Kirk Ferentz knows all about the history and legacy of Penn State football. The head coach of Iowa grew up in Pennsylvania and played linebacker in high school.

During his weekly press conference, Ferentz admitted the Nittany Lions never recruited him. He jokingly referred to having “a chip on my shoulder” as a result but also said the reason he wasn’t recruited is because Penn State was trying to win.

“I carry a chip on my shoulder because they didn’t recruit me,” cracked Ferentz with a smile. “I always joke about that. The obvious reason (why) is they were trying to win. They were trying to win then, they’re trying to win now. They didn’t recruit guys that ran 5-flat 40 (yard dash times) at linebacker that weighed 200 pounds. I’ve forgiven them. It’s 50 years later. I’m over that, I think.

“I’ve always had great respect for the program. It’s always represented what football should be like.”

It eventually worked out with Ferentz going to play at UConn in the 1970s before beginning his coaching career as a GA for the Huskies. He eventually made his way to Iowa in 1981 as the offensive line coach.

As for his first impressions of this year’s Nittany Lions, Ferentz said it’s a team everyone expected to be outstanding and they look that way on film. He also noted their great work in recruiting, something the program takes a lot of pride in.

“We’re playing obviously a good football team. I think everybody expected Penn State to be an outstanding team,” said Ferentz. “After 3 games, that’s certainly what it looks like watching them on film.”