Pitt Panthers Gear Up for Clash with Cal Golden Bears on National TV

The Pitt Panthers are set to take on the Cal Golden Bears in a highly anticipated Week 7 matchup at Acrisure Stadium. This conference home opener will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, giving the Panthers their fifth nationally televised game in the first six weeks of the season.

Pitt Panthers Poised for Primetime Showdown

Pitt's Impressive National Exposure

The Pitt Panthers have enjoyed an unprecedented level of national exposure to start the 2023 season. This upcoming clash with the Cal Golden Bears marks their fifth nationally televised game in just six weeks, a testament to the team's growing prominence and the excitement surrounding their program. Prior to this matchup, the Panthers have already had the opportunity to showcase their talents on ESPN against formidable opponents like Cincinnati, West Virginia, and North Carolina. While they didn't always land the ESPN broadcast, the team's ability to consistently earn national television slots speaks volumes about their competitiveness and the growing interest in their program.

Cal Golden Bears Seek Upset on the Road

The Cal Golden Bears, newcomers to the ACC, will be looking to pull off an upset on the road against the Panthers. Despite their 3-2 record and 0-2 conference start, the Golden Bears have shown flashes of potential, with impressive wins over UC Davis, Auburn, and San Diego State. However, they've also suffered close losses to Florida State and Miami, the latter of which saw them blow a 35-10 lead in the third quarter before falling 39-38. The Golden Bears' ability to bounce back from that heartbreaking defeat and challenge the Panthers on national television will be a true test of their resilience and determination.

A Storied Rivalry Renewed

The upcoming matchup between Pitt and Cal will mark the first time these two programs have faced each other in nearly 60 years. The last time they met was in the 1960s, with Pitt holding a 3-2 series lead. The Panthers and Golden Bears have a rich history, having played a home-and-away series in the 1950s and early 1960s. While the two schools have not crossed paths in decades, this renewed rivalry promises to be an exciting and hard-fought affair, as both teams look to make a statement on the national stage.

Pitt's Opportunity to Solidify Conference Dominance

For the Pitt Panthers, this game represents a chance to further cement their status as a force to be reckoned with in the ACC. After a dominant start to the season, the Panthers have the opportunity to showcase their talent and depth against a formidable opponent in the Cal Golden Bears. A convincing victory on national television would not only bolster Pitt's conference standing but also solidify their reputation as one of the top teams in the country. The Panthers have already proven their ability to win big games, and this matchup against the Golden Bears presents another opportunity for them to make a statement and assert their dominance in the ACC.

Implications for Both Programs

The outcome of this game will have significant implications for both the Pitt Panthers and the Cal Golden Bears. For Pitt, a win would further strengthen their position as a contender in the ACC and potentially propel them into the national spotlight. A loss, on the other hand, could dampen their momentum and raise questions about their ability to compete with top-tier opponents. For Cal, a victory over the Panthers would be a major coup, solidifying their status as a program on the rise and potentially opening the door for more success in their inaugural ACC campaign. A defeat, however, could be a setback for the Golden Bears, who are still looking to establish themselves as a force in their new conference.