When Pitt’s offense lined up in the prestigious Heinz Red Zone to try for its second… When Pitt’s offense lined up in the prestigious Heinz Red Zone to try for its second touchdown Saturday, one extremely vocal fan went on a tirade condemning the throngs of people who filled Pitt’s student section. His complaint centered on an issue that generally isn’t raised during Pitt games – the students were too loud.

Despite the Panthers’ disappointing loss, the Texas A’M game marked a very positive point – maybe even a turning point – in the development of the game-day atmosphere at Heinz Field. The overall turnout of the game was somewhere in the neighborhood of an impressive 45,000, and the student section was filled to the brim.

Also making a strikingly large appearance were thousands of maroon-clad Aggie fans. Their reputation for football fanaticism had preceded them into Saturday’s game and they did not disappoint. When mixed with a highly charged section of Pitt fans, the energy ran high.

Panther fans brought a level of enthusiasm Saturday that should silence their critics in the same way it drowned out all other noise at the game. If they come into every game of the season with a similar performance, a new reputation for the Pitt fan section will be solidified.

But at the same time, it’s unfortunate that Pitt’s new wave of school spirit had to burst forth on the fans from Texas A’M. Their good-natured southern charm and loyalty to their team seemed tainted by the often rude and obscene stylings of the Oakland crowd. Plus they brought an amazing band that quickly earned the respect of everyone present, walking onto the field under a rain of jeers and leaving with a standing ovation.

Aside from embarrassing behavior toward the visitors and the unnecessary and unproductive chants of “We want Palko” when Pitt Quarterback Rod Rutherford was struggling, the Pitt student section has finally earned a place among great college crowds. The level of spirit is truly acceptable when the students are so fired up that they forget to tone it down when their own team has to hear plays. But perhaps the true test will come in a few weeks – can they get just as pumped up against a team such as Toledo?