GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Clemson’s offense starts with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. On the year, the true freshman has piled up 2,488 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air with just four interceptions. The Tigers rank No. 24 nationally in passing (282.8) and No. 3 in total offense (539.1). Pittsburgh has been average against the pass, No. 61 in the FBS in pass defense (225.6) while also racking up nine interceptions. As the Panthers seek an upset, they will have to ensure they don’t give up chunk plays through the air, forcing Lawrence to try to slowly chip away underneath.
DRAFT SLANT
–RB Qadree Ollison, with 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, has undoubtedly had a career year. However, he was stymied last week against Miami to the tune of 28 yards on nine carries — his second straight game with under 60 yards rushing after posting 235 against Virginia Tech. Ollison was selected second-team All-ACC this season.
ROSTER REPORT:
–P Kirk Christodoulou had to boot the ball 12 times against Miami, averaging 43.3 yards per punt.
–OT Stefano Millin earned second-team All-ACC honors.
–G Mike Herndon earned third-team All-ACC honors.
–C Jimmy Morrissey, who is out for the season with an injury, earned third-Team All-ACC honors.
–K Alex Kessman earned third-team All-ACC honors.
