Clemson attempts to regain balance
Keys for Pitt
Negative tests: The Panthers were missing 16 players, including seven starters, in last Saturday’s ACC affair against Virginia Tech due to COVID-19 protocols. But somehow Pitt managed to prevail in a big way, routing the Hokies, 4014.
While that was impressive, the Panthers will need all hands on deck if they expect to compete with Clemson.
Keep the run game rolling: Rushing the football hasn’t exactly been a strong point for Pitt this season. The Panthers rank near the bottom of the ACC with a 113.4 yards-per-game average.
But in last week’s win against Virginia Tech, A.J. Davis and Vincent Davis became a formidable and productive duo. A.J. contributed 80 yards on 16 carries (6.7 per carry) and scored a touchdown, while Vincent added 53 yards on nine rushes (5.9) and another score. If the pair can find similar success against Clemson, it would allow Pitt to control the clock and keep the Tigers’ explosive offense off the field.
Keys for Clemson
Healing time:
The Tigers have been plagued by injuries this season, especially on defense where starters Tyler Davis (defensive tackle), James Skalski (linebacker), Mike Jones Jr. (linebacker), Nolan Turner (safety) and Lannden Zanders (safety) have all been out for several weeks. With an extra week to rest and heal, all of those players and others could be ready for the Pitt game and wellrested for Clemson’s annual postseason run.
Rediscover offensive balance: Notre Dame managed to make Clemson’s offense one-dimensional in its double-overtime victory back on Nov. 7. The Fighting Irish limited the Tigers to 34 yards on the ground, their lowest output since 2011 against N.C. State (also 34 yards).
No team that has Travis Etienne in its backfield should have trouble running the football. Getting Etienne (18 carries, 28 yards against Notre Dame) back on track is essential for Clemson.
Prediction
Clemson 41, Pittsburgh 26: The Panthers have taken some steps forward in their last two games, but a well-rested Clemson squad with Trevor Lawrence back under center will hit the gas pedal in the second half and pull away for another win.