By R.J. Sepich
Virginia Tech
Although the Panthers and Hokies have only ever met each other 12 times in football, the two schools developed a fierce athletic rivalry as Big East foes in the 1990s and early 2000s. That rivalry will be renewed when Pitt joins Virginia Tech in the Atlantic Coast Conference this year.
Virginia Tech holds a 7-5 edge in the all-time football series against the Panthers, but Pitt has won four consecutive games against the Hokies from Blacksburg, Va.
Pitt will travel to Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium on Oct. 12 for an ACC Coastal Division football battle.
Most Recent Football Matchup: Pitt 35, Virginia Tech 17 - Sept. 15, 2012
Miami
Another former Big East rival that the Panthers will resume annual clashes against is the University of Miami. Like Virginia Tech, Miami left the Big East for the ACC in 2004, temporarily discontinuing yearly matchups with Pitt.
The history books show that the Hurricanes have enjoyed success on the football field against their new Coastal Division foes, boasting a 22-9-1 all-time record against Pitt and winning their last seven encounters with the Panthers.
Pitt football will hope to end its losing streak against Miami when the Hurricanes come to Heinz Field for a much-anticipated regular-season finale on Nov. 29.
Most Recent Football Matchup: Miami 31, Pitt 3 - Sept. 23, 2010
Syracuse
Whether on the football field or the basketball court, there's no lack of familiarity between Pitt and Syracuse. And fortunately for fans and student-athletes alike, the good-spirited athletic rivalry between the two schools will continue as the Panthers and Orange both join the ACC this year.
Although Syracuse enters the Atlantic Division while Pitt joins the Coastal Division, the two schools will continue a football rivalry that has been played every season since 1955 as annual crossover opponents. Coach Paul Chryst's Panthers will hope to improve on their 34-31-3 all-time record against the Orange when they travel to the Carrier Dome on Nov. 23.
Most Recent Football Matchup: Syracuse 14, Pitt 13 - Oct. 5, 2012