The Pittsburgh Panthers (7-2) mitigating quest for a playoff berth has been dealt a massive blow as QB Eli Holstein is set to miss the Week 12 clash against ACC rivals Clemson (7-2). Talk about untimely. Holstein was a game-time decision after leaving 2 of the last 3 games under concussion protocol. Well, injuries to the head are never welcomed, but the Pitt backup QB will cherish the opportunity this presents.

Enter the fray, Nate Yarnell. The redshirt junior is 2-1 in his three previous starts under center. The former 3-star recruit is a more than able replacement for a team that needs a spark. The Panthers have lost two on the bounce after a rampant 7-0 start. The rut is likely to continue, by all accords, against a Clemson Tigers outfit in need of a win.

Yarnell will perhaps be the deciding factor that tips the balances in this game. Will his inexperience prove to be a hindrance? Or will the unknown quantity turn out to be an X factor? Onlookers will be fascinated to find out how Nate Yarnell fares in such a big spot.

Pitt fans will know that Yarnell has already showcased some pedigree in his young collegiate career. Last season, he started in a 24-16 win over Boston College. NFL fans would know that Boston College’s then-head coach, Jeff Hafley, is now pulling the strings as the Green Bay Packers DC. Yarnell put up 231 total yards and 2 TDs, including 207 yards and a touchdown through the air. A great reason for excitement against a defensive mind of Hafley’s acumen.

In 2022, Nate Yarnell won ACC Rookie of the Week in his only start of the season against Western Michigan. The Lake Travis HS alum threw for 179 yards and a TD in a 34-13 win. Just more evidence of his ability to do a job when called upon. The Panthers will be hoping for more of the same against their fellow big-cat compatriots.

Panthers and Tigers tussle for supremacy in the ACC Jungle

The Clemson Tigers’ season caught life last weekend, courtesy of Miami (9-1). The Canes’ untimely loss to Georgia Tech meant the window of opportunity is still open for Clemson to make the ACC Championship game and, by extension, the CFP. Nate Yarnell and his Pitt teammates are the key matchups that will decide the Tigers’ fate.

Clemson travels to Pittsburgh on Saturday to play their final conference game. Currently stood in 2nd place in the ACC, a Clemson win will mean they finish 7-1 in conference play. Miami still has two conference matchups on their schedule. If Mario Cristobal and co. slip up, the Tigers will sensationally finish above them and make it to Charlotte to compete for the ACC Championship.

As is always the case with November football, the stakes are high. For Pitt and Nate Yarnell, a convincing win against ranked Clemson could once again propel them into the bigger playoff picture. Yarnell would be hopeful of creating a positive impression among the powers that be. He has a tall task ahead of him as Pitt are 11.5 point underdogs at home.