The Pitt Panthers welcomed Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers into Heinz Field on Saturday for a highly anticipated matchup, and it did not disappoint… that is if you’re a Pitt fan! The Panthers more or less took care of business in a 27-17 win over “Swinney’s Squad.” In a game that featured a shovel pass pick-six by SirVocea Dennis, a crowd of 60,000+ at Heinz Field (which I was a part of), and, most shockingly, DJ Uiagaleilei being BENCHED in the 3rd quarter in favor of Taisun Phommachanh. And yet, Panthers weren’t phased by it.
Pickett for Heisman
After a slow start, in which the Panthers were shut out in the first quarter, 5th year QB (and potential Heisman candidate) Kenny Pickett showed why he came back for another go-around. He once again showed poise, stepping up in the pocket, zipping the ball through the air, and even running from trouble when he needed to. Pickett finished 25/39 with 302 passing yards and 2 TDs. One was a DIME to Jordan Addison. The other? A 39-yard pass to a WIDE open Taysir Mack on 4th & 5 just before halftime.
Pickett also had 7 carries for 15 rushing yards, which doesn’t sound too good on paper, until you go back and look at both of his 3rd down rushes in the 4th quarter:
- 3rd & 7 at the Pitt 28
Pickett scrambles and runs for 8 yards, diving out of bounds to get a HUGE 1st down, keeping the clock rolling, and avoiding a 3-and-out.
- 3rd & 6 at the Pitt 40
Pickett, on a DESIGNED QB run (Whipple had so much confidence in Pickett there), gets 7 yards and picks up another crucial 1st down. After a few Rodney Hammond rushes, that’s all she wrote! Drinks on Kenny!
Kenny Pickett. Awesome. pic.twitter.com/PQCxMTqvtV
— Saturday Gameday (@SaturdayGameday) October 24, 2021
Total Team Effort
An unsung hero of this game was definitely Sam Scarton, Pitt’s kicker. He made two crucial field goals in the 4th quarter (44 and 34 yards respectfully) to keep the Tigers at bay.
Overall, a fantastic TEAM game from the Panthers, who move to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the ACC. They have a match-up against the Miami Hurricanes (who just knocked off #18 NC State) this Saturday at noon at Heinz Field.
The same can’t be said about Clemson, who seem to be in total disarray at the moment. Coach Dabo Swinney said, “Everything’s under evaluation at this point” after this loss, including DJ Uiagaleilei’s starting QB status. The Tigers will face the Florida State Seminoles at home this Saturday at 3:30 PM.
In a college football season rivaling 2007 in terms of chaos (2007 didn’t have a 9OT game, just saying), I don’t think anyone expected any of these outcomes:
#1. Pitt is 6-1 and now ranked #17 in the latest AP Poll
#2. Clemson is 4-3 and MILES away from winning the Atlantic, let alone the ACC Championship
#3. DJ Uiagaleilei and Spencer Rattler were both benched in two weeks… What a crazy year.
