The Tigers (8-2, 7-1 ACC) won their final ACC game despite squandering a 10-point lead at halftime. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik was on fire in the first half but cooled off drastically as the Tigers battled key injuries on the offensive line.

The Tigers need No. 12 Miami to lose one of its final two games or No. 14 SMU to drop its last two contests to reach the ACC title game in Charlotte on Dec. 7.

For a moment, it looked like Clemson was doomed, like Pitt was going to end any hope the Tigers had of making the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The Panthers opened the fourth