Penn State vs. Pitt is back!

(Pittsburgh) — It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally happening.

In-state rivals Penn State and Pitt will play each other in a football game.  

It’s a noon kick this afternoon at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.  

It’s being dubbed the Keystone Classic and it’s the first of a four-game, home-and-home series between the two teams over the next four years.

Alumni and fans from both sides have been waiting for this this one for a long time.

Nittany Lions Head Coach James Franklin says it’s a rivalry that’s great for the old-timers, but not well understood by current players.

“None of our players have ever played against Pitt and none of our players have ever seen a Penn State-Pitt game in their lifetime.  I don’t think they were watching many games at two, three and four years old,” Franklin said. 

The last time the two teams met was in 2000. Pitt shut-out the Lions 12-0 at old Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh.

The Nittany Lions and the Panthers have played a total of 96-times dating back to 1893.

Penn State has won 50. Pitt has won 42. There have been 4 ties.