Unpopular Opinion: Penn State Football Should Not Play Pitt Annually

By Evan Smith | May 14, 2022

Sep 9, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Pitt 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 9, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin (left) and Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi (right) congratulate each other at midfield following the competition of the game at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Pitt 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason 1 — THE ACC Stinks

The Pittsburgh Panthers play in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and simply, this conference stinks.

Their conference championship game last year was Wake Forest vs Pittsburgh, enough said.

Florida State hasn’t had a winning record since 2017. Miami (FL) hasn’t won a bowl game since 2016, and that was the ‘legendary’ Russell Athletic Bowl. Their one shining star, the Clemson Tigers, fell off the cliff last year after their run of great quarterback play left for the NFL.

Simply put, a mid-level team from the bottom of the power five conference isn’t enough to help Penn State’s profile. Beating the Panthers, even in Pittsburgh, doesn’t move the needle in any capacity with the national media. A win at Heinz Field won’t make up for a loss to Michigan or Michigan State if Penn State is trying to make the College Football Playoff.

Penn State will head to Auburn this upcoming season for a battle with the traditional SEC power, a wiser matchup for the Nittany Lions.

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