After Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke told the Canton Repository that Pitt was close to finalizing a contract offer to extend its series with Penn State past 2019, Nittany Lions Athletic Director Sandy Barbour responded to reports about the intrastate rivalry series.

"As I’ve said many times before, I have strong appreciation for the history and tradition of the Penn State-Pitt series. Since Heather’s arrival at Pitt we’ve had conversations about the series," Barbour said in an emailed statement to The Daily Collegian. "We (Penn State) have to determine how any possible future games might fit with our other scheduling requirements and objectives."

Barbour seemed to indicate the extension is probably in the works, but isn't too close to being finalized yet. While Lyke could be right about Pitt finalizing a contract offer, it still would have to be accepted by Barbour and Penn State before the two teams can move forward with their series.

There are two scheduled contests remaining between Penn State and Pitt (in Pittsburgh in 2018 and at Beaver Stadium in 2019) before the current series expires. The final of the two games will mark the 100th time the two programs will meet.

The Nittany Lions still have two non-conference games to schedule in 2020 and one to schedule in 2021. Should a new deal be inked before Penn State fills these slots, it's possible the two teams could meet for another home-and-home series.

However, with the emphasis the College Football Playoff selection committee places on strength of schedule, it may not be in Penn State's best interest to play Pitt every season, given it has only three non-conference games on its schedule. This is probably what Penn State and Barbour will be deciding should Lyke and Pitt send over a contract extension for the series.