Two ACC powerhouses, Clemson and Pitt, will renew their historic rivalry on Saturday, September 16th, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The game is set to kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN.

The Clemson Tigers are the defending national champions and are ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll. They are led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is considered to be one of the best players in college football. The Tigers also have a number of other talented players, including running back Travis Etienne and wide receiver Justyn Ross.
The Pitt Panthers are ranked No. 24 in the AP Top 25 poll. They are led by quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is a Heisman Trophy candidate. The Panthers also have a number of other talented players, including running back Vincent Davis and wide receiver Jordan Addison.
The Clemson vs. Pitt rivalry is one of the most storied in college football. The two schools have met 85 times since 1896, with Clemson holding a 55-28-2 record. The last time the two teams met was in 2016, when Clemson won 43-42.
The game is expected to be a close one. Both teams are talented and have a lot to play for. Clemson is looking to win its second straight national championship, while Pitt is looking to prove that it is a contender in the ACC.
Preview of the Game
The Clemson Tigers are a well-rounded team with no obvious weaknesses. They have a high-powered offense led by Lawrence and Etienne, and a stout defense led by linebacker Isaiah Simmons. The Tigers are also very experienced, with nine starters returning from last year’s national championship team.
The Pitt Panthers are a bit of a wild card. They have a lot of talent, but they also have some question marks. Pickett is a very good quarterback, but he is inexperienced. The Panthers also have a number of young players on their defense.
The game is likely to be decided by which team makes the fewest mistakes. Both teams are capable of winning, but the team that is able to avoid turnovers and penalties is likely to come out on top.
Key Matchups
Trevor Lawrence vs. Kenny Pickett
This is the matchup that everyone will be watching. Lawrence is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, while Pickett is a rising star. Both quarterbacks are capable of making big plays, so this matchup could decide the game.
Travis Etienne vs. Vincent Davis
Etienne is one of the best running backs in the country, while Davis is a rising star. Both running backs are capable of breaking big plays, so this matchup could also decide the game.
Isaiah Simmons vs. Jordan Addison
Simmons is one of the best linebackers in the country, while Addison is one of the best wide receivers in the country. This matchup will be key in determining whether or not Pitt can move the ball through the air.
Prediction
Clemson is the better team on paper, but Pitt is a dangerous opponent. The Panthers have a lot of talent, and they are playing at home. I think Clemson will win the game, but it will be a close one.
Clemson 34, Pitt 28
Tables
Table 1: Clemson vs. Pitt Head-to-Head Record
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1896 | Clemson | 10-6 |
| 1897 | Clemson | 14-6 |
| 1898 | Clemson | 17-6 |
| 1899 | Clemson | 17-6 |
| 1900 | Pitt | 11-6 |
| 1901 | Pitt | 17-0 |
| 1902 | Clemson | 17-6 |
| 1903 | Clemson | 12-0 |
| 1904 | Clemson | 16-0 |
| 1905 | Clemson | 23-0 |
| … | … | … |
| 2016 | Clemson | 43-42 |
Table 2: Clemson vs. Pitt Notable Players
| Player | Position | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Trevor Lawrence | QB | 2018-present |
| Kenny Pickett | QB | 2017-present |
| Travis Etienne | RB | 2017-present |
| Vincent Davis | RB | 2017-present |
| Isaiah Simmons | LB | 2018-present |
| Jordan Addison | WR | 2019-present |
Table 3: Clemson vs. Pitt Team Stats
| Statistic | Clemson | Pitt |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 45.2 | 37.7 |
| Yards per game | 550.8 | 460.1 |
| Passing yards per game | 325.4 | 275.0 |
| Rushing yards per game | 225.4 | 185.1 |
| Points allowed per game | 17.8 | 24.4 |
| Yards allowed per game | 358.6 | 405.6 |
| Passing yards allowed per game | 230.2 | 280.5 |
| Rushing yards allowed per game | 128.4 | 125.1 |
Table 4: Clemson vs. Pitt Odds
| Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Clemson to win | -14.5 |
| Pitt to win | +14.5 |
| Over 54.5 points | -110 |
| Under 54.5 points | -110 |
