Pat Narduzzi laughs when he learns which in-state opponent Penn State scheduled
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi hasn’t been quiet about his dislike for Penn State. The back-and-forth between the two programs over the last few years has left both sides wanting to reschedule more regular head-to-head matchups.
But after the 2019 matchup between Pitt and Penn State, the two programs will not meet again until at least 2030, leaving over a decade of space between head-to-head contests. So when the Nittany Lions’ future non-conference schedule was released, Narduzzi was asked how he felt that Penn State and Temple — who will meet in 2026 and 2027 — were renewing a home-and-home rivalry.
“Ha, figures,” Narduzzi said, throwing his hands into the air.
#Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi’s reaction to being told that #PennState had scheduled a home-and-home with #Temple. pic.twitter.com/Xp7Me1a1pW
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) August 30, 2018
That comment probably won’t sit well with Penn State fans.
Pitt and Penn State have played 98 times on the field, but didn’t go head-to-head from 2001-2015. The rivalry was renewed in 2016, a game the Panthers won 42-39.
The Nittany Lions won last year’s bout 33-14.
The two schools will play on Sept. 8 this season in Pittsburgh and will again meet in Happy Valley in 2019. After that, the rivalry is expected to be placed on a significant hold.
Penn State opens the 2018 season on Saturday against Appalachian State.