The ACC has announced that they will not change to a 9-game schedule as they previously said they would when Pitt and Syracuse join in 2013. What does it mean for Pitt?

They did not announce how the 8-games schedule will be restructured, but I hope they do away with the permanent partner [Syracuse] and keep the two crossover games. That way we'd see the other division once every four years. It also balances the conference schedule home/away. We'll need another non-con game for next season [Villanova; Notre Dame @ Navy] and Pitt will probably look for another home game to have seven.

Also part of the announcement was ND will begin the ACC rotation of five games in 2013. It will be interesting to see how they pull that off since Pitt is currently the only ACC team on their schedule. If they do get it done, it likely means their game at Pitt next year will be our first in the rotation. If that's the case - the '14 game @ ND won't happen; the '15 game @ home is doubtful; and '16 @ ND is the next likely time they appear on our schedule. That would also mean the '14 Pitt non-con schedule is set; Home - Delaware; Akron; Iowa Away - Florida International