CLEMSON – Since Pitt began ACC play in 2013, Clemson has faced the Panthers just four times, with the two teams splitting those games.

Pitt won the first matchup in Death Valley in 2016, with the Tigers winning the next two, including the 2018 ACC Championship Game. The Panthers won the last one in 2022, the only time the Tigers have played Pat Narduzzi’s team on the road.

This week, No. 20 Clemson (7-2, 6-1) makes its second trip up to Pitt (7-2, 3-2) and Narduzzi insists this will be the best team the Panthers have seen this season.

“Maybe the best football team we’ve played this year,” Narduzzi said during his weekly press conference. “I shouldn’t say maybe. They are.”

The Tigers come in fresh off a dominating defensive effort in a 24-14 win over Virgina Tech,, while Pitt comes in having dropped two straight, including a close loss at home to Virginia last weekend.

One of the biggest things that sticks out to Narduzzi is the play of the Tigers’ offensive line. Despite the fact that Clemson is currently dealing with some injuries up front, including starters Tristan Leigh and Marcus Tate, Matt Luke has had a major impact on the group during his first season with the program.

“I think their offensive line is probably the best offensive line I’ve seen this year without a question,” Narduzzi added. “These guys are big, fast, physical. Our D tackles had better hang in there because these dudes are going to double-team you and try and hang you on the goal post up front.”

While this Clemson team might not be on the same level as some of those that made six consecutive trips to the College Football Playoff from 2015-2020, it’s a team Narduzzi said is still littered with talent.

“They’ve been talented since I’ve been here,” Narduzzi said. “This is our fifth time playing them. We’ve played them four previous times already, once in a championship game. They’re talented. Nothing’s different. They’ve got a bunch of four and five-star players. They’ve got the best of the best. They’ve had the best for a long, long time. They’ve been the measuring stick, as far as ACC football, for many years, and Dabo does a great job.”

Clemson and Pitt will kickoff at noon and the game will be televised by ESPN.

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