By Dave Holcomb
SouthernPigskin.com

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Dave Holcomb on Pitt’s important win over Clemson.

Knocking off Clemson this fall doesnt come with the same notoriety as in years past. Nor should it, as the Tigers have won just one more game than theyve lost.

But nonetheless, Pitt defeating Clemson on Saturday is a big deal.

The Panthers overcame a slow start and injuries to key offensive weapons to defeat the Tigers, 27-17, at Heinz Field on Saturday afternoon. It was the second straight impressive defensive performance for Pitt, and with the victory, the Panthers moved to 6-1 and should now be considered a serious contender for the College Football Playoff.

Pitts high-powered offense was held under 30 points for the second straight week, but the Panthers defense was again strong. Last week, Pitt held Virginia Tech to just one touchdown. Clemson managed 17 points although the Panthers intercepted two passes that changed the complexion of the game.

The first interception came as Clemson approached the red zone on its second drive of the game. Pitt cornerback Damarri Mathis intercepted a pass from Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei down the sideline, ending the scoring threat.

The second interception came on the first possession of the third quarter. Again in Pitt territory, Uiagalelei tried what should have been an innocent shovel pass to a running back, but even that attempt from the quarterback missed the mark. Linebacker SirVocea Dennis broke into the backfield, intercepted the shovel pass and with no one in front of him, returned it for a touchdown.

Without those two interceptions, this game could have been quite different. For one, Clemson benched Uiagalelei following the second pick. Former 4-star recruit Taisun Phommachanh finished the game behind center for Clemson and led the Tigers to 10 points on three drives.

Other than the change at quarterback, the two Clemson takeaways together were arguably a 13-point swing. Maybe more if the Tigers finished either of those possessions in Pitts territory with touchdowns.

On an afternoon where Pitts offense struggled to generate a lot against the tough Clemson defense and only led by a touchdown at halftime, the defense essentially put the game away early in the third quarter. Thats a sign of a championship calibre team.

While Pickett wasnt overly impressive, thats really only because he raised the bar so high during the first month and a half of the season. He was very solid, throwing for 302 passing yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. It was Picketts fourth 300-yard game of the season, and he now has 23 touchdowns with only one interception in seven contests.

Pitts top rusher Israel Abanikanda and wide receiver Jordan Addison both exited the game to be evaluated for a concussion. But that didnt seem to matter, as much like last week, Pitt shortened the game with long drives in the second half. The Panthers had two 11-play drives and then a 15-play possession to end the game. Addison didnt play at all in the second half, and Abanikanda didnt have a touch on either of those final two drives.

Those long drives didnt give Clemson the opportunity to move back within a single score after the shovel pass interception. The Tigers moved the ball a little with Phommachanh behind center, though, and the question this week will be who starts behind center against Florida State next Saturday.

As much as that will steal all the headlines, quarterback is hardly the only issue at Clemson. While the interceptions obviously hurt, Will Shipley dropped what should have been a touchdown pass from Uiagalelei in the first half. Much like the picks, that mistake made a huge impact on the game.

Clemson can still have a good season and maybe even win nine games. But the Tigers are just making far too many mistakes on offense to be a playoff contender this year.

Pitt, though, will be on to bigger and better things. With no ranked opponents remaining on the schedule and only two road trips to Duke and Syracuse, who are 1-6 in the ACC, the stars are aligning for Pitt to be in the playoff conversation next month.