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The University of Pittsburgh has a rich history of football that dates back to 1890. The Pitt Panthers are Nine-Time National Champions and many of the greatest players in the history of football started their journey at Pitt.
Pitt boasts 99 First Team All-Americans, 25 members in the College Football Hall of Fame and ten Panthers have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with more to follow in the near future.
NGSC Sports provides you the ultimate Pitt GameDay Preview, where Panther fans come to learn everything there is to know about Pitt and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation) brings you inside the huddle for both teams, providing the Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary, Game Prediction, Broadcast Information, and a complete breakdown of each team.
Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff! The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform!
Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
Three weeks ago, this was on track to be one of the most anticipated games in Pitt history.
Pitt was 7-0 and rolling along. The offense had looked a bit off for three games, but the defense was really rounding into form.
Clemson had just one loss, and was moving up the rankings weekly.
Then, on November 2nd, the Panthers were soundly whipped by SMU 48-25, and Clemson got bushwhacked by Louisville 33-21 at home.
This game was looking like the winner would eventually face off against Miami for the ACC Championship.
Now, it’s just another game in a long list of what could have been for Pitt.
Despite the loss to SMU, Pitt was still ranked #18 in the College Football Playoff rankings, with the top 12 advancing to the field.
Then Miami suffered a gut wrenching loss to Georgia Tech, early last Saturday.
Pitt, once again, was now in total control of their destiny to make it to the ACC Championship.
And… 24-19 Virginia.
Yes, a loss to a 4-4 Cavaliers team that had been clubbed by a combined 44 points in their last two games, at home.
Other than Senior Day, there is zero hype for this game that will be played at Noon this Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.
The Pitt offense continues to sputter, as they have now for the last four games.
The defense played a bit better last week, but gave up way too many yards on the ground.
Now Clemson comes to town in the last home game of Pitt’s 2024 schedule.
Ten wins in the regular season is still on the table, and perhaps a shot at a better Bowl game, but as of right now, there is little or no confidence Pitt can find a way to take down the Tigers, if win another game at all this season.
Going from 7-0 to a possible 7-5 would be brutally embarrassing for this program.
Can Pitt dig deep enough down to find the team that was rolling along until November hit?
It won’t be easy, as quarterback Eli Holstein will be a game-time decision to start.
Regardless if Holstein or Nate Yarnell starts, the offense has to wake up.
“Defenses are always going to try to figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are,” said Pitt offensive coordinator Kade Bell. “One thing they usually do to young quarterbacks is blitz you. Eli handled the blitz awesome the first six games. But now that the blitz isn’t working, he has to embrace a different mindset of how he beats the defense when they’re playing a million different coverages and dropping eight men into coverage.”
One problem plaguing the Pitt offense has been the below average offensive line play.
“(Ryan) Jacoby and Branson (Taylor) were our best linemen during camp,” Bell said. “Jacoby’s still dealing with an ankle injury. We basically held him out last week to try to get him to 100% healthy. When you lose the whole left side, we’re trying to find more experienced guys. We’re not going to keep playing the same guys. If we keep doing the same things, we’re not getting better.”
Penalties and dropped passes haven’t helped matters much either.
“It’s hard to play football when it’s 1st-and-15,” Narduzzi said. “You’re playing behind the sticks, then you can’t run the ball, then you’re throwing it and they’re rushing you and a holding call happens. We have to stay two-dimensional. You have to have a run game. But when you hurt yourself, you can’t have 1st-and-15 and 1st-and-20. We haven’t even gotten the chance to run for it on fourth downs lately because on 4th-and-1, we’re going to run for it.”
Pitt’s pass catchers, or lack thereof, dropped six passes last week.
Six.
If there is anything that infuriates me more, it is dropped passes.
“They all need to step up,” Narduzzi said of his receivers. “When we throw the ball, we spread it around and never go to just one guy. I can’t tell you I saw a lot of drops in practice, but I didn’t see a lot last week either. We’ve got to make them on game day. Look the ball in. Try to catch it first before you try to get up the field for yards.”
The Pitt defense will have their hands full with a resurgent Tiger offense, lead by quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has thrown for 2,275 yards with 24 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He’s also rushed for 300 yards and another four scores.
Klubnik’s top wideout is Antonio Williams, who leads the team with 39 receptions for 466 yards and six touchdowns.
T.J. Moore, Bryant Wesco, Jr., and Troy Sellato, offer Klubnik another trio of weapons at wide receiver.
Tight end Jake Briningstool is 2nd on the team with 35 catches for 388 yards and five touchdowns.
Perhaps the emotions of Senior Day will carry this team to play better, but after that dreadful loss to Virginia with so much on the line, how can anyone not playing or coaching for Pitt have any confidence in this game?
I don’t, and that comes from someone who always tries to find the silver lining, and all possibilities to overcome the doubters.
Perhaps this team will make me look bad and rebound, but this time, every instinct tells me it will be same old Pitt.
Game Prediction: Clemson 31 Pitt 17
Pitt Panthers (7-2) vs #17 Clemson Tigers (7-2)
NCAA Week 12
Vegas line: Clemson -10.5
Game-time: Saturday, November 16th, at 12:00 PM.
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
Field: Natural Grass
Weather at Kickoff: 51 and partly cloudy. Winds out of the Northeast at 8 MPH.
Tickets: Pitt Ticket Office
Broadcast Information
TV: ESPN (Xfinity: 850 | DirecTV: 206 | Dish: 140)
- Announcers: Sean McDonough (play-by-play) Greg McElroy (analyst) | Molly McGrath (reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 93.7 The Fan
- Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Pat Bostick (analyst) | Larry Richert and Dorin Dickerson (reporters)
National Radio: N/A
- Announcers:
Alternative Broadcasts:
- Online Radio: 937thefan.radio.com
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM channels 138 or 193.
Scouting the Pitt Panthers
Overall Record: 7-2 | ACC Record: 3-2 | Rank: n/a
Previous Game: Virginia 24 Pitt 19
Head Coach: Pat Narduzzi
- 10th Season with Pitt
- Lifetime Record: 72-52
- ACC Division Titles: 2
- ACC Championships: 1
Pitt Team Links
- Pitt Panthers Roster
- Pitt Coaching Staff
- Pitt Team/Individual Statistics
- Pitt Panthers 2024 Schedule
Pitt Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Kade Bell
- Offensive System: Up-Tempo Pro Style
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 36.7
- Total offense yards per game: 427.8
- Passing yards per game: 277.1
- Rushing yards per game: 150.7
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Eli Holstein | #10
Holstein was a major key to Pitt’s 7-0 start, but has struggled mightily the past four games. Very capable of taking off with the ball, rushing for 323 yards and three touchdowns. Game-time decision to start.
Passing Yards: 2,177 | TD Passes: 17 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 19
Rushing Yards: 323 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-Up: Nate Yarnell | #19
Passing Yards: 314 | TD Passes: 5 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 3
Rushing Yards: 43 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Desmond Reid | #0
Reid is a dual threat ball of fury that has the chance to go to the house every time he touches the ball. 3rd the team with 33 receptions.
Rushing Yards: 670 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 33 | Receiving Yards: 428 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Rodney Hammond | #6
Hammond returned to action after being ruled ineligible for the first four games of the year. Last year’s starter, who is adept in both rushing and catching passes out of the backfield, has yet to form one heck of a duo with the starter Desmond Reid, as he has barely been used since coming back.
Rushing Yards: 35 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 10 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Derrick Davis, Jr. | #34
Rushing Yards: 42 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 17 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Daniel Carter | #4
Rushing Yards: 177 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 3 | Receiving Yards: 22 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Che Nwabuko | #21
Rushing Yards: 76 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 15 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Konata Mumpfield | #9
Mumpfield has established himself as a top target under Eli Holstein, nabbing 35 catches for 560 yards and three touchdowns.
Receptions: 35 | Receiving Yards: 560 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Kenny Johnson | #2
Johnson has the ability to be a game breaker in the Pitt offense, and is currently tied for 1st on the team with 35 catches for 391 yards.
Receptions: 35 | Receiving Yards: 391 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Raphael “Poppi” Williams, Jr. | #5
Williams was one of the few players that coach Pat Narduzzi raved about a few days before the game, and we see why, with “Poppi” snagging 24 catches for 295 yards, and finding the end-zone a team leading five times so far.
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 295 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Censere Lee | #11
Lee is a junior transfer from Western Carolina. Lee has been big a big part of the Pitt passing game, catching 19 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns in five games this year.
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 254 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Daejon Reynolds | #3
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 98 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Lamar Seymore | #83
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 5 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Zion Fowler-El | #23
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 12 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Gavin Bartholomew | #86
Bartholomew is always a reliable target when called upon. His talent merits more involvement in the Kade Bell offense going forward, especially inside the redzone.
Receptions: 27 | Receiving Yards: 217 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Jake Overman | #87
Overman is a redshirt senior transfer from Oregon State.
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 124 | Receiving TD’s: 0
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Terrence Enos, Jr. | #74
LG: Ryan Jacoby | #61
C: Lyndon Cooper | #56
RG: B.J. Williams | #55
RT: Ryan Baer | #70
*Injured/Out
Pitt Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Randy Bates
- Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 25.1
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 361.4
- Passing yards allowed: 251.7
- Rushing yards allowed: 109.8
- Sacks: 30
- Interceptions: 12
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE: Nate Matlack | #2
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 3
DT: Sean FitzSimmons | #55
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0
DT: Isaiah Neal | #97
Tackles: 16| Sacks: 1.5
DE: Jimmy Scott | #44
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 5
LINEBACKERS
Money: Braylon Lovelace
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 4 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
OR Raheem Biles | #31
Tackles: 59 | Sacks: 5 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
MIKE: Brandon George | #30
Tackles: 58 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
STAR: Kyle Louis |#9
Tackles: 76 | Sacks: 5 | INT: 4 | TD: 1
SECONDARY
CB: Ryland Gandy | #10
Tackles: 28 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SS: Donovan McMillon | #3
Tackles: 77 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Javon McIntyre | #7
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
OR Phillip O’Brien, Jr. | #5
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
CB: Rashad Battle | #15
Tackles: 24 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
Pitt Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Ben Sauls | #90
Extra Points: 36-36
Field Goals: 15-17
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 1-1
- 30-39 yards: 4-4
- 40-49 yards: 6-8
- 50+ yards: 4-4
KICKOFF RETURNERS
Kenny Johnson | #2
Average: 20.2 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Kenny Johnson | #2
Average: 7.1 | TD Returns: 0
Desmond Reid | #0
Average: 16.3 | TD Returns: 1
Scouting the Clemson Tigers
Overall Record: 7-2 | ACC Conference Record: 6-1 | Rank: #17
Previous Game: Clemson 24 Virginia Tech 14
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney
- 16th Season with Clemson
- Lifetime Record: 177-45 | 177-45 at Clemson
Links
Clemson Offense
- Offensive System: Air Raid
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 37.7
- Total offense yards per game: 473.4
- Passing yards per game: 274.8
- Rushing yards per game: 198.7
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Cade Klubnik | #2
Klubnik has taken off as the Tigers starter in his 2nd year, showing improvement in every area. Good dual threat passing for 2,275 yards with 24 touchdowns and just for interceptions, and adding 300 yards on the ground and another four touchdowns.
Passing Yards: 2,275 | TD Passes: 24 | INT’s: 4 | Sacked: 11
Rushing Yards: 300 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Back-up: Christopher Vizzina | #17
Passing Yards: 128 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 1
Rushing Yards: 38 | Rushing TD’s: 1
RUNNING BACKS
Phil Mufah | #7
Mufah has nice size at 6’1, 230 pounds, and the speed to match it. He’s the lead back with 981 yards rushing and eight touchdowns.
Rushing Yards: 981 | Rushing TD’s: 8
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 70 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Jay Haynes | #26
Rushing Yards: 151 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 29 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Keith Adams, Jr. | #19
Rushing Yards: 84 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Antonio Williams | #0
Williams is the top receiving threat, leading the team with 39 receptions for 466 yards and finding the end zone six times.
Receptions: 39 | Receiving Yards: 466 | Receiving TD’s: 6
Rushing Yards: 101 | Rushing TD’s: 1
T.J. Moore | #1
Moore is having a solid year, averaging 43.2 yards a game.
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 389 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Bryant Wesco, Jr. | #12
Wesco may have just 19 catches, but is gaining an impressive 17.5 yards a catch.
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 332 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Troy Sellato | #10
Sellato is 3rd on the team with 25 receptions.
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 225 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Cole Turner | #22
Receptions: 11 | Receiving Yards: 184 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Adam Randall | #8
Receptions: 14 | Receiving Yards: 140 | Receiving TD’s: 2
TIGHT ENDS
Jake Briningstool | #9
Briningstool is another top notch tight end that will face the Pitt defense. 2nd on the team with 35 catches for 388 yards and five scores.
Receptions: 35 | Receiving Yards: 388 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Olsen Patt-Henry | #11
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 105 | Receiving TD’s: 3
*Injured/Out
Clemson Defense
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 23.1
- Total offense yards per game allowed: 336.7
- Passing yards allowed: 207.8
- Rushing yards allowed: 128.9
- Sacks: 18
- Interceptions: 11
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: T.J. Parker | #3
Tackles: 30 | Sacks: 5
LDT: DeMonte Capehart | #19
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0
RDT: Payton Page | #55
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 0
RDE: Peter Woods | #11
Tackles: 13 | Sacks: 1
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Barrett Carter | #0
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 0
MLB: Wade Woodaz | #17
Tackles: 61 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
SECONDARY
LCB: Avieon Terrell | #20
Tackles: 33 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 2
SS: Kylon Griffin | #18
Tackles: 15 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: R.J. Mickens | #9
Tackles: 44 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
RCB: Jeadyn Lukus | #10
Tackles: 27 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
NB: Kalil Barnes | #7
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
Clemson Special Teams
PLACEKICKER
Nolan Hauser | #81
Extra Points: 42-43
Field Goals: 13-18
- 1-19 yards: 2-2
- 20-29 yards: 8-10
- 30-39 yards: 5-6
- 40-49 yards: 0-2
- 50+ yards: 0-0
KICKOFF RETURNER
Jay Haynes | #26
Average: 18.5 | TD Returns: 0
PUNT RETURNER
Antonio Williams | #0
Average: 9.9 | TD Returns: 0
Pitt vs Clemson History
Series Began: 1977
Overall Record: 3-2
- At Home: 1-0
- On Road: 1-1
- Neutral Site: 1-1
ACC Series: 2-2
Streak: Pitt won the last game.
Last Game: Oct. 23, 2021 (Pitt 27, Clemson 17)
Injury Report (11/16/24)
Pitt Panthers
Out: OT Branson Taylor
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Clemson Tigers
Out: None
Doubtful: None
Questionable: DT Demonte Capehart, WR Tyler Brown, OL Dietrick Pennington, OL Collin Sadler
ACC Standings
Pitt Schedule
Author Profile
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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