Clemson Football: Pitt v Clemson Preview and Staff Predictions

 In this week’s ACC matchup of Pitt at Clemson expect a very physical game. Pitt’s secondary is no joke, and Panthers’ WR Quadree Henderson is frankly dangerous. They might give Clemson a game for a half; but then expect the Tigers to pull away.

Clemson vs. Pitt Game Preview

When: Saturday, Nov. 12 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Memorial Stadium , Clemson, SC
TV Broadcast: ABC

The Tigers (9-0, 6-0 ACC) destroyed Syracuse last week at home in a 54-0 shutout victory (They managed this even without Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Deshaun Watson.)  Watson threw two TDs and ran for a third before getting hurt. According to Coach Swinney, last Saturday’s injury will not sideline him from playing against Pitt.

Pitt (5-4) has lost two games in a row, including last week at Miami as the Panthers stumbled against the Hurricanes 51-28. Pitt gave up an ugly 534 yards to the ‘Canes last week. Pitt also turned the ball over twice. However, Pitt QB Nathan Peterman did throw for 287 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

This will be Pitt’s first trip to Clemson.

Clemson Information

The Tigers are now 9-0 and Pitt shouldn’t pose too many issues. Nonetheless, despite, Dabo Swinney’s insistence that  Deshaun Watson will play, will he be effective? Pitt really doesn’t have much to work with even if Watson has to sit out the game. Clemson has proven that they can win out in the face of adversity. The Tigers are in the Top 25 in both offense and defense. They excel in their passing game, ranking 13th in the nation and averaging about 320 yards per game. In their running game they average about 500 yards per game. The Tigers are 24th in the country in total offense. In short, Clemson has a number of strengths and few vulnerabilities, so this should be an easy win for the Tigers.

Pitt Information

Last week’s contest against Miami was a bit of a surprise, as Pitt does have talent. WR Quadree Henderson is one of the best return specialists in the country-he leads the nation in kickoff return TDs (3) and kickoff return average (33.8). He also has four kickoff return touchdowns in the last 10 games with two for 100 yards. And senior DE Eljuan Price ranks third in the country in sacks and tackles for a loss. Price is making a case for ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Unfortunately for Pat Narduzzi’s squad, the team has been plagued with a series of injuries. Pitt has a terrific secondary-despite this, the Tigers should be able to pick Pitt apart.,

Advantages

Offense: Clemson. The Tigers are averaging 488.4 yards per game.

Defense: Clemson. Duh. Although honestly I must say that the defense doesn’t get enough credit.

Special Teams: Pitt. Last week against Miami, Quadree Henderson returned a kickoff 100 yards for his fourth touchdown in 10 games.

Betting Odds

Spread: Clemson -20.5
Clemson vs. Pitt Staff Predictions

The Pitt offense will give the Clemson defense a game for a while. Pitt QB Nate Peterman has poise similar to Deshaun Watson and he makes few mistakes. Later, though, the underrated Tiger  defense will catch fire, and Watson’s offense will destroy the Panthers’ secondary.

This will be the Tigers’ final ACC regular-season home game as they ready themselves for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

More from Rubbing the Rock

This article originally appeared on