Another Look At Pitt-Penn State

Earlier, I mentioned the Pitt-Penn State issue, which is again in the news thanks to Bill O'Brien's recent comments. I gave you my thoughts on renewing the feud on an annual basis and Adam, our assistant editor over at SB Nation Pittsburgh, offered some opinions as well. Be sure to head over and read his article.

His main argument is that the rivalry can't be the same without Joe Paterno. While that's true, I think the claim that neither O'Brien nor Paul Chryst are polarizing characters to the degree of making the series interesting may be a bit off base. I get it - Chryst isn't exactly Mr. Charisma, but it's way too early to determine that he can't have a personality that can stir things up in a Pitt-Penn State rivalry. But more to the point - I think O'Brien, a guy that fought openly on the sidelines with Tom Brady, definitely can add a bit of fire to it.

Rivalries bring out the best (and sometimes, worst) in coaches. Even if hatred isn't there immediately, it can be developed. Even more importantly, it's still Pitt-Penn State. I think the game would be just as heated if Adam and I were the coaches. Sure, the game might be awful to watch, but at the end of the day, it would still be an intrastate rivalry game - and that's all fans care about.

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