Two excellent defenses square off in this one. The Panthers rank 18th in EPA/rush and average 8.4 tackles for loss in conference play, best in the ACC. But the Tigers create plenty of havoc of their own, averaging 6.71 tackles for loss per conference outing.
But both teams have some issues on the other side of the ball. Pitt averages just 4.3 ypc when they run the ball and they’ll be going right into the teeth of a very stout Clemson run-stop unit. The bigger problem for the Panthers is the uncertain status of QB Eli Holstein, who is yet to clear concussion protocol. Add to the mix an O-line that has been devastated by injuries and we have a recipe for a long day for the Panthers offense.
Klubnik has shown some regression in the past few games, completing just 54.4% of his throws in November with a serious dip in his QBR. He also posted his second-lowest PFF passing grade last week despite throwing three touchdowns, completing just 16 of 35 attempts. They’ll be going against a Pitt defense that flat-out gets after the quarterback, ranking third in sacks per game with 3.8 and rank 17th nationally in sack rate on the season. The Under has hit in six of Clemson’s last seven and I expect this one to follow that same script.