Yesterday was the ACC football coaches teleconference. Coach Pat Narduzzi was asked about the possibility of the Backyard Brawl returning. This was based on comments made by WVU’s new AD speaking on the topic.
Narduzzi gave the standard type of answer. Respecting the history. Speaking positively of such a game…
“Obviously, you love to have those rivalries, and West Virginia is a great team in a great conference,” Narduzzi said. “We want to play the best. So we’re always going to schedule some of the best opponents we can and really embrace future and past rivalries.”
…but making no commitment.
“That’s something the new AD will have to answer,” Narduzzi said Wednesday. “We will have those conversations when he gets here and with chancellor (Patrick) Gallagher, as well.
I don’t know if its related, but there have been lots of tweets and rumors that Pitt will be announcing the new AD today. Not sure one way or another, but since we are nearing the start of the dead time, why not?
Open thread on the AD stuff. Hopefully there will be real news.
And if not, there is the topic of the Backyard Brawl and the non-con. On the matter, I can’t help but think that it would be nice to have some sort of round-robin in the non-con. A way to rotate partners for the schedule. Say, Syracuse and Pitt from the ACC with PSU and WVU. Rotate home-and-homes with each. As much as I prefer the idea of annually battling the Nits, I like the Brawl. It’s good to have hate.
More than ever we need to own WPA since there are fewer elite players. A while ago someone posted the map showing spheres of influence of college teams, ours was very small, we need to expand the brand. Franklin is aware of it, that is why he poached the two kids, even though they probably won’t play for him.
This is another reason why a full-time ACC network matters, and local coaches shows that are on once a week all year long.
All over Pennsylvania, Ohio and WV, kids grow up wanting to play for their respective state schools. We are land-locked, and need to expand our territory. We also need to improve our National recognition, that is why an ACC network is paramount. This is where the relationship with the Steeler’s is important, Steeler’s Nation is worldwide. At least kids have heard of Pittsburgh if they are into pro football.
We need an AD that is a marketing genius.
Chris Peak retweeted
Matthew Steinbrink @MattSteinbrink · 11h 11 hours ago
Pitt should be announcing their new athletic director tomorrow.
link to pittblather.com
@ JoeKnew, you are absolutely right once the PSU series resumes the frenzy will require the game to be an annual event. With the PSU series at least sanity will prevail as to fan behavior, we don’t like each other but their is respect for each other, unlike with WVU where personal safety is always an issue.
I hope our fans always treat opposing fans with respect and show them the best time possible when they visit Pittsburgh.
The Backyard Brawl is dead, it means nothing since we are in different conferences. We play PSU for the championship of PA, always nice to be State Champions.
I think the TV money would be very good, you could rotate from Pgh to Philly, year to year. Play for the Governor’s Cup Trophy
Maybe you lose a home game, maybe you don’t get this, or don’t get that….blah, blah, blah
Do something creative, out of the box as they say.
Pitt
Duquesne
Robert Morris
Penn State
Villanova
Temple
St. Joe’s
LaSalle
Penn
Fantastic!!! Fri, Sat, Sun.. One weekend.
I’m sure there are too many reasons “not” to.
Was at the Pitt-UCLA game in the Steel Bowl, back in the day.
I think it would sell out in Pittsburgh or Philly, the Hotels and Restaurants would love it. Not Maui or the Bahamas, but why not keep the money here.
Fun idea…
Unfortunately, I don’t think Pitt gets past the 1st game – not hating, just may be an accurate prediction, given the current state of our BB program…
You must be a young guy to think WVU is the ONLY true rival for Pitt. PSU and even Notre Dame were always bigger games when Pitt had all 3 schools on the schedule at the same time. The PSU game always excited the fans and ALWAYS impacted recruiting. WVU did nothing for Pitt and won’t benefit Pitt in the future. I live less than an hour from Morgantown and won’t (can’t) safely attend a Pitt game there. While I travel to at least 3 road games every year all over the country. To Mr. Barnes please no WVU games.
Who out of that murderers row are you afraid of?
Pitt hasn’t lost to Duquesne in many years. Robert Morris? I am fairly sure that has never happened. Pitt beat PSU just last year. Nova is probably the only Philly team that would be favored to beat Pitt out of the five. Especially if the game is outside of Philly.
Some of you guys really need to come down off the ledge.
