Clemson vs Pittsburgh: Highlights, score and recap

The Pittsburgh Panthers pulled off the upset off of a late field goal to hand the Clemson Tigers their first loss of the season.

Perhaps Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers never even considered losing to the Pittsburgh Panthers in Death Valley in Week 100 of the college football season. However, it most certainly had crossed the minds of the Panthers as they came on the road. From the very start, they showed they came to play by jumping ahead 7-0. From there, it was nothing but calamity from start to finish.

As the Tigers and Panthers traded scores in the first half, it looked as if Chris Blewitt missing an extra-point in the second quarter might prove to be the difference in the game. That remained the case as Clemson took a 28-27 lead into halftime.

Pitt’s offense seemed to slow a bit in the second half, but so too did No. 2-ranked Clemson. However, the Tigers at home were able to increase their lead and took a 42-34 lead into the fourth quarter. Knocking on the door of another score, Deshaun Watson needed to just lead the way to a field goal to get the win. Instead, he threw a horrible pick—his third of the day—that was almost taken to the house.

The Panthers punched that in, but missed on the two-point conversion. Then, they came up with a huge stop to get the ball back, stuffing Wayne Gallman on two short runs. Needing only a field goal to win, Nathan Peterman continued his tremendous performance and got them in range. That put it all on the shoulders of the guy who missed the PAT earlier, Blewitt. From 48 yards, though, Blewitt was money with just seconds left.

Clemson tried to lateral the ensuing kickoff, but it was all for naught. They were stifled without much life ever developing and thus suffered their first loss of 2016.

Three Stars

Nathan Peterman, Pitt – Though you have to respect James Conner going for 132 yards and a score, Peterman was enormous for the Panthers. He finished going 22-37 for 308 yards and five touchdowns.

Mike Williams, Clemson – Many scouts view Mike Williams as the best receiver in the 2017 NFL Draft. If 15 catches for 202 yards and a touchdown (and a touchdown-saving interception off of a tackle) doesn’t show you why, you’re probably not going to be convinced at this point.

Deshaun Watson, Clemson – Remember when everyone was looking for Heisman-like numbers from Watson. He at least halfway put them up. He finished the game having thrown 70 (!!!) times, completing 52 of them for 580 yards, three touchdowns, and three picks.

Highlights

Next Game

Pitt will be at home in their next game trying to get win No. 7 off of the upset as they take on the Duke Blue Devils. Clemson looks to rebound from their first loss as they go on the road at Wake Forest.