Pitt head coach chimes in on Iowa/Penn State injury-faking debate

Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi is in the unique position of defending in-state rival Penn State and head coach James Franklin.

Iowa accused Penn State players of faking injuries during last weekend’s game, and the two schools have gone back-and-forth since. Franklin even read a 5-minute statement about the situation in his media availability on Wednesday.

Narduzzi — a former Michigan State defensive coordinator — isn’t in agreement with Iowa’s accusation.

Pat Narduzzi on Iowa’s charge of PSU players faking injuries. “I don’t agree with James Franklin on a whole bunch, but, James, I got your back. When you’re not playing a fast tempo offense, a team that huddles, nobody goes down with a cramp. That’s a bunch of baloney.”

— Jerry DiPaola (@JDiPaola_Trib) October 14, 2021

When your rival comes to your side, that speaks volumes.

No. 7 Penn State is on a bye week and will return with a contest vs. visiting Illinois on Oct. 23 (12 p.m. EST/ABC). Penn State leads the all-time series 20-5 vs. Illinois.

No. 2 Iowa will host Purdue on Oct. 16 (3:30 p.m. EST/ABC). Purdue leads the all-time series 49-39-3 and won last season’s meeting 24-20. Iowa’s last victory in the series was a 26-20 win on Oct. 19, 2019.