Pat Narduzzi, like James Franklin, avoids Pitt-Penn State chatter

Pitt and Penn State renewed their local rivalry last year after 16 seasons without playing each other, producing an instant classic that the Panthers won 42-39.

The two schools are slated to meet in a highly anticipated contest during Week 2 of the 2017 calendar, but you would never know that from listening to the respective coaches.

Pat Narduzzi wouldn't look past Pitt's opening-week opponent when asked about the Penn State matchup while appearing on a local radio show Thursday.

"It's Youngstown, Youngstown, Youngstown, Youngstown," Narduzzi said on KDKA NewsRadio, according to Brian Batko of the Post-Gazette.

That echoes James Franklin's approach Tuesday at Big Ten Media Days when he was asked about the rivalry game.

"We open the season against Akron, and I would love to talk about Akron and Akron, and Akron and Akron and not get ahead towards any other games," the Nittany Lions coach said during Big Ten Media Days earlier this week.

Clearly the coaches are having some fun, but expect them to be more direct after Akron and Youngstown disappear from the schedule.