The Pitt men’s football team released its 2011 schedule Friday. The upcoming slate of games… The Pitt men’s football team released its 2011 schedule Friday. The upcoming slate of games includes eight-of-12 contests at Heinz Field.

The Panthers will also play five games on national television in new head coach Todd Graham’s first season with the team.

“This is a very challenging schedule but also a schedule that will provide us with great opportunity to achieve special things,” Graham said in a news release. “From a fan perspective, it is exciting to have eight games at Heinz Field and we’re looking forward to a strong home field advantage.”

           Sept. 3                     Buffalo                                                    TBA

                                        Sept. 10                   Maine                                                      TBA

                                        Sept. 17                   @Iowa                                                     TBA

                                        Sept. 24                   Notre Dame (ABC, ESPN or ESPN2)     TBA

                                        Sept. 29 (Thurs.)     USF* (ESPN)                                          8 p.m.

                                        Oct. 8                       @Rutgers*                                               TBA

                                        Oct. 15                    Utah                                                        TBA

                                        Oct. 26 (Wed.)        Connecticut* (ESPN)                              8 p.m.

                                        Nov. 5                     Cincinnati*                                             TBA

                                        Nov. 12                   @Louisville*                                           TBA

                                        Nov. 25 (Fri.)          @West Virginia* (ABC, ESPN or ESPN2)      TBA                                

                                        Dec. 3                      Syracuse* (ABC, ESPN or ESPN2)        TBA