The Tigers are in must win territory against Pitt- RTR staff predictions

After taking one on the chin against Louisville, Clemson responded with a hard-fought performance against Virginia Tech. And not long before the game, Georgia Tech gifted the Tigers something to raise their spirits: hope.

The Yellow Jackets beat Miami, giving Clemson a small yet plausible window into the ACC championship. But that only holds true if the Tigers finish the season without a loss. Pitt is the first obstacle in their way.

The Panthers have had an impressive season, starting 7-0. However, they've lost two consecutive games against SMU by 23 points and Virginia. Although Pitt's meteoric rise partly happened due to its easy schedule at the beginning of the season, Clemson must respect it going into this game to ensure the Tiger's hopes stay alive. But will they do it? Here are the RTR staff's predictions for tomorrow's game:

Matthew

This week, Clemson can keep its slim ACC title hopes alive by beating a team in Pitt that may have thrown in the towel after losing to SMU and Virginia to see its own conference championship hopes wither away.

Last week, Pitt could have stayed in the race but the Panthers played poorly in a home loss to Virginia. Clemson’s passing game will be key against a suspect Pitt pass defense and Cade Klubnik will have a big day as the Tigers win to keep pressure on Miami and SMU.

Clemson 31 – Pitt 21

Austin

"Must-win game" is an overused term in college sports, but it seems appropriate for tomorrow's game against Pitt. In fact, every win from now to the end of the season is a "must-win" game. The team knows it, and Dabo Swinney knows it. And if Clemson were to lose another game, it won't be to Pitt.

Eli Holstein has carried the Panthers to their 7-2 record, but against Virginia, he and Pitt's top receiver Konata Mumpfield left the game early with injuries. Holstein is a game-time decision, while Mumpfield was listed as questionable earlier this week. If they can't play, or their performance is hampered by their injuries, it could mean disaster for an already struggling offense.

Clemson 31 – Pitt 17