The University of Pittsburgh Panthers football team has a rich history dating back over 130 years, filled with memorable victories, iconic players, and fierce rivalries. As one of the oldest and most successful programs in college football, the Panthers have left an indelible mark on the sport, producing numerous Hall of Famers, All-Americans, and NFL stars.
Key Victories in Pitt Football History
Throughout their storied history, the Pittsburgh Panthers have been a part of many unforgettable games and have secured countless crucial victories. Here are a few of the most significant wins in Pitt football history:
1976 National Championship Season
The 1976 season was indeed magical for the Pitt Panthers as they went a perfect 12-0 and won the national championship. Some key games in that title run:
- In the season opener, #9 ranked Pitt went on the road and upset #11 Notre Dame 31-10, announcing themselves as national title contenders. Tony Dorsett rushed for 181 yards and 2 TDs.
- The Panthers kept rolling, moving up to #2 in the polls with big wins over Georgia Tech (42-14), Miami (36-19), and Navy (45-0).
- On November 26th, #1 ranked Pitt hosted #16 Penn State at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. In a driving rainstorm, the Panthers intercepted 3 passes and Dorsett ran wild in the second half to lead Pitt to a 24-7 victory. This win clinched an undefeated regular season.
- In the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, Pitt faced #5 Georgia with the national title on the line. The Bulldogs focused on stopping Dorsett, but QB Matt Cavanaugh threw for 192 yards and the Pitt defense was dominant in a 27-3 rout to secure the championship. Dorsett still managed to run for 202 yards and a TD.
1982 Sugar Bowl: Pitt 24, Georgia 20
The 1982 Sugar Bowl was another classic Pitt-Georgia matchup. The Panthers were led by star QB Dan Marino. Some key details:
- Pitt jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on two Marino TD passes. But Georgia clawed back to take a 20-17 lead in the 4th quarter.
- Facing a 4th and 5 at the Georgia 33 yard line with under a minute left, Pitt coach Jackie Sherrill initially sent out the field goal unit to try to tie the game. But after a timeout, Marino convinced Sherrill to go for the win.
- Marino then hit a streaking John Brown in stride down the middle of the field for the game-winning 33-yard TD with just 35 seconds left. It was a gutsy call and throw to cap a dramatic Pitt victory.
2007 Backyard Brawl: Pitt 13, West Virginia 9
The 2007 upset of West Virginia, known as “13-9”, is one of the most famous wins in Pitt history. The Mountaineers were 10-1, ranked #2 and could clinch a spot in the BCS title game with a win. Pitt was just 4-7. But the Panthers stunned their rivals in Morgantown.
- Pitt’s defense harassed WVU QB Pat White all game, holding the explosive Mountaineer offense to just 183 total yards.
- Pitt took a 10-9 lead early in the 4th quarter on a 20-yard TD pass on 4th down from QB Pat Bostick to WR Maurice Williams.
- The Panthers sealed the huge upset when RB LeSean McCoy (who had 148 rush yards) scored on a 1-yard TD run with under a minute left.
- When WVU’s final pass fell incomplete, Pitt had pulled off one of the greatest spoiler upsets ever, denying the Mountaineers a chance to play for the national title. Pandemonium ensued as Pitt fans stormed the field in Morgantown.
So in summary, these three victories – the 1976 Sugar Bowl to win the national title, the 1982 Sugar Bowl on Marino’s late heroics, and the massive 13-9 upset in 2007 – are some of the most memorable and significant wins in the proud history of Pitt football. From national championships to thrilling comebacks to playing spoiler against a hated rival, these games had it all.
Legendary Players in Pitt History
The Pittsburgh Panthers have produced numerous legendary players throughout their history, many of whom have gone on to have successful NFL careers. Here are a few of the most iconic players to wear the blue and gold:
Tony Dorsett
Tony Dorsett, a running back who played for Pitt from 1973 to 1976, is arguably the greatest player in Panthers history. Dorsett won the Heisman Trophy in 1976 after rushing for 2,150 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading Pitt to the national championship. He finished his collegiate career with 6,082 rushing yards, a record that stood for over two decades. Dorsett went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos.
Dan Marino
Quarterback Dan Marino, who played for Pitt from 1979 to 1982, is another Panther legend. Marino set numerous school records during his time at Pitt, including career marks for passing yards (8,597) and touchdowns (79). His 1981 season, in which he threw for 2,876 yards and 37 touchdowns, remains one of the greatest single-season performances in college football history. Marino went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Miami Dolphins, setting numerous NFL passing records.
Larry Fitzgerald
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who played for Pitt from 2002 to 2003, is one of the most talented players to ever don the blue and gold. In just two seasons with the Panthers, Fitzgerald caught 161 passes for 2,677 yards and 34 touchdowns, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2003. He went on to become one of the greatest receivers in NFL history with the Arizona Cardinals, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and setting numerous league records.
Hugh Green
Defensive end Hugh Green, who played for Pitt from 1977 to 1980, was a dominant force on the Panthers’ defensive line. Green was a three-time consensus All-American and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1980, a rare feat for a defensive player. He recorded 460 tackles and 53 sacks during his Pitt career, earning him the nickname “The Terminator.” Green went on to have a successful NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins.
Intense Rivalry Games
The Pittsburgh Panthers have been involved in several intense rivalries throughout their history, with games against these opponents often carrying significant stakes. Here are a few of the most notable rivalry games in Pitt football history:
Backyard Brawl: Pitt vs. West Virginia
The Backyard Brawl between Pitt and West Virginia is one of the fiercest rivalries in college football, dating back to their first meeting in 1895. The proximity of the two schools, separated by just 75 miles, and the fact that they often compete for the same recruits, adds to the intensity of the rivalry. Some of the most memorable moments in the Backyard Brawl include:
- In 1970, West Virginia led 35-8 at halftime, but Pitt switched to a Power-I offense and rallied with four touchdowns in the second half to upset the Mountaineers 36-35. This game was later referred to by West Virginia coach Bobby Bowden as his “darkest day in coaching”.
- In the 2007 edition of the Backyard Brawl, the 4-7 Panthers stunned the No. 2 ranked Mountaineers 13-9, denying West Virginia a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. The game, known simply as “13-9,” had national ramifications and is considered one of the biggest upsets in the series history.
Other notable games in the rivalry include a 31-31 tie in 1989, a 41-38 triple-overtime victory by Pitt in 1997, and a 16-13 Pitt win in 1982.
Pitt vs. Penn State
The rivalry between Pitt and Penn State, often referred to as the “Keystone Classic,” dates back to 1893 and has been played 100 times. The series has been characterized by periods of dominance by each school, with Pitt winning 14 straight from 1922 to 1938 and Penn State winning 10 in a row from 1966 to 1975. Some of the most significant games in the Pitt-Penn State rivalry include:
- In 1976, undefeated and No. 1 ranked Pitt defeated No. 16 Penn State 24-7 at Three Rivers Stadium en route to winning the national championship. Tony Dorsett, in his Heisman Trophy-winning season, rushed for over 200 yards and three touchdowns in the game.
- In 1981, No. 1 ranked Pitt, led by Dan Marino, jumped out to a 14-0 lead over No. 11 Penn State. However, the Nittany Lions stormed back to win 48-14, costing Pitt a chance at the national title.
- The rivalry was renewed in 2016 after a 16-year hiatus, with Pitt upsetting Penn State 42-39. However, Penn State won the next two meetings in 2017 and 2018.
Pitt vs. Notre Dame
While not a traditional rivalry, the games between Pitt and Notre Dame have often been competitive and hard-fought. The two schools have met 71 times, with Notre Dame holding a 49-21-1 advantage. Some notable games in the Pitt-Notre Dame series include:
- In 2013, Pitt rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to upset No. 24 Notre Dame 28-21 at Heinz Field.
- The 2008 and 2009 meetings were both close, high-scoring affairs. In 2008, Pitt won 36-33 in four overtimes at Notre Dame Stadium. The following year, Notre Dame returned the favor, winning 27-22 in Pittsburgh.
- In 2020, No. 3 ranked Notre Dame dominated Pitt 45-3 at Heinz Field en route to an undefeated regular season and a College Football Playoff berth.
The intense rivalries with West Virginia, Penn State, and the competitive series with Notre Dame have produced many memorable moments and significant games throughout Pitt’s football history. These matchups often carry high stakes and showcase the passion and tradition associated with college football rivalries.
The Legacy of Pitt Football
The Pittsburgh Panthers football program has left an indelible mark on the sport, with a legacy that extends far beyond the confines of the university. Pitt’s success on the gridiron has helped to shape the identity of the city of Pittsburgh, a town known for its toughness, resilience, and blue-collar work ethic.
The Panthers have produced numerous legendary players, coaches, and moments that have become part of college football lore. From Tony Dorsett’s Heisman Trophy-winning season to Dan Marino’s record-setting career, from the dominance of the “Steel Curtain” defense to the stunning upset victories over rivals, Pitt football has consistently been at the forefront of the sport.
The program’s influence can be seen in the numerous Pitt players who have gone on to have successful NFL careers, including Hall of Famers like Mike Ditka, Joe Schmidt, and Curtis Martin. The Panthers have also produced several legendary coaches, including Pop Warner, Jock Sutherland, and Johnny Majors, who have helped to shape the game of football at all levels.
As the Pittsburgh Panthers continue to compete in the ACC, one of the nation’s toughest conferences, the program remains committed to building upon its storied legacy. With a passionate fan base, top-notch facilities, and a roster of talented players, Pitt football is poised for continued success in the years to come.
The legacy of Pitt football is one of excellence, toughness, and resilience. It is a program that has consistently produced great players, memorable moments, and intense rivalries, all while representing the city of Pittsburgh with pride and distinction. As the Panthers write new chapters in their storied history, one thing remains certain: the blue and gold will always hold a special place in the hearts of college football fans everywhere.
