CLEMSON — One of the key matchups in Saturday’s game between No. 20 Clemson and Pittsburgh, is the Tigers’ offense handling the Panthers’ heavy pressure defense.

Pitt, who hosts the Tigers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., ranks third in the ACC in sacks (30) and second in tackles for loss (73). The reason? The Panthers bring pressure… lots of pressure.

It is not that Clemson (7-2, 6-1 ACC) has not seen pressure defenses this year, but what Pitt does is unique compared to other teams the Tigers have faced.

“If you don’t pick them up. Somebody is getting hit,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said.

The Panthers (7-2, 3-2 ACC) like to bring all kinds of exotic blitzes. They bring corner blitzes, safety blitzes and linebacker blitzes. They also mix and disguise their blitz to confuse opposing quarterbacks in hopes of forcing turnovers.

They forced five interceptions against Syracuse in a win last month.

In other words, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has to be on his game if the Tigers hope to keep their slim ACC Championship hopes alive.

“If you do pick it up and everybody has it communicated right, then you have a chance for a big play,” Swinney said. “They are just very committed in what they do, and they bring them from everywhere, corner, safeties, obviously, backers. They are heavy, heavy four-man team where those safeties force (the issue). They are very aggressive in what they do.”

And that will give Clemson a chance to make plays downfield. It is going to be up to Klubnik, his receivers, tight ends and running backs to make plays when they do get those opportunities.