So, road game to UCF this fall. On ESPN. And Pitt put at an additional competitive disadvantage.

Schedule-makers at both schools had agreed to adjust an Oct. 14 game to Thursday or Friday to accommodate TV but only on the condition that both schools had the same number of days off before the game. One problem: A miscommunication between Conference USA and the Big East, both of which coordinate their schedules after TV partners weigh in, has left Pitt in a competitive disadvantage.

The Golden Knights have an Oct. 4 (Wednesday night) game at Marshall, then have eight days off before playing Pitt. The Panthers play a noon home game against Syracuse on Oct. 7; that gives them just five days off.

The two-day difference did not escape Pittsburgh’s attention for long. Within a couple of weeks of UCF’s Feb. 9 announcement, Pitt Athletic Director Jeff Long fired off a letter to UCF expressing his frustration for a breach of trust.

UCF officials acknowledge Long’s point, saying Knights Coach George O’Leary never would have agreed to the game if he knew of the disparity.

Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, its disappointment probably won’t carry the day because ESPN is involved. If the Panthers take a hard line and say they won’t come to Orlando unless some changes are made, well, then they might not come at all. The Big East, C-USA and ESPN then would have to find a game for UCF.

I’m not sure which is worse. The fact that UCF is going to get over, because Pitt would also have to find another game for that day, which is possible since it would be a roadie. (Probably be able to work out a nice return game in a couple years from a decent school. Hmmm…. But I digress.) Not to mention that Pitt would lose an appearance on ESPN.

Or the fact that Pitt does need to have some concern over the competitive disadvantage to the University of Central Florida.

Not good.