Clemson vs. Pitt, UAB vs. Memphis predictions: College football odds, picks
A quarterback change can shake things.In the case of Pitt, it’s spelling the end of its dream season.
But for UAB, it’s given the Blazers a shot in the arm and made them a fun watch, at least if you’re an Over bettor. Last week, Clemson took its show on the road and put the Virginia Tech offense in a box.Neither Kyron Drones nor Collin Schlee could connect on anything downfield.
In the end, Hokies quarterbacks finished 16-for-37 for 188 yards with a pair of interceptions.Given Pitt’s questions at quarterback Saturday, I foresee a similar outcome. Eli Holstein remains a game-time decision for Pat Narduzzi due to a head injury.
If Pitt is forced to turn to backup Nate Yarnell, Clemson’s defense will swarm.The statuesque quarterback was forced into action last week against Virginia and the Wahoos pressured him into two interceptions. Virginia registered pressures on seven of Yarnell’s 17 dropbacks, often without bringing more than four rushers.
That bodes well for the Tigers’ defense, which ranks eighth in defensive Havoc. When Clemson has the ball, I’m bullish on a breakout performance from Cade Klubnik and his receiving corps.Garrett Riley has unlocked Klubnik’s potential this season, essentially flipping his big-time throw/turnover-worthy throw ratio year-over-year. Instead of settling for check-down throws, Klubnik is pushing the ball downfield and doing it successfully.
His PFF passing grade has jumped up from 74.4 on intermediate throws to 91.4 this season.He has witnessed an even larger jump (66.2 to 91.8) on throws of 20+ yards downfield. This is how you beat the Pitt defense, testing it deep.
The Panthers have surrendered 35 throws of 20+ yards this season, placing them 110th nationally in terms of aerial explosives allowed. Backing Dabo Swinney in ACC play has been a profitable endeavor since he took over in 2009.The Tigers have covered 59% of their conference games under Swinney, which is the second-best ATS conference win rat...