Factoid 390 - Joseph Thompson’s undefeated 1910 team; why does Pittsburgh not claim this as a National Championship?

In 1910 Joseph Thompson coached the Pittsburgh Panthers to a 9-0 undefeated season. That year Harvard (8-0-1) was awarded the National Championship by most polls. The National Championship Foundation awarded Pittsburgh the championship. Pittsburgh does not recognize this championship.

In 1910 Pittsburgh did not surrender a point. No one scored on them. Their closest game was an 11-0 victory of Penn State. That same year Harvard tied Yale (0-0) and also had a stellar defense giving up only five points all season. Nonetheless, there is no reason Pittsburgh shouldn’t claim this National Championship, especially since they had a perfect record with only wins and no ties or losses. Actually, isn’t going unbeaten and unscored on the definition of a perfect season?