The Clemson football team is set for its final road game of the regular season as they travel to Pittsburgh to face ACC rival Pitt. This marks the Tigers’ third-to-last game of the season and their final conference matchup, with a chance to keep their ACC Championship hopes alive. Here’s your game preview for Clemson’s showdown with Pittsburgh:
**Clemson vs. Pittsburgh Game Info**
– **Teams:** No. 20 Clemson (7-2, 6-1 ACC) vs. Pitt (7-2, 3-2 ACC)
– **Date/Time:** Saturday at noon
– **Location:** Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
– **TV:** ESPN (Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Molly McGrath)
– **Streaming:** ESPN app or ESPN.com
– **Radio:** 105.5 FM in Clemson area (full radio affiliate list here)
– **Satellite Radio:** Sirius XM Channel 81
– **Series History:** Pitt leads 3-2, with a win in the last meeting in 2021
**Vegas Odds:**
Clemson is an 11-point favorite on the road against Pitt, up from a 9.5-point line earlier in the week. The Tigers are coming off a solid win at Virginia Tech, where they were favored by only 5.5 points.
**Weather:**
Expect cloudy skies with a high of 56°F and light winds. Temperatures will drop to around 37°F overnight after the game, with only a 9% chance of rain.
**Key Storylines:**
Clemson climbed to No. 20 in the College Football Playoff rankings this week. With a loss, they would be nearly eliminated from the ACC Championship and the race for a potential CFP spot. After a tough loss to Louisville two weeks ago, the Tigers no longer control their own path to the ACC title. The most likely scenario for Clemson is to beat Pitt, finish ACC play at 7-1, and then hope for losses by SMU or Miami in their remaining games.
Defensively, Clemson is expected to get star defensive end Peter Woods back after he missed last week’s game due to injury. However, starting defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart is out, and defensive back Shelton Lewis is also unavailable. Wide receiver Tyler Brown is not expected to make the trip.
Pitt is dealing with its own injury issues, particularly at quarterback. Starter Eli Holstein, who was injured last week against Virginia, has not been cleared for the game. If Holstein can’t go, backup Nate Yarnell will start for the Panthers.
Clemson’s offensive line will face a tough challenge against Pitt’s strong defense, which ranks highly in sacks and tackles for loss. The Panthers are also a top team in the nation for defensive touchdowns, so the Tigers’ offense, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, will need to be sharp.
**Players to Watch:**
– **Clemson OL Elyjah Thurmon:** A true freshman who played well in a tough road environment against Virginia Tech. He may start again if Tristan Leigh (ankle) can’t play.
– **Clemson DE T.J. Parker:** With Woods returning, Parker should have more room to make plays on the defensive line.
– **Pitt RB Desmond Reid:** A versatile player with over 150 all-purpose yards per game.
– **Pitt LB Kyle Louis:** A standout defender with four interceptions this season, Louis is a key player in Pitt’s hybrid linebacker/safety role.
Clemson needs a win to stay in contention for the ACC title game, while Pitt will look to play spoiler and secure a statement victory at home.
For the full game schedule, depth chart, and more, check out the latest updates from Clemson’s sports coverage.
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