Just like Boston College on Thursday, Pitt has joined the group of teams who will decline bowl bids despite the fact they likely would have been invited.
Pitt made the announcement on Friday, opting to stay home instead of partaking in a post-season bowl.
“Our football student-athletes’ sacrifice and commitment have been extraordinary,” Pitt athletics director Heather Lyke said in a statement. “We are thankful and proud of how they handled the past six months and want them to have a well-deserved restful holiday season with their families and loved ones.”
Pitt’s season ended Thursday night with a win at Georgia Tech.
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said the following after the announcement:
“In my three decades as a coach, I’ve never been around a group of players who have faced greater challenges beyond the field than our team this year,” sixth-year Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said. “And yet, from the time they arrived back on campus in early June, these young men never wavered – not in the face of rigorous health protocols, multiple rounds of COVID testing each week or while handling the mental and physical challenges of playing 11 games in a pandemic.
“I’ve always been proud to be Pitt’s head football coach. That pride was especially great in working with this 2020 team. They have my eternal gratitude and respect.”
Pitt finished the season 6-5 overall and 5-5 in ACC play.