Palmetto State News

The Clemson football team traveled to Heinz Field in Pennsylvania to take on No. 23 Pittsburgh last weekend, and while the Tigers' defense played well, it couldn’t hold off the Panthers in a 27-17 loss.

“The Tiger defense held Pitt 21 points below (its) season average, led by (linebacker) James Skalski, who finished with (career-high 18) tackles on the day,” a Clemson team press release said.

For his effort, Skalski was named ACC Co-Linebacker of the Week.

Clemson (4-3, 3-2 ACC Atlantic) scored in the first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run by Phil Mafah to cap an eight-play, 80-yard scoring drive. 

Pittsburgh (6-1, 3-0 ACC Coastal) - which with the win moved up six spots in the AP Top 25 this week to No. 17 - quarterback Kenny Picket then linked up with Jordan Addison for a 23-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 39-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Mack.

Pitt led 14-7 at the half and it was anyone’s game.

Pittsburgh went up 21-7 at the beginning of the third quarter on a 50-yard interception return by SirVocea Dennis. 

Clemson’s B.T. Potter made it a 21-10 game on a 42-yard field goal, but Pitt added a field goal to go up 24-10. Pitt made it 27-10 on another field goal in the fourth quarter.

Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei had the Tigers' final score when he ran the ball in from 6 yards for a touchdown.

Pittsburgh’s offense managed 464 yards, compared to Clemson’s 315 total yards. 

Uiagalelei was 12/15, for 128 yards and a pair of interceptions. He also rushed for 54 yards on eight rushes, with a touchdown. 

Justyn Ross had five catches for 59 yards. 

For Pittsburgh, Pickett was 25/39 with two touchdowns. Rodney Hammond had 66 yards rushing, while Addison had five catches for 84 yards.

Clemson hosts Florida State 3:30 p.m. Saturday in a nationally-televised game.