Pat Narduzzi’s first season on the Pitt sidelines promises to be a tough one.
The ACC released its 2015 football schedule on Thursday and while Pitt’s schedule isn’t the toughest one they have played, it’s much tougher than a season ago.
The good news is that the Panthers won’t see Florida State or Clemson again this season in ACC play.
The bad news is that both Louisville and Notre Dame are back on the Panthers schedule.
All in all, eight of Pitt’s 12 games next season will be against bowl teams from a season ago.
Half of those 12 contests will be at Heinz Field, highlighted by a nationally televised Thursday night tilt against North Carolina on October 29.
In addition to the Tar Heels, the Panthers will also host Youngstown State, Virginia, Notre Dame, Louisville and Miami.
Pitt will face Akron, Iowa, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Syracuse and Duke on the road.
After opening the season against Youngstown State, the Panthers must hit the road for three consecutive games. Five of Pitt’s first seven games will be away from Heinz Field, which could prove challenging for a first-year head coach.
The Panthers will conclude the regular season the day after Thanksgiving at home against Miami, which if the Panthers can win some conference games along the way, could have ACC Coastal Division implications.
Pitt returns 17 starters for Narduzzi’s first season, including ACC Player of the Year James Conner, playmaking wide receiver Tyler Boyd and quarterback Chad Voytik.
Here’s a look at the complete 2015 Pitt football schedule.
Times will be announced at a later date.
Sept. 5, Youngstown State
Sept. 12, at Akron
Sept. 19, at Iowa
Oct. 3, at Virginia Tech*
Oct. 10, Virginia*
Oct. 17, at Georgia Tech*
Oct. 24, at Syracuse*
Oct. 29 (Thurs.), North Carolina*
Nov. 7, Notre Dame
Nov. 14, at Duke*
Nov. 21, Louisville*
Nov. 27 (Fri.), Miami*
(* Denotes ACC Conference game)
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
