Pat Narduzzi shades James Franklin over lack of Pitt-Penn State matchups

Pat Narduzzi and James Franklin have squared off in head-to-head matchups as in-state rivals during their head coaching careers. Ahead of the 2023 season, Narduzzi was not afraid to throw some shade at Franklin.

Penn State and Pitt previously played on an annual basis but did not face off from 2001-15. Franklin and Narduzzi faced off as the series resumed from 2016-19, but the game has not been played since without future installments currently on the schedule.

On Tuesday, Narduzzi was asked why that game isn’t played anymore, and his response was to “ask James Franklin.” He also expressed a desire to once again play the Pitt vs. Penn State series.

Pat Narduzzi on why Pitt and Penn State don’t play anymore:

“Go ask James Franklin.” 👀

— Donny Football (@DonChed54) August 29, 2023

Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi on @937theFan said he wants to play Penn State:

“My call is let’s go”

Narduzzi thinks James Franklin has a significant say on if the game happens

He knows Penn State Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft and thinks he’s a great guy

— Austin Bechtold (@AustinRBechtold) August 29, 2023

In the head-to-head matchup, Franklin is 3-1 against Narduzzi and the Panthers. Pitt did win the 2016 matchup 42-39 but Penn State won the final 3 games in the series. As for any future series, it looks like fans will have to wait a bit longer to see the rivalry resume.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.