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If Pitt needed a favorable launching point for next season, the schedule maker may provide it.
The football team will play five of its first six games at Heinz Field, starting with the nationally televised (ESPN) 105th Backyard Brawl between the Panthers and West Virginia. It’s the first of four games in four seasons between the two schools and the first since 2011.
Coach Pat Narduzzi is eager to experience his first Backyard Brawl, but he’s focused on the game for one basic reason — it’s the first one.
“The first thing I look at is that opener,” he said when asked on the ACC Network what strikes him about the schedule.
The schedule reveal is the start to the 2022 season, he said. “It doesn’t start in August. It starts right now, Feb. 1, which is (Tuesday).”
Pitt owns a 61-40-3 edge against its oldest rival, but West Virginia has won the past three games.
The season’s second game also has special meaning, with Pitt and Tennessee playing the second edition of the Johnny Majors Classic on Sept. 10 at Heinz Field.
Pitt won the first game last season in Knoxville, Tenn., 41-34. It will be the first time an SEC school will play in Pittsburgh.
Come turn Heinz up this season Pitt fans! Can’t wait to see y’all there! #Pitt #H2P pic.twitter.com/DEPu5c6nxF
— Marcus Minor (@AyeeMarcus_) February 1, 2022
Pitt’s only road game in the first seven weeks will be Sept. 17 in Kalamazoo, Mich., against Western Michigan in the rematch of a game that some people believe robbed the Panthers of a shot at the College Football Playoff. Western Michigan won 44-40, one of only two defeats suffered by Pitt in the regular season.
The fourth and final nonconference game will be Sept. 24 against coach Pat Narduzzi’s alma mater, Rhode Island.
Pitt will begin defense of its ACC championship Oct. 1 against Georgia Tech at Heinz Field. It’s the first time in four seasons the Ramblin’ Wreck will play in Pittsburgh. The following week, Oct. 8, Virginia Tech is the guest.
The off week occurs in the middle of the season, giving Pitt a chance to regroup before playing four of its final six on the road.
The road starts at Louisville of the Atlantic Division on Oct. 22. Then, it’s a trip to North Carolina on Oct. 29.
Pitt returns home Nov. 5 to play its permanent Atlantic opponent, Syracuse, for the 68th consecutive season before returning to the Coastal on Nov. 12 at Virginia. The final home game is Nov. 19 against Duke before the regular-season finale Nov. 26 at Miami.
Even before the schedule was released Monday night on the ACC Network, Pitt was opening up eyes across the country. With 18 starters returning, Pitt is mentioned in five Top 25 rankings: The Athletic (No. 11), Athlon (No. 19), Pro Football Network (No. 19), The Sporting News (No. 24) and Yahoo Sports (No. 24).
Not to be forgotten, Pitt’s Blue-Gold Spring Game will be April 9 at Heinz Field.
Jerry DiPaola is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jerry by email at jdipaola@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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