Press Release: Pittsburgh Coach Advocates for Rivals’ Return Amid Realignment Changes
In a time when conference realignment and the impending College Football Playoff expansion threaten traditional rivalries, Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi stands out by advocating for the reinstatement of annual matchups with West Virginia and Penn State. These competitive rivalries, rooted in geographic proximity, date back over a century but have been disrupted by recent changes in conference affiliations.
The Backyard Brawl, a longstanding showdown between Pittsburgh and West Virginia, was paused when the teams departed the Big East, but is set to resume this fall after a successful four-year renewal. "Let’s get the Backyard Brawl going again next year," Narduzzi urged during a recent interview on 93.7 The Fan, emphasizing the importance of keeping this intense rivalry alive.
Pittsburgh has faced off against West Virginia three times since renewing their rivalry, each game a nail-biter, including two thrilling one-possession victories in 2022 and 2024. Narduzzi described the intensity of the Backyard Brawl, stating, "There’s a lot of hate in this rivalry… it’s one of the best, if not the best in the country."
The relationship between the Panthers and Nittany Lions has similarly fluctuated, with the teams last meeting from 2016 to 2019 in a series called the Keystone Classic. Despite Penn State emerging with a 3-1 series lead during that stretch, Narduzzi believes annual clashes should continue. "We should be playing West Virginia and Penn State every single year," he declared.
As college football eyes the future amid changing landscapes, Narduzzi’s push for restored rivalries is a hopeful signal for fans eager to see these storied traditions remain an integral part of the sport.
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