Pitt 28 - Notre Dame 21

As Len Martin and I were walking into Heinz Field last night, we had a conversation that boiled down into two main points.  One, that we hoped for a competitive game, and two, neither of us could remember that last time Pitt football posted a meaningful win, or a "signature" win.  There certainly had not been such a win in Paul Chryst's brief tenure as Pitt Head Coach, and wouldn't be something if such a win could possibly happen against Notre Dame?

Well, Pitt fans got both of those wishes last night with that 28-21 win over Notre Dame, and it was a well earned, well executed (for the most part) win over a team that no doubt has superior talent.  I am happy for Pitt, but I will take no more pleasure over this win than I would over any win over a strong, nationally ranked team.  One of the best young men I know is a Notre Dame graduate, and I'm sorry for him and his family, so there will be no hatin' on the Irish from this corner, as I enjoy the aftermath of Pitt's win.

I also have to say that the atmosphere at Heinz Field was really good last night.  It was a chilly but beautiful night. The stadium was sold out (although there were a number empty seats) and as you would expect, a large portion of the crowd was rooting for Notre Dame, but I saw no ugly incidents among the fans, unlike what people who may be dressed in Buffalo Bills garb may experience today at Heinz Field.  Do you think that that might possibly be because no beer is sold during the Pitt games?  Lots of tailgating pre-game with both Panthers and Fighting Irish fans pleasantly co-mingling.  The Pitt band was in great form, and the Pitt student body wass spirited and pretty much remained in the Stadium until the final gun.  And I have to say that Pitt really does a nice job in "presenting" the college football experience at Heinz Field.

So congratulations to coach Chryst and his Panthers.  In a season that has been mostly "meh", they delivered a big win last night against a quality opponent.  Panthers fans can only hope that this will be a nice stepping stone into the future.