This Saturday marks a significant event for the No. 22 Pitt football team as they prepare to host No. 9 Notre Dame in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup kicking off at noon. The excitement surrounding this game has garnered the attention of ESPN’s College GameDay, making its return to Pittsburgh for the first time since the Backyard Brawl’s revival in 2022. Adding to the day’s significance, Pitt will retire the jersey of soon-to-be NFL Hall of Famer and College Football Hall of Famer Aaron Donald during halftime, further underscoring the momentous occasion.
This Saturday also marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most exceptional performances in college football history, highlighting the legendary Pitt running back Tony Dorsett. On November 15, 1975, Dorsett rushed for an astounding 303 yards during a 34-20 victory over Notre Dame. The Panthers will honor Dorsett’s record-breaking performance, celebrating not only his achievements but also the long-standing rivalry and shared history between the two prestigious programs.
Bill Hillgrove, the play-by-play commentator for the Panthers, recounted the pivotal moment in the program’s history when Dorsett’s performance began to place Pitt on the national stage. “That game was the pivot of taking the program from non-relevant to the national stage,” said Hillgrove, reflecting on how Dorsett’s talent helped transform the team’s reputation.
Dorsett’s impact was evident from his freshman year when he led the team to its first bowl game in nearly two decades. His initial encounters with Notre Dame set the stage for a fierce rivalry, culminating in that historic 1975 game. Afterward, Pitt earned a bowl invitation, where Dorsett once again showcased his prowess, further solidifying his status as a college football great.
The Panthers will also remember Dorsett’s performances against Notre Dame in subsequent years, including a memorable game in 1976, where a strategy to slow him down was utilized by the Fighting Irish. However, Dorsett proved to be too much, leading the Panthers to a 31-10 victory while rushing for 181 yards.
Dorsett’s career at Pitt and beyond exemplifies resilience and determination. Drafted into the NFL, he became one of the league’s all-time greats, achieving significant milestones, including being the first player ever to win both the Heisman and a Super Bowl, as well as enshrinement in both the college and professional Hall of Fames.
As the current Pitt team takes the field against Notre Dame this Saturday, running backs Ja’Kyrian Turner, Juelz Goff, and Desmond Reid will be inspired by Dorsett’s legacy. The challenge is steep; Notre Dame enters the game as a double-digit favorite. However, the Panthers, rejuvenated by first-year quarterback Mason Heintschel, have shown significant improvement on both sides of the ball. Hillgrove noted the team’s newfound vigor and the potential for success, stating, “Their special teams are a force to be reckoned with.”
The matchup provides an exciting opportunity for Pitt to earn their first victory against a ranked opponent since the College Football Playoff’s expansion, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and historic day for the Panthers and their fans.