So for any of you who are unaware, the Pitt-Penn State rivalry has been going on since 1893... a very long time. It is one of biggest football rivalries in the North, but it has been some time since both universities’ football teams have played against each other. The last game was 16 years ago. Of course, the better team won 12-0, which is Pitt for any of you skeptics out there. Anyway, as a freshman at Pitt, I’m happy that for all of my four years here the rivalry is renewed. That means that I get four years of trash talking my PSU friends (insert insult here).
As a student here, the few days leading up to the game has generated a different vibe on campus. Here are some ways that you know that Saturday isn’t any normal day.1. Traffic.
I know that Pitt’s campus is in a city, but there has been an obvious increase in traffic flow. It is especially evident when I try to walk across the street and no one stops for me, a crippled pedestrian. Definitely Penn State people.
2. A lot of Pitt vs. Penn State t-shirts.
Not only that, but all of our merchandise stores are packed with students, parents, and alumni trying to buy last minute Pitt gear. It’s cool, but when they run out of my size in a shirt I want, it’s not cool anymore.
3. Pitt vs. Penn State Snapstory.
Everyone is on a mission to get on the story, my floor and me included. So that means that crazy things are happening. Car smashing in the quad? Totally normal.
4. Trash talk.
This is obvious. Both students have a lot of pride for their respective school. However, when PSU students try to insult Cathy, they look like idiots. You can’t trash talk Cathy, it’s the second tallest academic building in the Western Hemisphere. All Penn State has is the creamery, Old Main, and frat houses. They got nothing on her.
5. A lot of extensive planning.
Trying to figure out where to go before the game is on everyone’s mind. Unlike Penn State students, we actually have a choice to go to the game because it's in our backyard. Perks of being the home team.
6. Last minute scramble for tickets.
Thanks to the lovely Penn State alumni, our Pitt students cannot buy affordable tickets. How thoughtful! Typical Penn State behavior.
7. Foreigners (AKA PSU fans) on our campus.
Just leave. I know our campus is more interesting than yours, but you aren’t welcomed here this week or any week after. If you daring Penn Staters decide to not take heed of my advice, don’t wear your logo because you’re just asking for trouble. Just a word to the wise. You don't even go here!
8. Stricter Administration.
As it seems, students can’t buy tickets off of each other because security is amped up. I guess that’s an excuse to stay at the tailgate longer.
9. Parents decide to come see the game (I mean their children).
Each student has different opinions about their parents visiting them. For me, I see it as an opportunity to make them buy me Pitt stuff and take me out for food that I don’t have to pay for myself. Can Pitt and Penn State play each other more often please?
10. The overall vibe is electric.
Rain or shine, everyone here is ready to hunt some lions. The excitement is contagious; everyone knows who Pitt is playing for once. Even the professors mention the game. That’s how you know.
Like most of the Pitt student body, I am ready to sing Sweet Caroline after the 3rd quarter with pride. Both schools have been waiting 16 years for this. Let’s go Pitt!!!
