Steel City Stumble, Clemson falls to Pitt 27-17

PITTSBURGH – The Clemson football team fell on the road at No. 23 Pittsburgh, 27-17, on Saturday afternoon at Heinz Field. Clemson dropped to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in league play on the season, while the Panthers improved to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in ACC play. 

The Tiger defense held Pitt 21 points below their season average, led by James Skalski, who finished with 16 tackles on the day. 

In the first quarter, the Tigers started quickly with Phil Mafah plunging in from a yard out to get on the board, capping an 8-play 80-yard drive. Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett would connect with Jordan Addison on a 23-yard touchdown and Taysir Mack on a 39-yard touchdown pass to take a 14-7 lead at the half.

The Panthers added to the lead early in the second half when SirVocea Dennis picked off a DJ Uiagalelei shovel pass and took it back 50 yards to put the Panthers ahead, 21-7. 

In the third quarter, B.T. Potter would add three points for Clemson on a 42-yard field goal to cut the Panthers’ lead to 21-10. Pitt would add field goals of 44 and 34-yards to extend the lead to 27-10.

DJ Uiagalelei recorded his third rushing touchdown of the season on a six-yard run that capped a five-play, 72-yard drive to set the final margin at 27-17.

The Tigers compiled 315-yards of total offense averaging 5.1 yards per play and 10.1 yards per completion. 

Clemson will be home after the last two games on the road when the Tigers welcome Florida State to Death Valley on Saturday, Oct. 30. The kickoff for that game is set for 3:30 p.m. on either ABC or ESPN.