Pittsburgh Panthers cancel 2014 spring game

Oct 12, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; A Pittsburgh Panthers helmet lays on the sidelines during the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pittsburgh Panthers have decided to cancel their annual spring game in 2014 in favor of holding a 15th and final practice. Pittsburgh head coach Paul Chryst made the announcement on Thursday night.

“The thinking behind that is to get one more good work day out of (the players),” Chryst told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “Most if not every spring game you end up really sacrificing a lot.

“These days are really valuable for us. I’m not in a hurry to get through spring ball, and I want to maximize every day with it.”

Teams are allowed up to 15 practices in the spring, but the spring game counts as one of those practices if it is held. By doing away with the game, Pitt can focus on getting in a legitimate practice and finding a way to milk every minute out of spring ball to prepare for the up coming season.

Home/NFL