Cade Klubnik made a stunning play, breaking free from a collapsing pocket to dash down the sideline for a game-winning 50-yard rushing touchdown with just 1:16 left on the clock. This impressive performance helped lift the Clemson Tigers past the Pittsburgh Panthers, securing a 24-20 victory on Saturday and keeping their dreams of an ACC championship alive.
With this win, the Tigers improved their record to 8-2 overall and 7-1 in the ACC. However, they will need some assistance in the coming weeks to reach the ACC Championship game in Charlotte on December 7. Currently, Clemson sits in third place in the conference, trailing No. 14 SMU and No. 9 Miami. For Clemson to have a shot at the ACC title, they need Miami to lose once or SMU to lose twice in the remaining weeks of the season.
Coach Dabo Swinney had recently remarked about Klubnik’s impact on the team’s performance, noting that his agility had made a big difference this year. Klubnik certainly proved him right by orchestrating a critical scoring drive that covered 75 yards over three plays, turning the tide after Pittsburgh briefly led 20-17 with 1:36 remaining.
The junior quarterback’s performance was notable, finishing the game with 27 completions on 41 attempts for 288 yards and two touchdowns. In the first half, he was particularly sharp, completing 20 of 26 passes and connecting with Antonio Williams for two touchdown receptions of 14 and 28 yards, leading to a 17-7 halftime advantage.
The second half presented more challenges for the Tigers, as they suffered through a series of four consecutive punts and a turnover on downs before Klubnik’s game-deciding run. Williams had a standout game, logging a career-high 13 catches for 149 yards. Freshman Bryant Wesco and fellow freshman T.J. Moore contributed as well, each grabbing three passes for 61 and 39 yards, respectively.
Clemson’s ground game struggled throughout the day, with Phil Mafah managing only 17 yards on 17 carries. Klubnik did face a tough defense, getting sacked five times, yet his pivotal touchdown helped make up for it.
On the defensive side, even without starting linebacker Wade Woodaz and losing freshman star Sammy Brown early due to an ejection for targeting, Clemson’s defense was relentless. They recorded a total of eight sacks against Pittsburgh’s quarterback Nate Yarnell. T.J. Parker, a sophomore defensive end, had an impressive outing with four sacks, contributing to a total of two turnovers by the Tigers’ defense. Linebacker Barrett Carter led Clemson with 12 tackles, and Khalil Barnes secured an interception on the game’s final play.
Despite a strong effort from Yarnell, who threw for 350 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, the Panthers fell short. Running back Desmond Reid was also a key player for Pittsburgh, rushing for 68 yards and catching passes for another 108 yards.
Next week, Clemson will return home to face The Citadel, before concluding the regular season in a highly anticipated match against No. 21 South Carolina in the Palmetto Bowl.
