ESPN College GameDay: Pick Notre Dame at Pittsburgh in Week 11

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I think I speak for all Notre Dame and Pittsburgh fans when I say, "Yes. We want a little zing in our zang-zang."

Like most college cities, we could do without Big & Rich. But if Fowler, Corso, Desmond, and Herbstreit come along, we'll deal with it.

So ESPN, bring College GameDay to Pittsburgh for next week's clash between the Irish and Panthers.

By selecting the November 14 game for a prime-time kick off on ABC, the family of networks already signalled its intentions to make Notre Dame - Pittsburgh its featured match up, should both teams win this weekend.

But that's an indication that ESPN will bring GameDay to Heinz Field. Here are the reasons it should :

Ranked teams

The No. 22 Irish and No. 13 Panthers could both be top-20 BCS programs when they clash next weekend, and represent one of just four pairings of ranked teams in Week 11.

Novelty

Other solid matchups include Iowa at Ohio State, Utah at TCU, and Arizona at Cal.

GameDay has already been to Columbus this season. And by refusing to play November night games, the Big Ten has actively stifled its relevancy and appeal.

ESPN was on hand when TCU rocked BYU in Provo two weeks ago. And to be honest, Notre Dame-Pittsburgh could be more relevant to TCU's BCS chances anyways, as will be explained momentarily.

Arizona at Cal barely even play on Saturday, thanks to a 10:20 pm ET kick.  I think we can safely rule the Bay Area out.

BCS Implications

BCS Bowls are already scouting the Irish , and with a top 14 ranking and a remaining contest against No. 5 Cincinnati, Pittsburgh is very much in the conversation for the Big East's automatic berth.

However, Notre Dame is the BCS linchpin.

If Clausen's Crew is eligible for an at-large selection, some other deserving program is getting left out in the cold.

TCU, if Boise State wins the non-qualifier race, that could be you.

Penn State, if Iowa runs the table, that could be you too.

The Heisman Candidates

Jimmy Clausen is clearly one of the front-runners. But Pittsburgh offers some legitimate under-the-radar candidates as well. Quarterback Bill Stull ranks third nationally in passing efficiency, trailing only Clausen and Kellen Moore of Boise State. And freshman running back Dion Lewis is a downright stud, currently fourth in the country with a 129 yard/game rushing average.

The Coaches

Dave Wannstedt and Charlie Weis are both in their fifth seasons at their respective programs, and have endured varying temperature on the hot seat.

Notre Dame has had more highs and lows under the current regime, but their overall records are fairly comparable. Wannstedt is 32-24 with the Panthers. Weis is 35-23 leading the Irish.

The two have split head-to-head meetings, with Notre Dame dominating in 2005 and Pittsburgh sending the Irish into a late-season tailspin with an overtime victory in South Bend a year ago.

Hard to believe that the Big East began the season without a ranked program. Now the conference has a pair of top-13 BCS teams, and three in the top-25.

The regular season finale between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh will likely decide the Big East championship and the conference's automatic berth. However, next weekend's game against the Irish has broader national implications.

Get the headgear ready at Heinz Field. GameDay's coming to your city.

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