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Extension for Penn State-Pitt rivalry game could be coming soon
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Four years might not be enough for the Penn State-Pitt series that has resurfaced as one of the top rivalry games in college football.
Right now, the Nittany Lions and Panthers are only slated for head-to-head match-ups through the 2019 season, giving each school two home games in the series. But on Thursday, Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour issued a statement saying that there was a possibility that more games between the programs could be scheduled in the near future.
“As I’ve said many times before, I have strong appreciation for the history and tradition of the Penn State-Pitt series,” Barbour said, via the Centre Daily Times. Since Heather (Lyke)’s arrival at Putt we’ve had conversations about the series. We have to determine how any possible future games might fit with our other scheduling requirements and objectives.”
The two programs reignited the rivalry game in 2016, scheduling four total games. It was the first time the two teams had met on the gridiron in the series since 2000. The first two games of this series has been split, with Pitt winning in 2016 and Penn State getting a victory in 2017.
Penn State-Pitt have won of the most well-balanced rivalries in the sport, with the Nittany Lions holding a 51-43-4 advantage in the all-time series. The two teams met every year from 1935-1990 and was once on of the most intense rivalry games in college football.
Hopefully, for the sport’s sake, Penn State and Pitt can work something out and get this series back to playing nearly every season.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB