Pitt vs. Clemson: Open Gamethread

After the Panthers backed themselves into a win earlier this week against Boston College, they'll have a chance to rebound against Clemson today.

One reason for optimism? Pitt gets its first home ACC game of the year after playing two straight road games. What's more is that with the students back, it should be a very good crowd - unlike some of the lightly-attended non-conference matchups at The Pete.

Another reason is that Pitt got a breakout game of sorts from Sheldon Jeter against the Eagles and even got some minutes from Joseph Uchebo in that game. Uchebo played a career-high 19 minutes and if he can give Pitt even 10-15, that is a help.

In Clemson, Pitt is also getting what looks to be one of the ACC's weaker teams. The Tigers aren't a pushover by any means, though. They beat a ranked Arkansas team, have wins against LSU and Auburn, and played well in a close game against Louisville. On the flipside, they also lost earlier in the season to Winthrop and Garnder-Webb, lost to Rutgers, and was blown out against North Carolina and South Carolina.

On the road, I'd feel less confident. But at home, this is a game Pitt can (and really needs to) win.

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