On November 16, 2024, the No. 17 Clemson Tigers will face off against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium, both teams sharing identical 7-2 records. This match is significant for both schools as they engage not just for bragging rights but for key positioning within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Coming off contrasting paths, the Tigers seek to improve on their recent form following their 24-14 victory over Virginia Tech, which saw them rebound after their disappointing loss to Louisville. Conversely, the Panthers find themselves needing to bounce back after two consecutive defeats, including a narrow 24-19 defeat against the Virginia Cavaliers.
The matchup kicks off at 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN, with the team of Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy handling the commentary, and Molly McGrath reporting from the sidelines. For those not near television screens, streaming options abound, with services like Sling TV and FuboTV offering live access — with Fubo providing a free trial for new subscribers.
Looking at the stats, Clemson enters the game with 6-1 performance within the conference compared to Pitt's 3-2 record, which clearly positions the Tigers favorably. Their offense is bolstered by standout quarterback Cade Klubnik, who is poised to lead the charge against Pittsburgh, possessing one of college football's 25th-ranked rushing attacks. The Clemson running game has flourished, particularly through the dynamic capabilities of Phil Mafah, showcasing early season success. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh defense, currently rated 18th nationally against the run, will look to stymie their efforts.
Both teams are motivated by the tantalizing prospects of the ACC Championship game, but Clemson holds the advantage vis-a-vis potential playoff positioning. A win for the Tigers could solidify their case for consideration, putting them back firmly within the conversation surrounding the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.
To survive against Clemson, Pittsburgh will need to prevent turnovers. So far, the Panthers have struggled when they’ve failed to protect the football, achieving negative outcomes even against relatively weaker opponents. Herein lies the key for the Panthers: maintaining possession and taking calculated risks returning to form offensively.
When analyzing the previous games completed prior to this matchup, it isn’t lost on either team how turnovers can shift the momentum of the game. For example, Pitt’s early season successes saw them maintain ball security more effectively, aiding their 7-0 start. But, as seen against Virginia, multiple turnovers led to their undoing. The Panthers will need stars like Eli Holstein, their quarterback, to make smart decisions and facilitate scoring under pressure.
Betting lines indicate Clemson will enter the game as 11.5-point favorites with the game projected to see over/under set at 52.5 points, implying close competition but also confidence from betting outlets concerning Clemson’s ability to deliver performance. The analysis around this matchup has led experts to not only predict victory for Clemson — the board indicates predicted scores resting around 32-20, favoring the Tigers. Yet, pundits have varying degrees of enthusiasm surrounding Pittsburgh’s chance to cover the spread.
Both teams have key players capable of shifting the course of the game dramatically. For Clemson, eyes will inevitably fall upon their star players. Cade Klubnik, poised to lift his performance after inconsistent displays early this season, could be pivotal. If successful, he might finally shake off criticisms of stagnation as his team looks to implement aggressive play. Following him is Phil Mafah, offering the run game vitality and experience. On the opposite side, Pitt will rely heavily on Eli Holstein’s mental sharpness and strategic flexibility to reassess and redirect on-read opportunities.
For fans and analysts alike, the game holds much intrigue. Which version of the Panthers will show up? Will it be the powerhouse squad who started strong, or the one struggling to find form as the clock ticks down? Similarly, can Clemson truly leverage their experience and depth to pull away early?
With this round of college football serving as the final opportunity for teams to adjust standings from pressures within the conference before tournament invitations are issued, players on both sides will be fired up and feeling the weight of their respective legacies and programs. From players trading blows on the field to strategists guiding them, every moment of the game will be watched with bated breath. Any unexpected move made or misfire during pivotal moments could hold long-term ramifications for the postseason distinctions.
