The 1934 Pittsburgh Panthers football team, coached by Jock Sutherland, represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1934 college football season. The Panthers finished the regular season with eight wins and a single loss and were considered the champions of the East. According to a 1967 Sports Illustrated article, Parke H. Davis, whose selections from 1869–1933 are recognized as "major" in the official NCAA football records book, named Pitt as one of that season's national champions, along with Minnesota, six months after his death on June 5, 1934. The article contained a "list of college football's mythical champions as selected by every recognized authority since 1924," which has served as the basis of the university's historical national championship claims, with the legendary Davis having been the only major selector for three of them, including the posthumous 1934 pick.
The 1915 team was selected or recognized as national champion by multiple selectors, of which Parke H. Davis' selection is recognized as "major" by the official NCAA football records book. College Football Data Warehouse also recognized Pitt as 1915's national champion, as did a "list of college football's mythical champions as selected by every recognized authority since 1924," printed in Sports Illustrated in 1967. The article revealed that Parke Davis' selection of Pitt after he was dead was the historical basis of the university's 1934 national championship claim, a selection that is not documented in the official NCAA football records book. These are the selectors that determined Pitt to be national champion in 1934, according to College Football Data Warehouse: However, there are 41 selectors who chose Alabama and Minnesota as national champions for 1934, including numerous "major" selectors. After the death of Davis in June, 1934, Walter R. Okeson became the editor of the annual Spalding's Official Foot Ball Guide, which Davis had previously edited. In the Guide, Davis had compiled a list titled, "Outstanding Nationwide and Sectional Teams," for the seasons from 1869 onward. For several years, Okeson continued to add annual selections to this list, described as "Originally Compiled by the late Parke H. Davis." The 1935 Guide stated, in Okeson's review of the 1934 season, "Minnesota — Undefeated and untied, team was generally conceded to be national leader," and "Pittsburgh — Defeated only by Minnesota, team was generally rated as strongest in East." Okeson listed both schools as "Outstanding Nationwide Teams" for 1934.
All-Americans
Charles Hartwig, guard, Pitt's team captain. The following season his picture was put on a Wheaties cereal box for being a football hero. He battled back from an injury that caused him to miss his entire sophomore year. A media guide referred to him as a brilliant defensive player and workmanlike on offense. He was a Panther standout in the 1933 Rose Bowl. Played the 1935 East–West Shrine Game.
George Shotwell, center became an All-American for his offensive line play in 1934. He was highly regarded for his all-around skills. Shotwell was an intelligent football player known as a keen diagnostician of plays. "I have never seen his superior in this respect, and only a coach knows how valuable this quality is," Coach Jock Sutherland said.
Isadore Weinstock, fullback, a smart and aggressive fullback who became an All-American in 1934. He was known as a crack ball-handler, especially on trick plays such as double passes and fake reverses. Weinstock was a fine blocker and also played defensive back, kicked extra points and handled kickoff duties. After suffering a broken nose he became one of the first players to wear a face mask. He led the Panthers in scoring in 1934 with 63 points. After Pitt he went on to the NFL, where he played three seasons at quarterback for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
