The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Pittsburgh Panthers, scheduled to meet in 2016 and 2017, have added two additional games to the series.
Pitt will host Penn State at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on September 8, 2018 and will then travel to face the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on September 14, 2019.
Last year, the two schools announced games at Pittsburgh on Sept. 10, 2016 and at Penn State on Sept. 16, 2017.
Penn State and Pittsburgh have met a total of 96 times in a series that began in 1893. Penn State leads the overall series 50-42-4.
The Nittany Lions and the Panthers last met in 2000 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh with Pitt winning that match up 12-0. Prior to that game, Penn State had won seven games in a row.
“We are excited to extend our upcoming series with Pitt to four consecutive years,” David Joyner, Penn State Acting Director of Athletics stated. “The Penn State-Pitt game was a premier rivalry that was anticipated by college football fans across Pennsylvania and the nation. There are more than 50,000 Penn State alumni and fans in Western Pennsylvania and we look forward to playing in their backyard.”
“It would be hard to find a college football fan anywhere who is not excited about this announcement,” Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson said. “As one of the greatest rivalries in college football history, a further extension of the Pitt-Penn State series is special. I am very appreciative of Dave Joyner’s interest in getting this done and I have really enjoyed our conversations on this and other matters. This is a great day for the players, for the fans and for the entire state.”
“We are thrilled to have the University of Pittsburgh back on the schedule for several consecutive years,” said Coach Bill O’Brien. “Regional rivalries in college football are special. I have been involved in a few as a coach. Penn State versus Pitt is a rivalry rich with history and tradition. We have a great deal of respect for Paul Chryst and the Pitt Panther football program and we are looking forward to competing against them on the gridiron.”
Penn State finished the 2012 season, their first under head coach Bill O’Brien, 8-4 overall and 6-2 in the Big Ten. However, the Nittany Lions are ineligible for a post-season bowl game.
Pittsburgh is heading to the 2013 BBVA Compass Bowl after finishing 6-6 (3-4 Big East) under first-year head coach Paul Chryst.
Football Schedules:
Now, if we could only get this game moved to the last week of the season. The ACC and SEC allow their teams to schedule out of conference in-state foes that week, so why doesn’t the Big Ten?
hear that bro. cant wait 2 see pitt beat psu!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Didn’t Iowa and Iowa State used to play each other the last game of the season?
Penn State and Pitt should play every season, period. One of the best rivalry games in ALL of CFB. Can’t wait !! ( hope I am alive in a few years haha )