Since their first meeting in 1893, the Pitt vs. Penn State football game has been one of the most anticipated rivalries in college football. The two schools are located just 30 miles apart in Pennsylvania, and their fans are known for their passionate support.
The game is also known as the “Battle of the Keystone State” because it is considered to be the most important rivalry in the state of Pennsylvania. The winner of the game is awarded the Keystone Trophy, which is a traveling trophy that is currently held by Penn State.
The rivalry is so intense that it has even been featured in a movie. In the 1993 film “Rudy,” a young man named Rudy Ruettiger dreams of playing football for Notre Dame. After being rejected by Notre Dame, Rudy walks on to the Pitt football team and eventually plays in the Pitt-Penn State game.
Game History
The Pitt-Penn State football game has been played 99 times, with Penn State holding a 52-43-4 record. The two teams first met in 1893, and they have played every year since 1935.
The game has been played at a variety of venues over the years, but the most common location is Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. The game has also been played at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.
Notable Games
There have been many memorable games in the Pitt-Penn State rivalry. Some of the most notable games include:
- 1976: Penn State defeated Pitt 24-23 in a game that was decided by a last-second field goal. The game was played in front of a crowd of 105,000 people at Beaver Stadium.
- 1982: Pitt defeated Penn State 13-7 in a game that was played in a snowstorm. The game was played in front of a crowd of 45,000 people at Pitt Stadium.
- 2007: Pitt defeated Penn State 13-9 in a game that was played in front of a record crowd of 110,000 people at Beaver Stadium.
The Rivalry Today
The Pitt-Penn State football rivalry is still one of the most intense rivalries in college football. The two teams are always competitive, and the games are always played in front of a packed house.
The rivalry is also important for the state of Pennsylvania. The winner of the game is considered to be the state champion, and the game is a source of pride for both schools and their fans.
Key Statistics
- The two teams have met 99 times, with Penn State holding a 52-43-4 record.
- The game has been played at a variety of venues over the years, but the most common location is Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.
- The largest crowd ever to attend the game was 110,000 people in 2007 at Beaver Stadium.
- The most recent game was played in 2022, with Penn State winning 17-14.
Pitt’s Recent Performance
The Pitt Panthers have had a mixed record in recent years. The team went 6-7 in 2021 and 8-4 in 2022. The Panthers are led by head coach Pat Narduzzi, who is in his seventh season at the helm.
Pitt has a number of talented players on its roster, including quarterback Kedon Slovis, running back Israel Abanikanda, and wide receiver Jordan Addison. The Panthers are hoping to improve on their record in 2023 and compete for a berth in the ACC Championship Game.
Penn State’s Recent Performance
The Penn State Nittany Lions have been one of the most successful teams in the Big Ten Conference in recent years. The team went 11-2 in 2021 and 10-2 in 2022. The Nittany Lions are led by head coach James Franklin, who is in his ninth season at the helm.
Penn State has a number of talented players on its roster, including quarterback Drew Allar, running back Nick Singleton, and wide receiver Parker Washington. The Nittany Lions are hoping to improve on their record in 2023 and compete for a berth in the College Football Playoff.
The 2023 Game
The 2023 Pitt-Penn State football game will be played on September 9th at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. The game is expected to be a sellout, and it is sure to be one of the most anticipated games of the college football season.
FAQs
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Who has the most wins in the Pitt-Penn State rivalry?
Penn State has the most wins in the rivalry, with a 52-43-4 record. -
Where is the game played?
The game is typically played at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. -
What is the trophy awarded to the winner of the game?
The winner of the game is awarded the Keystone Trophy. -
What is the attendance record for the game?
The attendance record for the game is 110,000 people, set in 2007 at Beaver Stadium. -
Who is the current head coach of Pitt?
Pat Narduzzi is the current head coach of Pitt. -
Who is the current head coach of Penn State?
James Franklin is the current head coach of Penn State.
Conclusion
The Pitt-Penn State football rivalry is one of the most intense rivalries in college football. The two teams are always competitive, and the games are always played in front of a packed house. The rivalry is also important for the state of Pennsylvania, as the winner is considered to be the state champion. The 2023 game is sure to be another memorable chapter in this historic rivalry.