Must-attend sporting events for new students

New students on campus may feel overwhelmed by the number of sporting events Pitt has to offer. It can be difficult to keep track of important games and events. But fear not – The Pitt News has compiled a list of must-watch sporting events for the fall semester. Only the Soccer and volleyball The teams have released their schedules for 2022, so here are some not-to-miss events from these two programs.

Football vs. West Virginia – September 1 at 7 p.m

This game requires little introduction. That 127 years of rivalry returns after one 11 years Pause, which makes for a must-attend event. This will also be the first game of the football program of the season and the first test for the redesigned offense. After losing numerous star players and coordinator Mark Whipple, the reconstructed Panther offense will shine in the bright light of Heinz Field.

The atmosphere of this game will be electric – with West Virginia likely to be well represented in the stands while Morgantown only lies 77 miles from Pittsburgh – hence the nickname “Backyard Brawl” associated with the competition. Both new and returning students cannot miss this historic duel.

Volleyball vs. Louisville — 23 Oct at 1pm

Pitt Volleyball enters the 2022 campaign after a historic season last year. The Panthers narrowly missed a national championship, Loss to Nebraska in the semifinals of the tournament. The program will play its first Test at home against Louisville on October 23. The Cardinals also came close to a national title last season, Loss to eventual champion Wisconsin in the semifinals.

The Cardinals also won the ACC championship last season about Pitt, who took second place. This game will likely decide the ACC championship this season and make for an intense match at Fitzgerald Field House.

Soccer vs. Tennessee — September 10 at 3:30 p.m

Panther Football will immediately follow up their rivalry game against West Virginia with another major test against Tennessee. The panthers narrowly excluded a road win over the Volunteers in an energetic shootout last season, but Tennessee has improved greatly since last season and ranks 24th in the nation ESPN’s far too early poll.

This game also has historical roots – the “Johnny Majors Classic” was coined in memory of the College Hall of Fame coach who guided Pitt to a national title in 1976 before leaving Coach the volunteers. It will also be the first time an SEC opponent played against the Panthers at Heinz Field.

Volleyball vs. Ohio State – September 18 at 1 p.m

Pitt Volleyball meets a tough non-conference opponent in Ohio State. The horse chestnuts are ready No. 11 in the nation last season and Third in the highly competitive Big Ten. State of Ohio fell to Georgia Tech in the third round of the tournament, ending their strong tournament streak.

This game will also be the final non-conference test before the Panthers enter the ACC game. Ohio State is the most competitive team on Pitt’s non-conference roster, making this a must-play for the Panthers.

Football vs. Virginia Tech – October 8, time TBD

Many of the football program’s tough ACC competitions are street games, but Virginia Tech is the most competitive ACC team the Panthers will face at Heinz Field. The Hokies notoriously have excellent defense, and this year will be no different. Virginia Tech will have better setback defense than any of Pitt’s ACC opponents, rank five in conference in total defense last season. With their strong defense, Virginia Tech could slow down the redesigned Panther offensive.

This game could also play a role in the ACC Coastal Race. Virginia Tech usually proves to be a consistent competitor in the ACC Coastal. But with the rise of Pitt’s football dominance last season, the Panthers could prove too much for the Hokies.

Soccer vs Syracuse — Nov 5, time TBD

Many Pitt fans may not know that Pitt has one justified rivalry with Syracuse. This will be the 77th meeting between the two sides, with Pitt leading the streak with 42 wins. Pitt fans shouldn’t sweat this rivalry game too much as the Panthers defeated the Orange last season 17 points. Still, the game will give the Panthers a much-needed visit to Heinz Field amid a difficult ACC road schedule.