PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR Tee Higgins has emerged as Clemson’s most reliable receiver and continued to flash his play-making ability last week against South Carolina with six receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown. Higgins leads the team in receptions (49), receiving yards (766) and receiving touchdowns (8) and is becoming even more adept at using his 6-foot-4 frame to outmuscle and out-jump defensive backs.
–QB Trevor Lawrence has made only eight career starts but continues to play like a veteran and improve by the week. He is coming off a 393-yard passing game against South Carolina in which he also had a career-high 42 yards rushing. “I’m excited for Trevor,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “He has really settled in and is confident in what he’s doing. He’s making plays with his legs. I’m proud of his progress and where he is.” Lawrence, who was named ACC Rookie of the Year on Tuesday, leads all FBS freshman quarterbacks with 22 touchdown passes as well as a 156.8 passing efficiency rating.
–RB Travis Etienne will be Clemson’s answer to Pitt’s backfield tandem of Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall and should be able to hold his own. Clemson’s sophomore back leads the ACC in rushing yards and scoring and has six 100-yard games this season. He’s also averaging 8.0 yards per carry, which ranks fourth in the FBS. “Travis has come a long way,” said teammate and fellow running back Adam Choice. “When Travis is hungry for it, Travis will go get it.”
–LB Kendall Joseph is sensing that the end of his career is nigh and is playing like it. The senior linebacker shares the team lead with 74 tackles, including 34 over the Tigers’ last four games. “We have big dreams this season so we just want to handle our business and keep moving forward,” Joseph said.
SERIES HISTORY: Clemson trails the series, 0-2, and Pitt won the last meeting at Clemson in 2016 by a 43-42 score.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “He’s a little crazy on the field, but he’s got this switch. Off the field he’s a sweet, gentle spirit. That may sound crazy because y’all just see him eating nails all the time, but he’s a loving, gentle spirit.” — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on defensive coordinator Brent Venables
