Coach Pat Narduzzi will lead his Pittsburgh Panthers into Miami in Week 8 action one week after a Corey Dailey-sparked quarterback controversy emerged. Dailey took over for Holden Geriner following Mason Heintschel's torn ACL injury and guided his team to a 27-21 road loss to Boston College as top running back Ja'Kyrian Turner missed the contest.
The Panthers will take on the No. 1 Hurricanes, but will do so without Turner according to a report from ESPN insider Pete Thamel.
“Sources: Pitt will be without top running back Ja'Kyrian Turner (lower body) against No. 1 Miami on Saturday,” Thamel said. “Turner has played only three games for the Panthers this season and hasn't played since the UNC game on Oct. 10.”
Turner, a native of Wildwood, Florida, has 131 yards on 30 carries this season with one touchdown. His Panthers are 5-2 overall, 2-2 in the ACC looking up at the undefeated Hurricanes from the middle of the conference pack.
Narduzzi's team hasn't looked like world beaters so far this season, but the Pitt head coach has enjoyed the ride, including a recent win against the Virginia Tech Hokies that said him saw him take a memorable victory lap. Damon Ferguson Jr. has played well with Turner ailing, compiling 5.3 yards per carry and three touchdowns.
Article Continues BelowThe Hurricanes have an advantage in the running game on both sides of the ball according to most observers, but the Panthers have a gritty and hungry team capable of pulling the upset. Ferguson and fellow running back La'Vell Wright have both excelled this season, giving Mario Cristobal's team plenty to think about heading into the game.
The Panthers will miss Turner, but hope springs anew for an upset in Hurricanes country.