Postgame Mario Cristobal exchange with Pat Narduzzi looked like more than a simple handshake

With the Miami Hurricanes in full control against Pitt, the attention shifted to the post-game handshake and what kind of friction there would be between Mario Cristobal and Pat Narduzzi. With all the talking Narduzzi has done, you had a feeling something was coming.

Narduzzi has been very outspoken about his feelings about Miami's ability to acquire talent in the transfer portal and made some serious accusations against Cristobal with the claim that the Hurricanes tried to poach Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel. Cristobal has generally played it cool in his response, but there would be opportunities for both sides to speak their minds after the final buzzer sounded.

And was Cristobal a little aggressive in the post-game greeting? We'll let you be the judge of that.

I mean, I don't know what to think of that one. Those shoulder taps from Cristobal had a little extra spicy mustard on them, but they are pretty big dudes, and, you know, sometimes we might be looking for something that isn't there. And the words between the two appeared to be pretty cordial.

However, I don't expect Cristobal to be inviting Narduzzi for some cafecito after this one.

Mario Cristobal's post-game handshake with Pat Narduzzi had everyone talking

As college football fans, we love to stir the pot when we can. About a month ago, this was a game that didn't need any additional pot stirring after Narduzzi called Cristobal a thief over the summer and the Panthers were undefeated. If anything, the game looked like it could determine the ACC champion.

But, Heintschel got injured, and his unavailability made this game an uphill climb for Pitt. It was a mountain that Cristobal wanted to make sure the Panthers couldn't climb. Malachi Toney, who was the target of some mid-week trash talk, let his actions speak far louder than Raion Strader's words. He went off on the Panthers defense.

The 52-23 score made the game seem closer than it was. If not for a few breakdowns from the Hurricanes secondary and a couple of ill-timed errors on offense, Miami could've put up well over 60 points.

Narduzzi was out of line for the things that he said during the ACC Kickoff, plus this week. College football is on unsteady ground, and some teams aren't able to compete like others. Miami has invested heavily in its roster to try to win a championship. Pitt has to try to win around the edges, and if we're being honest, Narduzzi does a decent job of that. But, you have to make sure great players are happy. Narduzzi wasn't happy that Pitt had to go back to the negotiating table with Heintschel, and he wrongfully blamed Cristobal for that.

Hopefully, Narduzzi is strong enough to admit his errors, but he might also be too stubborn. Cristobal, however, isn't going to wait around for an apology. His Hurricanes are No. 1 in the country, and they will enjoy going 1-0 this week before getting back to work on Monday. That's what champions do. 

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