Pat Narduzzi Downplays Notre Dame Clash, Says ACC Games Take Priority

Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi sparked headlines Monday with an unusually candid response about his team’s next opponent. While fans and analysts are billing this weekend’s matchup with Notre Dame as a defining test, Narduzzi dismissed the notion that it holds major significance for the Panthers’ season. To him, it’s simply a nonconference detour — not a make-or-break moment.

When asked if the No. 10 Fighting Irish represented a must-win scenario, Narduzzi’s answer was firm and unapologetic. “Absolutely not,” he said. “It is not an ACC game. I’d gladly get beat 103 or 110-10 in that game. They could put 100 up on us as long as we win the next two after that.” His comments, first reported by On3’s Tyler Horka, immediately drew attention for their bluntness — and for the striking scoreline reference.

At 7-2 overall and 5-1 in ACC play, Pitt is tied for the conference lead entering a crucial stretch. The Panthers face two pivotal league games after the Notre Dame trip: a November 22 road contest against Georgia Tech and a home finale versus Miami. Those matchups, not Saturday’s high-profile test, will determine whether Pitt’s postseason ambitions stay alive.

Narduzzi’s remarks may sound dismissive of Notre Dame, but they reveal a clear strategy. His priority is positioning the Panthers for an ACC title — and potentially, a spot in the College Football Playoff.

1. Chasing the ACC Crown

For Narduzzi and the Panthers, the math is simple: win out in the ACC, and everything else will take care of itself. Victories over Georgia Tech and Miami would secure Pitt a place in the ACC Championship Game, where a win would guarantee an automatic playoff berth for being among the five highest-ranked conference champions. The ACC race, however, remains crowded. Five teams currently share one conference loss, creating a razor-thin margin for error. Pitt’s lone conference defeat came to Louisville, a team already carrying two losses, keeping the Panthers in a strong position to control their destiny. Every game from here on out carries enormous weight — except, in Narduzzi’s eyes, the one against Notre Dame. That calculus reflects the changing nature of college football’s playoff format. Conference titles now matter more than ever, and for programs like Pitt, the surest route to national relevance runs through league competition. A win over Notre Dame might boost their résumé, but at No. 23 in the rankings, the Panthers would still face an uphill climb toward an at-large playoff bid. Simply put, Narduzzi is playing the long game. The Irish game might deliver headlines; the ACC slate delivers hardware and playoff access.

2. A History That Fuels the Perspective

Narduzzi’s eyebrow-raising “103 or 110-10” comment wasn’t entirely offhand. It references Notre Dame’s recent dominance in the series — the Irish have outscored Pitt 103-10 over their last two meetings, including a 58-7 blowout in 2023 and a 45-3 rout in 2020. Since taking over at Pitt, Narduzzi is 0-4 against Notre Dame. Given that history, some might view his remarks as a form of damage control. Beating Notre Dame would be a morale boost, but the coach’s focus lies in the attainable — securing a conference title and proving his team belongs among the nation’s elite. For Narduzzi, it’s not about the spectacle of South Bend but about staying aligned with the bigger mission. Still, his comments drew mixed reactions. Some fans appreciated his honesty and focus, while others questioned whether publicly devaluing a marquee matchup sends the right message. In a sport where perception often influences rankings, dismissing a top-10 opponent can come across as unwise — even if the logic holds up internally. Regardless, the message to his locker room was clear: the ACC comes first. Every ounce of preparation, even amid the Notre Dame spotlight, is ultimately geared toward the two conference tests that follow.

3. The Stakes Ahead

The Panthers’ next three games will define their season — not just in terms of wins and losses, but in how the team responds to their coach’s vision. A competitive showing against Notre Dame could build confidence heading into the decisive ACC stretch, while a lopsided defeat might test morale. Either way, Narduzzi’s philosophy will be judged by results, not rhetoric. If Pitt can capture the ACC title, Narduzzi’s stance will look like focused leadership. If they falter, critics will point to his comments as misplaced bravado. For now, the Panthers control their path, but the margin for error is slim in a conference packed with parity. Narduzzi’s approach underscores a broader truth about modern college football: every decision, statement, and result is tied to the playoff chase. The Notre Dame game may not decide Pitt’s fate, but it will shape how the team is perceived heading into its defining moments. With two ACC tests looming, the Panthers’ season still hinges on how they perform when the games truly matter.