In the wake of James Franklin’s firing, Penn State football has been navigating one of its most emotional stretches in recent memory. Interim head coach Terry Smith has been tasked with steadying a shaken team still reeling from the loss of its longtime leader. After back-to-back defeats to Iowa and top-ranked Ohio State, the Nittany Lions must win three of their final four games to reach bowl eligibility. In his weekly press conference ahead of the matchup, Smith revealed how one unexpected call from Indiana’s Curt Cignetti offered strength in a moment when the program needed it most.

Both current and former players admitted the week following Franklin’s firing was one of the toughest they’d ever experienced. “Sunday was really traumatizing to them,” Smith shared, noting how every day since has been a small step toward healing. In that moment, Cignetti’s presence felt like a savior for Smith

In his recent presser, Smith confessed, “Curt is a friend of mine. He reached out to me when all this went down, so I’m appreciative to him.” Moreover, he added, “He’s a Pittsburgh guy, and we go way back from his dad being a coach at IUP. Know the whole family. So, it’s a great relationship.” And that friendship runs deep.

Both share roots in western Pennsylvania and ties to the Gateway Gators, though they played in different eras. Their friendship has evolved over decades in the coaching circuit, built on shared football values. Just weeks ago, Cignetti publicly praised Smith, saying, “That’s a great football coach. Let me tell you, he’ll do a great job there.”

Now, as the two prepare to face each other on opposite sidelines, that relationship will be put aside, at least for four quarters. The BetMGM Sportsbook’s prediction leans towards Cignetti’s team. According to oddsmakers, PSU is expected to lose by at least two TDs against Indiana. But neither this prediction nor PSU’s record allows Cignetti to overlook the challenge in the upcoming game.

Curt Cignetti opens up about why PSU could put up a tough battle

Indiana will face a team this weekend that lost five straight games and fired its HC. Given that, it seems like a no-brainer for IU, but don’t let the numbers fool you. Because predictive metrics still rank PSU No. 22 in the nation.

Cignetti knows that underestimating PSU could come at a cost. “Same guys they started the year with, ranked No. 1 to No. 3,” said the IU HC. “A lot of good football players at all positions, playing really hard. [Terry] has done a great job rejuvenating these guys. Tough place to play, 100,000-plus people. They’re a really good football team.”

With PSU blue-chip talent, Curt Cignetti wants his players focused, not lulled by the Lions’ record. “They’ve had some tough times, and we’ve got to have a great day today and a great week to stack days just like always,” stated Cignetti. “Be prepared, have the right mindset, play really, really well, first play to last play.”

The reason for Cignetti’s awareness is visible, as PSU boasts weapons on the ground and in the air. While RBs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen are “NFL guys,” Ethan Grunkemeyer, their new QB, is learning fast and making plays. He has racked up 343 yards and 1 TD in his limited action so far this season.

Now, fresh off holding Maryland to 37 rushing yards, IU’s defense will have to repeat that performance to keep its undefeated status alive. “Everything in this game is earned, not given,” added Cignetti. “The game gives you nothing. You get out what you put in. We’ve got to be sharp and have a great mindset.” It will be interesting to see how the rivalry shines through despite their long-standing friendship.