For Pat McAfee, College GameDay is finally coming home.
ESPN announced Sunday that it will be taking its college football morning show to Pittsburgh for the first time in 20 years, ahead of the No. 23 Pittsburgh Panthers’ matchup with the No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This marks the first time GameDay will be in Pittsburgh since 2005, which was also for a matchup against Notre Dame.
The choice is especially notable for McAfee, who joined GameDay as a full-time analyst several years ago. A West Virginia graduate and former Indianapolis Colts punter, McAfee grew up in Plum, a suburb of Pittsburgh.
“Gonna be close to Rivers Casino… gonna have to remain very disciplined or that kick on Saturday is gonna be for $20,” McAfee said on X. “Can’t wait to celebrate the sh*t aht of the city The McAfees hail from. Now speaking of hail. Pitt folks… Let’s get LAHD on Saturday.”
McAfee was in the Steel City this past April for his Big Night AHT, which drew an announced crowd of 12,582 fans at PPG Paints Arena.
Just a couple of months ago, it seemed unlikely GameDay would consider this game. Notre Dame started the season 0-2, while Pitt didn’t carry high expectations heading into the season. However, the Irish have rattled off seven straight wins, and Pitt is now in the hunt for the ACC title.
The highly anticipated game is set to kick off at 12 p.m. ET on ABC.
https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/pat-mcafee-hometown-college-gameday-pittsburgh-notre-dame.html