Chiffon Allen anyone? For Pitt old-timers, many will never forget the former Pitt cornerback’s 97 yard pick 6 TD return against Houston QB Tyson Helton to preserve a 35-24 Pitt victory versus the Houston Cougars at the old Robertson Stadium on September 13, 1997. Allen also forced a fumble earlier in that game.
Yes, its been 17 years since that play and the the last time Pitt and Houston faced each other on the gridiron. However, they’ll get a chance to get reacquainted on Friday, January 2, 2015 when the two teams will play in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, TX.
Pitt and Houston do not have a long series history, playing only one other time, but they do have a small footnote in college football history. On September 14, 1996, Houston defeated Pitt 42-35 at Pitt Stadium in the first-ever overtime game.
Nonetheless, for the seventh consecutive season and 31st time overall, the Pitt football team will be going bowling.
The ESPN nationally televised game will be played in TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium on January 2 and kick off at noon (ET).
Paul Chryst has led the Panthers to bowls in each of his three seasons. He is the first Pitt coach to accomplish that feat since Jackie Sherrill led each of his five Panthers teams to bowls from 1977-81.
Houston finished 7-5 overall and 5-3 in the American Conference and will probably be without their head coach Tony Levine, who is expected to resign on Monday, December 8th.
For ticket information, contact the Pitt Ticket Office beginning on Monday, December 8, at (800) 643-PITT (7488).