Cincinnati Bearcats And Pitt Panthers Make Home-And-Home Series Official

The Cincinnati Bearcats and Pittsburgh Panthers have inked a home-and-home series beginning in 2023, which of course was leaked late last year.

UC and Pitt ceased to be rivals other than in the minds of most fans when the Panthers bolted the Big East for the ACC almost four years ago. With them went the battle for the River City Rivalry trophy, a monstrosity if there ever was one, and even though Cincinnati has the fortune (??) of harboring the hardware in the Lindner Center currently, this was a game that needed to get back on the books for the Bearcats.

It’ll be interesting if both schools decide to rehabilitate this rivalry or just let this be a two-off and think nothing more of it. Probably the former because UC has an active marketing department that feeds off games like these.

Regardless, it’s great to see the Panthers back on the schedule, even if the first game seems a lifetime away. Pitt and UC have had some great battles in the past, especially the 2009 miracle at Heinz Field. Despite conference realignment throwing their ugly wrench in the plans, this is a game that needs to happen on a regular basis. It’s good for the teams and fans alike.

Now if only Tom Jurich would pick up the phone…