Pat Narduzzi, Christian Veilleux Address Controversial Slide Call

Pat Narduzzi and Christian Veilleux let their feelings be known about the slide call at the end of the Pitt Panthers' loss on Saturday.

PITTSBURGH -- In the moment, both Christian Veilleux and the coaching staff were under the impression that the Pitt Panthers had clinched a win over Wake Forest following Veilleux's scramble on third down with a minute left in the game. 

That wasn't the case, however, as the officiating crew deemed that Veilleux had started his slide just before the first-down marker. As a result, he was ruled a yard short and the Panthers were forced to punt, giving Wake Forest a chance to clinch the victory. 

Narduzzi said after the game that he hadn't seen a replay of the slide, but that both himself and the coaches in the booth believed Veilleux had picked up enough for a first down.

"From the booth they thought it was a first-down,” Narduzzi said. “I mean I thought he had it. It was a great call by Frank. The quarterback keeper was there."

Veilleux felt a similar way, stating that he felt as though he had picked up enough yardage and that he would need to watch the film before moving on. 

"I definitely felt like I had it. Going to have to watch the film. It’s a tough one. Just going to have to get over it and move on," Veilleux said."

Narduzzi also made it clear that it's a learning experience and that he believes Veilleux could've gone about finishing the play differently. 

"You just gotta dive and get it. You’ve got to go head-first and not make any doubt about it. That was a rookie mistake. It’s something we will learn from. The game is over if we get that first down," Narduzzi stated. 

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