Whenever College GameDay comes to town, there is added pressure on the hosts to win. Even now, when ESPN’s flagship show will be in Pittsburgh, the fans have already labeled it a “must-win.” This is the sort of game where reputation, rankings, and narratives are all intertwined under bright lights. But the Pitt Panthers HC isn’t exactly feeling the hype and excitement. He’s not buying the “must-win” narrative at all for their clash against Notre Dame.

When asked if Pitt’s game against Notre Dame was a must-win, Narduzzi did not hesitate. “Absolutely not,” he said. “It’s not an ACC game. … They could put 100 up on us as long as we win the next two.” That perfectly captures the HC’s way of thinking. The ACC race is what counts to him. He is not here to pursue moral victories or headlines. It’s also worth noting that his 100-point reply had some historical context.

Pat Narduzzi on if this game is a “must win” for Pitt: “Absolutely not. It’s not an ACC game. … They could put 100 up on us as long as we win the next two.”

— stephen thompson (@stephenethom) November 10, 2025

Pat Narduzzi was making fun of himself as much as he was dodging the heat since Notre Dame has outscored Pitt 103-10 in their last two games. Of course, the Panthers would still like to flip the script. A victory over No. 10 Notre Dame will pay off for those past blowouts. Plus, it would also give Pitt’s chances of making the playoffs a much-needed boost. Still, Narduzzi seems to be focused on the bigger picture.

He knows what’s at stake in those last conference games since Pitt is currently 7-2 and definitely in the running for the ACC championship. Beating Notre Dame gives you more self-assurance. It will be a memorable season if you win the next two ACC games. In any case, Pitt’s coach is betting on the long game. And it’s not just Narduzzi who believes the Panthers could shake things up. Analysts are taking notes. ESPN’s Matt Barrie and Paul Finebaum recently turned the spotlight on Pitt.

Matt Barrie believes Pitt still holds the key to CFP

According to Matt Barrie and Paul Finebaum, the Pitt Panthers are the only team that is operating under the radar and has all the cards in the CFP chaos. The two couldn’t resist drawing attention to Pat Narduzzi’s team on The Matt Barrie Show. “There is one team that could control the entire domino effect of the College Football Playoff that not one person has uttered this team. The Pitt Panthers,” Barrie said.  And he’s right. Pitt’s quiet climb during the season has put them in a position where a few big wins may completely shake up the playoff picture.

When Barrie stated, “Pitt is a team that… has the keys to the rest of the season,” he wasn’t lying. This weekend’s clash with Notre Dame could end the Irish’s chances of making the playoffs before November is even halfway over. “If they get Notre Dame this weekend… Notre Dame in all likelihood at nine and three, they’re not going to get in,” Barrie added. Pitt’s has their next three games against Miami, Georgia Tech, and Notre Dame. And they have all the potential to completely change the ACC landscape and maybe even the national rankings.

But let’s not underestimate Notre Dame here. Marcus Freeman’s Irish moved up to No. 9 in the AP Poll with a dominating 49-10 victory against Navy, and they are favored by 10.5 points going into Pittsburgh. With Pitt’s most recent win coming in 2011 and their heartbreakingly close clash in the double-overtime thriller in 2012, the Irish have recently owned this rivalry. Still, the narrative seems geared for a change as ESPN’s College GameDay approaches and the Panthers are playing their best football of the year.