Pitt declines to change date of game

[Papa_Bull]

Pitt declines request to move opening date

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

By Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pitt declined an offer by ESPN and the Big East to move its opener at South Florida to Labor Day. The game will be played at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 .

"We considered the proposal but after looking at the impact it would have on our fans and their travel plans, our training camp schedule and preparation for our home opener [sept. 11], decided it wasn't in our best interest," said Pitt athletic director Jeff Long.

Had the game been moved to Labor Day, Pitt would have been left with only four days to prepare for its home opener with Ohio.

The South Florida game was originally scheduled for Sept. 25th but, at Pitt's request, was moved to the first week of the season because Pitt needed that date to fill out its schedule.

Officials at South Florida were hoping Pitt would return the favor and move the game again, but Long said the two issues are separate.

"South Florida is a good partner and they assisted us by moving the game originally. We're reasonable people and if someone could show us how this would really benefit the long term of the Big East or South Florida, we'd be willing to listen, even if though isn't in our best interest. But nobody has done that."

[smazza]

someone with a brain

why wouldn't pitt agree?

any theories?

USF must be only team in america that would want a game 4pm on labor day

[bulls96go]

great travel plan are back on

[No_Willie_Jokes_Yet]

someone with a brain

why wouldn't pitt agree?

any theories?

USF must be only team in america that would want a game 4pm on labor day

Pitt doesnt want to get spanked at home against Ohio. We on the other hand play the little sisters of the poor and blind academy and could be ready on 4 days notice.

[smazza]

spin anyway you want professor

we should be concerned with a shortened week also

pitt did USF a favor

[NAM37]

spin anyway you want professor

we should be concerned with a shortened week also

pitt did USF a favor

I agree...

The WORST possible scenario is to start the season with 2 loses.... If we DO lose to Pitt (and I hope/pray/think we won't) we will need all the time possibly to prep for the next game.

NAM37

[Ricky the Bull]

I agree...

The WORST possible scenario is to start the season with 2 loses.... If we DO lose to Pitt (and I hope/pray/think we won't) we will need all the time possibly to prep for the next game.

NAM37

Given that our second game is against Tennessee Tech,  I would think that only having 4 days wouldn't change the outcome.

[tbbulls]

agree

[bulls96go]

will they still put it on tv?

could espn move it to sunday or friday?

[dabull80]

Read between the lines "We got plenty of money and we don't want to possibly get embarrased on ESPN against some upstart program"