Finally, a reason to be excited for Pitt football

Have you all seen this? Isn't it glorious? When have we, as Pitt fans, been this excited over a team that probably isn't even going to be that good? I'd wager a bet and say never.

There are a lot of things to be excited about concerning this Pitt team. Rushel Shell is going to be "the guy". Paul Chryst is into year two (hopefully he'll get rid of his Andy Reid disease). Tyler Boyd and Dorian Johnson should make an impact as freshmen. And Tino Sunseri won't be the quarterback. There's a lot of good news to look forward to without even mentioning the schedule.

However, the most exciting part of the 2013 season has nothing to do with the Panthers. It has to do with their opponents. Florida State. At home. Monday night. To open the season. Excuse me while I go breathe into a bag. Miami on the day after Thanksgiving? Yes, please. Notre Dame at home? Thank you college football Jesus (and of course by that I mean Steve Pederson). No offense to the Rutgers, South Floridas, UCONNs of the world, but this is what it feels like when you get that really nice pair of work shoes. Once you try them on, you're left wondering what you were missing all these years. You also vow to never go back to those crappy Skechers. Apologies to our Big East brethren, but we're moving on and we couldn't be happier. It's unfortunate to see some teams left behind in the shuffle, but that's the nature of the business nowadays.

So, Pitt fans, use this excitement for some good. Buy those season tickets and fill Heinz Field. Tell your friends. Then measure your own excitement and wonder how the players feel. I expect a ton of effort this season, more so than usual. It's going to be a fun journey. So, enjoy your new pair of shoes and get comfortable...

...until half of the ACC is raided by the Big Ten.