Clemson Takes Double-Digit Lead Over Pitt in First Half

PITTSBURGH – No. 20 Clemson will outscore Pitt 17-7 in the first half at Acrisure Stadium.

First Half Analysis

– Attacking is moving the ball. Already from the air. Cade Klubnik had over 200 yards passing in the first half, but turnovers and a few drops helped stall some drives. The junior signal caller is 20/28 for 248 yards and two touchdowns. He’s averaging 12.1 yards rushing per completion.

– Elyjah Thurmon’s offensive tackle in the first game weakened Clemson’s cards. It forced Blake Miller to move to LT and Walker Parks to RT. Another injury would be disastrous. The group has already allowed four sacks, and at least three of them were on the lead block. Maybe all four.

– The Tigers’ running game was non-existent in the first half. With a patchwork offensive line against Pitt’s rushing defense, Phil Mafah was left with nowhere to run. The senior back eight has just five yards carrying.

– The scrimmage was delayed in the first quarter due to several drops by Clemson pass catchers. Klubnik saw three passes dropped in the opening quarter, with TJ Moore, Jake Briningstool and Williams scoring one each.

– Pitt had 60 rushing yards, but 43 of them came from RB Desmond Reid running. Despite not starting LB Wade Woodaz, the run defense has been pretty good. Backup QB Nate Yarnell found a few players open but still only had 111 passing yards in the first two quarters.

– The defense also had four sacks and held Pitt to just 1 of 6 on third down. The four sacks are a season high for a game, and they did it in just two quarters. But the Tigers are also paper thin at LB, with Sammy Brown being ejected from the game for a targeting call just before halftime. The only person who could play inside was Dee Crayton. Jamal Anderson is of course another LB on the roster, but he’s more of a SAM type backer at only 215 pounds. Basically, just like OL, they are one injury away from disaster.

– Nolan Hauser hit a 51-yard FG to end the half. The freshman had six shots blocked this season, ranking first in the nation, and struggled with some of his shots before the game.

A limited number of signed road signs are available from Cade Klubnik! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!