Notre Dame vs. Pitt: Preview, Prediction, TV info and more
By Matt Shetler
The last time the Pitt football team and Notre Dame met, the Fighting Irish had to pull out an overtime victory to avoid an upset and keep their national title hopes alive. This time around, the stakes aren’t nearly as high, but it’s a game both teams need to win nonetheless.
After starting the year 3-1, the Panthers have lost three of their last four games and need to get things straightened out if they want to make a bowl game for the sixth straight season.
Nov 2, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback
Tom Savage(7) on sidelines against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Tech won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Pitt still needs two more wins to become bowl eligible, so winning Saturday night is crucial with North Carolina, Syracuse and Miami on the schedule, which may be a difficult task with a loss.
As for Notre Dame, they won’t be playing for a BCS Championship this season, but still have an outside chance of landing in a BCS bowl. A loss Saturday night would destroy any chances of that.
The Pitt-Notre Dame series is filled with historic moments.
Will Saturday night produce one more classic?
Let’s take a look.
When: Saturday, October 9
Where: Heinz Field
Time: 8:00 pm EST
Watch: ABC
Spread: Notre Dame (-4.5)
Series History:
Series Began: 1909
Series Overall: ND leads 47-20-1
At Pittsburgh: ND leads 26-10-1
At Notre Dame: ND leads 21-10
OT Games: Series tied, 1-1
Last Meeting: Nov. 3, 2012 (Notre Dame 29, Pitt 26, 3OT)
Last Meeting at Pitt: Sept. 24, 2011 (Notre Dame 15, Pitt 12)
Current Series Streak: Notre Dame has won 3 (2010-12)
Longest Pitt Series Win Streak: 3 games (three times, last: 1983, ‘86-87)
Longest Notre Dame Series Win Streak: 11 games (1964-74)
Largest Pitt Victory Margin: 26 points (26-0, 1936)
Largest Notre Dame Victory Margin: 58 points (58-0, 1944)