Clemson held off Pittsburgh in a chaotic finish that had everything—controversial flags, a late-game go-ahead drive by Pitt, and a final answer from Cade Klubnik. Clemson jumped ahead 17-10 and held off multiple pushes from Pitt, who came in unranked but tied in record at 7-2. The game tightened late when Pitt’s tight end, Gavin Bartholomew, tied things up on a well-timed touchdown catch. After the PAT, it was 17-17 and the Pitt coaches were fired up.
A roughing the passer call sparked debate after Pitt’s defender made contact with Klubnik’s helmet. The player tried to clarify with the ref, and the exchange turned into a rare mature sideline moment. Despite that penalty and Clemson keeping the drive alive, Pitt’s defense stuffed a key fourth-and-one with a strip in the backfield. With momentum, Pitt tacked on a field goal to take a 20-17 lead with time ticking down.
Then came Klubnik. Cool and confident, he marched Clemson downfield, using his legs and some sharp throws. With under a minute left, he sliced through Pitt’s defense with a clutch touchdown run, putting Clemson up 24-20. Pitt had one last chance, driving to midfield in seconds, but their final heave into the end zone was incomplete. Clemson held on in a wild one, and Klubnik cemented his place as the difference-maker, never panicking and closing the game with authority.