University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt's football schedule unveiled for 2015
1/29/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH--Led by new head coach Pat Narduzzi, the Pitt football team will play a 12-game schedule this fall that features eight bowl teams, two foes coming off Top 25 finishes and historic rival Notre Dame.
The Panthers' full regular-season slate was announced today by the Atlantic Coast Conference. Highlights include:
- Six games at Heinz Field, beginning with Narduzzi's head coaching debut in the Sept. 5 opener vs. Youngstown State.
- A Thursday night clash at Heinz with ACC Coastal Division foe North Carolina (Oct. 29). The game will be nationally televised on an ESPN platform.
- The annual regular-season finale against Miami (Nov. 27). Played the day after Thanksgiving and televised on an ESPN platform, this game could have significant Coastal Division implications.
- Additional home ACC games with Virginia (Oct. 10) and Louisville (Nov. 21). Once annual conference foes, the Panthers and Cardinals will meet for the first time as ACC members.
- The return of the classic Notre Dame series to Pittsburgh. The Panthers will host the Fighting Irish on Nov. 7.
- Challenging conference road games at Virginia Tech (Oct. 3), Coastal champ Georgia Tech (Oct. 17), Syracuse (Oct. 24) and Duke (Nov. 14).
- Non-conference road trips to Big Ten foe Iowa (Sept. 19) and ascending Akron (Sept. 12).
Narduzzi will have 17 returning starters at his disposal this fall, including All-America running back James Conner, the reigning ACC Player of the Year, and dynamic wide receiver Tyler Boyd.
"This has been a really energizing month at Pitt and the announcement of our upcoming schedule is one more reason to be excited," Narduzzi said. "It is our goal to make Heinz Field one of the toughest places to play in the country. I really love the passion of our fans and we're looking forward to seeing them out in full force at Heinz this fall."
Ticket packages for the 2015 Pitt football season can now be purchased by calling (800) 643-PITT (7488) or online at PittsburghPanthers.com. Fans can choose from a wide array of options to accommodate as many different ticket preferences and requests as possible. Customizable payment plans are available.
Fans can choose from season-ticket packages for as low as $100, three-game mini-packages as well as single-game tickets. New at Heinz Field this year is the South Plaza Champions Club with premium food and beverage options. Call the Panthers Ticket Office for more information. Current season-ticket holders and Pitt Alumni will get first priority on mini-packages in the South Club.
The Panthers' complete 2015 football schedule:
Sept. 5, Youngstown State
Pat Narduzzi makes his Pitt coaching debut against his hometown team, the YSU Penguins, led by former Nebraska coach Bo Pelini.
Sept. 12, at Akron
The Panthers travel to Akron to face Coach Terry Bowden's improving Zips.
Sept. 19, at Iowa
Upper St. Clair native Kirk Ferentz has led Iowa to 12 bowl games in the past 14 seasons.
Oct. 3, at Virginia Tech*
Pitt has won five of its past six meetings with Virginia Tech, including 21-16 last season.
Oct. 10, Virginia*
The Panthers' late rally fell just short in a 24-19 loss in Charlottesville last year.
Oct. 17, at Georgia Tech*
The Yellow Jackets finished with a No. 7 national ranking after storming to an 11-3 record and Orange Bowl victory in 2014.
Oct. 24, at Syracuse*
The Panthers and Orange have played every year since 1955.
Oct. 29 (Thurs.), North Carolina*
Each of the last three meetings between Pitt and UNC has been decided by a late fourth-quarter score.
Nov. 7, Notre Dame
Drama has ruled recent Pitt-ND series history. The average margin of the past six games has been 4.5 points. Pitt triumphed in the last meeting, 28-21, in 2013.
Nov. 14, at Duke*
Combined score of the past two meetings: 106 to 106. In 2014, Duke outlasted Pitt in two OTs, 51-48.
Nov. 21, Louisville*
Pitt and Louisville meet for the first time as ACC members. The all-time series is tied, 8-8.
Nov. 27 (Fri.), Miami*
The Panthers snapped an eight-game series skid with a 35-23 win at Miami in 2014.
*ACC game
Times and television arrangements will be announced at a later date.
--PITT--
