Football: Pitt releases 2012 schedule

Lauren Kirschman

Sports Editor

Following an offseason filled with uncertainty, the Big East… Following an offseason filled with uncertainty, the Big East released its 2012 football schedule on Tuesday.

Texas Christian University and West Virginia left the Big East this offseason to join the Big 12, creating openings in the schedules of Big East teams.

Pitt replaced its matchup with TCU with a game against Gardner-Webb, and a contest with Temple — the Big East’s newest member — will take the place of the Backyard Brawl.

The Panthers’ schedule includes six home games and six games against opponents that played in bowl games last season. Cincinnati, Virginia Tech, Louisville, Temple, Notre Dame and Rutgers all played in bowl games last season.

Five games are currently scheduled to be broadcast on national television, including the Big East opener against Cincinnati on Sept. 6.

The Panthers will also preview their future Atlantic Coast Conference schedule with a game against Virginia Tech at Heinz Field on Sept. 15. Pitt and Syracuse are leaving the Big East to join the ACC, a move that could happen as early as 2013.

Sept. 1 Youngstown State 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Cincinnati* 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Sept. 15 Virginia Tech TBA

Sept. 22 Gardner-Webb TBA

Oct. 5 at Syracuse* 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Oct. 13 Louisville* TBA

Oct. 20 at Buffalo TBA

Oct. 27 Temple* TBA

Nov. 3 at Notre Dame 3:30 p.m. (NBC)

Nov. 9 at Connecticut* 8 p.m. (ESPN 2)

Nov. 24 Rutgers* TBA

Dec. 1 at USF* TBA (ABC, ESPN or ESPN2)

*Big East opponenent