In this article, we will formulate a Pittsburgh vs Clemson prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, November 16th at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 12 matchup.
Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Panthers are 7-2 (3-2) this year after they lost to Virginia by a score of 24-19 in their last game. Pittsburgh led 13-7 at halftime, but they allowed 14 points in the third quarter and never recovered in the loss. The Panthers were outgained by a total of 340-292, tied the turnover battle at two, and went 4-13 on third down in the game. Eli Holstein threw for 121 yards on 10 completions, while Desmond Reid rushed for 80 yards on 16 carries.
Prior to that loss, the Panthers lost to SMU by a score of 48-25 but did win their first seven games of the season. The Pitt offense has scored 36.7 points per game with 276.8 passing yards and 150.7 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 25.1 points per game this season. Eli Holstein (questionable) has completed 61.9% of his passes for 2,174 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while Desmond Reid has rushed for 670 yards and four scores this year.
Clemson Tigers Betting Preview
The Clemson Tigers are 7-2 (6-1) this season after they defeated Virginia Tech by a score of 24-14 in their last game. Clemson trailed 7-0 at halftime, but they erupted for 24 points in the second half to secure the win. The Tigers outgained VT by a total of 378-228, won the turnover battle 3-1, and went 9-19 on third down in the game. Cade Klubnik threw for 211 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Phil Mafah rushed for 128 yards on 26 carries.
Prior to that game, the Tigers lost to Louisville by a score of 33-21 but did win their previous six games. The Clemson offense has scored 37.7 points per game with 274.8 passing yards and 198.7 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 23.1 points per game this season. Cade Klubnik has completed 63.1% of his passes for 2,275 yards, 24 touchdowns, and four interceptions, while Phil Mafah has rushed for 981 yards and eight scores.
Why Clemson will cover
- Clemson has won 13 of its last 14 November road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Pittsburgh has lost five of its last six games in November.
- Clemson has covered the spread in seven of its last eight November road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Pittsburgh has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games in November.
- Clemson has won the first half in 20 of its last 25 games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Pittsburgh’s last five home games against conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Clemson’s last four games in November has gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Pittsburgh ranks 4th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (11.4).
- Pittsburgh ranks 4th among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters this season (+7.0).
- Clemson ranks 2nd among FBS teams for average point differential in first quarters this season (+9.7).
- Clemson ranks 3rd among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (11.1).
Pittsburgh vs Clemson Prediction
Clemson rolls into this matchup with just one loss in conference play so far this season, but they have been sloppy in six of their last eight quarters. The Tigers have been one of the best teams in the ACC this season and their offense has looked very good. Pittsburgh is dealing with an injury to their starting quarterback and they have lost two games in a row, but they will look to bounce back at home. If Holstein doesn’t play for the Panthers, I think this game is going to get ugly, but either way, I am backing Clemson once again on the road.