Pitt Faces Tall Task Against No. 2 Clemson

Nathan Peterman
CLEMSON, S.C. (EYT) – It’s been 39 years since Pitt last faced Clemson, but that all changes at 3:30 p.m. Saturday when the Panthers try to get back on the winning track against the No. 2 Tigers.

(Photo courtesy of Pitt Athletics)

Pitt has dropped its last two games to fall to 5-4 on the season and 2-3 in the ACC. The Panthers still need another win to get bowl eligible in a season that started off with great promise but has taken a wrong turn after losses to Virginia Tech and Miami (Fla.)

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Clemson, meanwhile, is right back in the thick of the national title chase after finishing as the runners-up last year. The Tigers are 9-0 and 6-0 in ACC action and are coming off a 54-0 drubbing of Syracuse.

Pitt’s much-maligned defense, which is yielding 34.4 points per game and 428.7 yards per contest will be tested by a Clemson offense that averages 38.6 points per game and 488.4 yards per contest.

The Tigers strength – the passing game (320.2 yards per game) is Pitt’s weakness with the Panthers allowing 317.1 yards per game through the air compared to 111.6 on the ground.

Deshaun Watson is a dual-threat for Clemson passing for 2,497 yards and 24 touchdowns and running for 370 and two scores.

Other key weapons for the Tigers include Wayne Gallman (634 rushing yards, 8 TDs) and Mike Williams (52 catches, 754 yards, 5 TDs).

Pitt wants to run the ball averaging 220.4 yards per contest behind James Conner’s 712 yards and 11 scores. Quadree Henderson is a threat in three facets of the game for the Panthers. He has rushed for 383 yards and three touchdowns while catching 21 passes for 231 yards and a score. He also averages 33.8 yards per kickoff return while taking three back for touchdowns.

Nathan Peterman has had a solid season completing just over 60 percent of his passes for 1,806 yards and 14 touchdowns while just four picks. Jester Weah has 26 catches for 563 yards and six touchdowns.

See full Pitt game notes here.

See full Clemson game notes here. 


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