As ESPN”s College GameDay arrives in Pittsburgh, excitement builds for the showdown between the No. 24 Pitt Panthers and the No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This matchup is widely viewed as a critical game for both teams vying for playoff positions. However, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi does not share the same urgency.
In a press conference, Narduzzi dismissed the notion that this contest is a must-win, focusing instead on the importance of the remaining games in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) against Georgia Tech and Miami after the Notre Dame clash. “Absolutely not,” he said, emphasizing the significance of the ACC games over the Notre Dame matchup.
Narduzzi humorously acknowledged the narrative surrounding his team”s past struggles against Notre Dame, recalling their previous lopsided losses, including a combined score of 103-10 in their last two encounters. He quipped that he would rather suffer a humiliating defeat in this game than lose the upcoming ACC contests. “I”d gladly get beat 103 or 110-10 in that game. They could put 100 up on us as long as we win the next two after that,” he stated.
Despite Narduzzi”s lighthearted approach, the stakes are significant for both teams. With a current record of 7-2, Pitt is looking to strengthen its playoff resume. A win against Notre Dame could provide a significant boost, although the path to the College Football Playoff (CFP) remains challenging. The Panthers are currently positioned to compete for the ACC title, which is considered their best opportunity for a playoff berth.
On the other hand, Notre Dame is under pressure to win all remaining games to maintain their playoff aspirations. With two losses already this season, including one against Miami, the Irish have little margin for error. They will need to rely on Pitt to defeat Miami in two weeks to help their own chances.
As the atmosphere heats up in Pittsburgh, the presence of College GameDay adds to the excitement. Fans are expected to bring their energy, and both teams will be eager to prove their worth on a national stage. For Pitt, this is an opportunity to showcase their potential, while Notre Dame seeks to keep its playoff hopes alive in what promises to be an entertaining college football Saturday.
