(Photo: Acrisure Stadium)
Campus Clash
(23) Clemson Tigers at (18) Pittsburgh Panthers
Clemson: I covered and analyzed their first game of the year against the Georgia Bulldogs. In the first half of that game, they were making life tough for arguably the best team in the country at the time. Then came the second half and they just gave up, what more is there to say? Since that opening loss in week one, they’ve played well on the year and I’ll be honest, I’m surprised. At the beginning of the year, I remember saying this is the same team that used to scare me when they were winning championships. These last few years, not necessarily. The transfer portal in college sports is to help a team and why Dabo Swinney hasn’t taken advantage of that makes me question his entire credibility. Why wouldn’t you want to see what you can pick up? The transfer portal is the equivalent of free agency at the professional level in sports. See what you can get to help bolster your team. The biggest question mark for the Clemson Tigers has been Quarterback without question. Trevor Lawrence was a once-in-a-lifetime talent in the college game and it’s been tough to replace him. D.J. Uiagaleilei wasn’t the answer for them moving forward and they turned to Cade Klubnik. He’s struggled himself and entering this year, I stated this was a make-or-break year. This is the best he’s looked since taking the starting Quarterback job and I’ve enjoyed watching him. In today’s day and age of football, consistent Quarterback play is always a necessity and he’s provided them with that. This Saturday afternoon, they’ll make a trip to Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh: They were one of the talks of college football at one point. Undefeated and making a run at a perfect season. This was by far the best start under Pat Narduzzi. Then came the game against the SMU Mustangs which I didn’t see coming as SMU just pushed them around and got what they wanted and when they wanted. That ended up being their first loss of the regular season. What shocked me was their game against the Virginia Cavaliers and that would be their second consecutive loss. It’s always said that anyone can be beat and that was the case on Saturday. I understand Pittsburgh has lost their last two games, but let’s not deny the fact they have played very good football and were once in the running to get to the conference title game. An offense that was clicking early on in the season has sputtered as of late these last few weeks. Many teams in the sport have an identity and this offense under Pat Narduzzi wants to throw the football and spread the defense out. In fact, they throw the football 56 percent of the time which is the 18th most in college football. Their attack isn’t necessarily pushing the ball down the field, but they thrive on getting the ball out in space to the open guy and the ball-carrier will do the rest. Their only downfall is Eli Holstein can be a bit loose with the football and to be honest, he’s been very lucky that he hasn’t turned the ball over because he’s made some turnover-worthy plays at times. Pitt will look to snap their losing streak on Saturday.
Clemson X-Factor: Phil Mafah– This is a powerful Running Back for Clemson. The Tigers may not run the football as consistently as they should, but when they do, they average over five yards per carry. Phil helps jumpstart this offense and is as important as any other weapon on this Clemson offense. He’s a physical back that wants the contact to come his way as he has no issue running through people lowering the shoulder and powering through. His speed may not be breakaway, but he knows to shift himself into the second and third levels of the defense.
Pittsburgh X-Factor: Donovan McMillan– He’s one of the best playmakers on this Panthers defense. Donovan led the team in tackles a season ago and is their current leader now. Years ago, Defensive Backs were just expected to cover the ground and defend the pass. These days, they’re asked to play the run as much as they defend the pass. Donovan is so instinctive and always finds himself near the football. He’s always looking to bring the hammer and make that hit in the open field.
Final Thoughts: This is a huge game in the ACC. Clemson is still in line to play in the ACC title game, but will still need help before the season ends. They got some help with Miami losing to Georgia Tech, but SMU is still in the driver’s seat in the conference. The Tigers pulled off a hard-fought win over Virginia Tech while Pitt lost to Virginia at home. This is such an important game for Clemson as they must win this one, then play the waiting game (hoping for another Miami loss). Pitt will look to play spoiler. I remember all the years when Clemson was winning championships, these Panthers were always giving them a tough time. I expect the Tigers to slow the game down on offense and establish Mafah to throw off the Panthers’ defense. Can the Pitt offense get back on track? They’ve sputtered the last few games as I mentioned. Most importantly, Holstein must play better and be more careful with the football. I can see this being close, but in the end, Clemson has a little too much for Pitt. The Tigers will win this game on Saturday.
Prediction: Clemson 34, Pittsburgh 24
