Well, you're right about that. Of course, it's Pitt, which is outside the realm of legitimate football schools. At second- and third-tier schools, contrived championships take on greater meaning because there simply isn't a program or alumni base in place that allows the fans to take meaning from winning games during the regular season. Simply put, Pitt isn't Michigan. It has lower standards. Witness, for instance, re-signing Dave Wannstedt to a long term extension, despite that he's shown nothing but an inability to coach at every head coaching job he's ever had, including Pitt. He recruits great classes and coaches them to mediocrity--but is rewarded with a long-term deal!
As I've pointed out repeatedly before (and to which no one has a reply), if winning National Championships is the be all, end all in college football, explain to me why Lloyd Carr was run out of town in Ann Arbor.