'Their Championship Game:' Pitt-Duquesne Holds Local Importance
It’s been nearly a century since the two Division I college football teams that reside in the City of Pittsburgh have met on the gridiron.
Two schools that sit just over two miles apart that have two of the main city thoroughfares run through their campuses – Fifth and Forbes Avenues — have not played a game of football since 1939.
That will all change when Pitt and Duquesne face each other at Acrisure Stadium to open up each other’s respective 2025 schedules.
“I just think it’s great to play another team from Pittsburgh,” Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said Monday. “Fans aside, I think it’s an opportunity for another Pittsburgh school. I got a ton of respect for Jerry Schmitt. It’s good for them, good for us. Again, short trip for them. So we’re excited.”
It’s hard to imagine that this crosstown matchup was not revived sooner, but when Narduzzi was presented with the idea of playing, he felt it was time.
“Our old athletic director asked, ‘Would you be interested?’ I said, ‘Why not?’ They’re right down the road. We can bring someone from Youngstown or Rhode Island. Why not take care of a school in state, let them have an opportunity to play in their city, for their city? I think it’s a great game,” Narduzzi said.
Although it’s been 86 years and Pitt holds a 5-2 edge in the series, Duquesne still owns to most recent win in the matchup with a 21-13 victory.
Pitt is the lone power conference opponent that Duquesne will face this season, and Narduzzi is expecting an all-out effort from the Dukes.
“Duquesne is a good football team, well-coached. A lot of Pittsburgh guys. Those guys will come into Acrisure Stadium cranked up and play their best game of the year without a doubt. We expect that,” Narduzzi said.
While the Panthers boast 18 players from Western Pennsylvania on their roster, the Dukes field nearly 40 players from around the WPIAL and City League.
This game has a much deeper meaning than any old FCS opponent that has walked into Acrisure Stadium over the years.
“Heck, yeah. There’s no doubt about it. Like I say, they will play their best game,” he said. “They will be cranked up. They get to go play in that stadium, whether they played there in high school in the championship or they’re getting their chance.
“This is their championship game. This is their opportunity to come out and show who they are. No doubt, prove some people wrong.”
Kickoff is set for noon Saturday on the North Shore as Pitt and Duquesne go toe-to-toe in the City Game on grass.
