootballNews.com and SportsIllustrated.com — have listed the Panthers among the nation’s top 25 teams for this year. Coming off last season’s 9-3 regular season and bowl berth, Pitt will look to build off that momentum while facing a very challenging and attractive 2009 slate.
The Panthers will play 12 regular-season games, highlighted by:
· Nine teams that advanced to bowl games in 2008.
· Five dates already scheduled for national television.
· Seven games at Heinz Field, including contests against five bowl teams.
· The return of the historic Notre Dame series (Nov. 14) to Pittsburgh. The Panthers host the Fighting Irish for the first time in four years. Last year’s meeting in South Bend was an instant classic with Pitt outlasting Notre Dame, 36-33, in four overtimes.
· A regular-season finale at Heinz Field against Cincinnati (Dec. 5), a game with potential bowl and Big East title implications. Last year’s “River City Rivalry” game produced the league’s BCS representative and wasn’t decided until the final seconds.
· A Sept. 19 visit from the Naval Academy, which has advanced to six consecutive bowls.
· Home Big East games with Connecticut (Oct. 10), USF (Oct. 24) and Syracuse (Nov. 7). UConn and USF both won bowl games last year, while Syracuse ranks among Pitt’s oldest foes.
· The Panthers’ first visit to North Carolina State (Sept. 26) in 21 years. Pitt will visit the Wolfpack in Raleigh for the first time since 1988. The schools last met in the 2001 Tangerine Bowl, a 34-19 Pitt triumph.
· The 102nd “Backyard Brawl” against West Virginia. Pitt travels to Morgantown, site of its historic 13-9 victory in 2007, for a national telecast the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 27 on ABC or ESPN).
The Panthers open the season on Sept. 5 against Youngstown State, one of the country’s most accomplished programs on the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. Pitt then travels to defending Mid-American Conference champion Buffalo (Sept. 12).
Also highlighting the schedule are two nationally televised Friday night games, including Louisville (Oct. 2 on ESPN2) and Rutgers (Oct. 16 on ESPN).
Season-ticket packages are currently on sale for as low as $82 and can be purchased online (PittsburghPanthers.com), by phone (800/643-PITT) or in person at the Petersen Events Center ticket office. Current season ticket holders who renew online by March 30 will receive a $10 discount.
“This fall at Heinz Field will be exciting for our team and our fans,” Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson said. “Not only do we have a competitive and exciting group of opponents coming to Pittsburgh, but also a season-ticket package that is very affordable and of great value.”
“Last year’s success has made us a very hungry football team,” Coach Dave Wannstedt said. “We took a big step last year and our program is working very hard to build off that momentum. Each offseason we display the upcoming schedule in our weight room. Seeing nine bowl teams on the wall should provide us with excellent motivation all the way through fall training camp.”
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