There are games that live up to the hype — and then there’s the Clemson Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Panthers showdown on November 16, 2024. If you watched it, you already know: it wasn’t just another Saturday college football game. It was a fierce battle, a chess match of athleticism, strategy, and raw willpower that came down to the wire. And if you missed it? Buckle up. We’re diving deep into the player stats, the big plays, and the clutch moments that defined this thrilling contest.
Detailed Player Stats Table:
| Team | Player | Position | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs | Total Sacks | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | Cade Klubnik | QB | 288 | 2 | 41 | 1 | — | — | — | Game-winning 12-yard rushing TD |
| Antonio Williams | WR | — | — | — | — | 149 | 2 | — | 13 receptions, highlight-reel 33-yard TD | |
| T.J. Parker | DE | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | Dominant defensive presence, 4 key sacks | |
| Pittsburgh | Nate Yarnell | QB | 350 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | Strong performance but costly late-game interception |
| Desmond Reid | RB/WR | — | — | 68 | — | 108 | — | — | Versatile weapon, big plays in open space | |
| Daniel Carter | RB | — | — | 42 | 1 | — | — | — | Powerful red zone running, early TD |
Note: Dashes (—) indicate not applicable or no recorded stat in that category.
Hometown Battle in Pittsburgh
Set against the chilly backdrop of Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Panthers came out roaring on their home turf, hungry for an upset. But Clemson, the perennial ACC heavyweight, had other plans. Fueled by rising star Cade Klubnik and a relentless defense, the Tigers walked away with a hard-fought 24–20 victory.
Final Score: Clemson 24, Pittsburgh 20
Date: November 16, 2024
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Attendance: A packed house with nearly 60,000 fans
Keyword Spotlight: Clemson Tigers football vs Pittsburgh Panthers football match player stats
Clemson’s Star Power Shines Bright
Let’s talk numbers — because in a game this close, stats tell the story.
Cade Klubnik: The QB Who Wouldn’t Quit
Clemson’s sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik showed exactly why he’s the future of this program.
- Passing yards: 288
- Passing TDs: 2
- Rushing yards: 41
- Rushing TDs: 1
His dual-threat capability kept Pitt’s defense guessing all game long. But it was his 12-yard scramble late in the fourth quarter for the game-winning touchdown that sealed the deal — and gave Clemson fans a reason to believe in something special again.
Antonio Williams: A One-Man Highlight Reel
When Klubnik needed a big play, he looked to one guy: Antonio Williams.
- Receptions: 13
- Receiving yards: 149
- Receiving TDs: 2
Williams was simply unstoppable. Whether it was slants, outs, or deep routes, the Panthers couldn’t cover him. His connection with Klubnik is becoming something special — and Pitt felt the full force of it.
T.J. Parker: A Defensive Nightmare
On the other side of the ball, Clemson’s defensive end T.J. Parker terrorized Pitt’s O-line.
- Sacks: 4
- Pressures: 7 (Unofficial)
Parker disrupted everything. Third down? Sack. Red zone? Sack. Pitt couldn’t keep him off Yarnell, and it showed in the game’s critical moments.
Panthers Fight Hard, Fall Just Short
Nate Yarnell: Numbers Don’t Lie
Even in a loss, Yarnell put on a passing clinic.
- Passing yards: 350
- Passing TDs: 1
He looked calm, poised, and in control for most of the game. Unfortunately for Pitt, his lone interception came at the worst possible time — in the red zone during the final drive. Still, his performance was nothing short of impressive.
Desmond Reid: Pitt’s Swiss Army Knife
Whether he was running through Clemson’s front seven or hauling in swing passes, Reid was electric.
- Rushing yards: 68
- Receiving yards: 108
His versatility kept Pitt in the game. The Tigers had no answer for his speed in space, especially in the second half.
Daniel Carter: Tough Yards Matter
While his stat line wasn’t gaudy, Carter’s power running gave Pitt some much-needed red zone grit.
- Rushing TDs: 1
- Yards After Contact: 33 (Unofficial)
He bulldozed in from the 3-yard line early in the second quarter, giving Pitt a temporary lead and firing up the home crowd.
What the Stats Don’t Show: A Gritty Game of Heart and Hustle
Sure, you can look at the Clemson vs Pitt football stats and get the numbers. But this game was more than that. It was about energy, about emotion, about two teams who wanted it badly. Clemson needed this win to stay alive in the ACC race. Pitt wanted redemption — and almost got it.
And that’s what makes college football so beautiful. Stats give us the facts, but the fire? That comes from the players.
Turning Points and Game-Changing Moments
1. Klubnik’s Fourth-Quarter Magic
With 4:28 left on the clock and the Tigers trailing by three, Klubnik orchestrated a 78-yard drive, capped with his own legs on a 12-yard scramble into the end zone. That’s leadership. That’s clutch.
2. Antonio Williams’ 33-Yard TD Grab
Early in the third quarter, Williams made a circus catch down the sideline for a go-ahead touchdown. One foot in. Defender draped on him. Pure concentration.
3. Parker’s Third Sack on 3rd-and-Long
With Pitt driving and just outside field goal range, Parker burst through the line and buried Yarnell. The play forced a punt and killed Pitt’s momentum.
Box Score Snapshot
For a quick look at the Clemson Tigers vs Pittsburgh Panthers box score, check out:
These pages offer full statistical breakdowns, including drive charts, player stats, and more.
People Also Ask: Quick Answers
Who were the top performers in Clemson vs Pitt 2024?
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and Antonio Williams stole the show. Pitt’s Nate Yarnell and Desmond Reid kept things competitive.
What was the final score of the Clemson-Pitt game in 2024?
Clemson 24, Pittsburgh 20.
Where was the game played?
In Pittsburgh, PA.
Did Clemson’s defense step up?
Absolutely. Led by T.J. Parker’s 4 sacks, the Tigers’ defense came through in key moments.
Final Thoughts: Stats with Soul
If you’re digging for Clemson Pittsburgh game player stats 2024, there’s no shortage of data — but behind every number is a moment, a roar, a gasp from the crowd. This was more than a game; it was a statement win for Clemson and a bitter heartbreaker for Pitt. But both teams left it all on the field.
Whether you’re a stats nerd or a passionate fan, this was the kind of game that reminds us why we love college football: the drama, the unpredictability, and the heroes rising when it matters most.
Stay tuned — because if this matchup becomes a rivalry, we’re all in for more Saturday magic.
Want more detailed college football breakdowns, player insights, or full game recaps? Bookmark us — because we don’t just report the scores. We tell the story.
