Another marquee matchup offers Pitt the chance to leave its mark on college football, 2020

In most seasons, Pitt doesn’t get many chances to impact who goes — or doesn’t go — to the College Football Playoff. But for the second time in a month, the Panthers confront one of the top three teams in the nation.

They lost to No. 2 Notre Dame, 45-3, on Oct. 24 at Heinz Field. Saturday, they get a crack at No. 3 Clemson. (Rankings are current ones from the College Football Playoff committee.)

A Pitt victory would give Miami the opportunity to replace Clemson in the ACC championship game and pretty much end the Tigers’ playoff hopes.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney recognizes the importance of the game, and it doesn’t sound like he’ll abide his team (7-1, 6-1 ACC) taking Pitt (5-4, 4-4) lightly.

After the CFP rankings were announced Tuesday, he all but yawned at his team’s placement at No. 3.

“They could put us No. 1. They could put us wherever they want to put us, and it doesn’t matter,” he said. “What matters for us is trying to get to the ACC Championship. To do that, we’ve got to beat Pitt.”

Swinney will be happy to know running back James Conner and tight end Scott Orndoff will be in front of their TV sets and not in the Pitt lineup as they were in the Panthers’ 43-42 upset in 2016. Conner totaled 189 yards and two touchdowns on 23 touches; Orndoff caught nine passes for 128 yards and two scores.

Here are five thoughts as you ponder if lightning can strike twice. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

1. Offensive growth

Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple said he’s seen growth during Pitt’s two-game winning streak.

“Being able to run the ball a little bit better helped in the second half (against Virginia Tech),” he said.

Pitt scored nine offensive touchdowns against Florida State and Virginia Tech; only one in losses to Miami and Notre Dame. Interesting stat: Pitt’s four ACC victims are a combined 10-25.

When asked what kick-started the run game, Whipple laughed and said, “We weren’t playing Notre Dame.”

Even Clemson, with 2019 ACC Player of the Year Travis Etienne, ran for only 34 yards in a double-overtime loss to the Irish.

But Whipple also said, “I think our guys have a lot of pride.” Plus, he credited offensive line coach Dave Borbely and running backs coach Andre Powell for devising good run schemes.

“I have to stay with the run a little bit more,” Whipple said of his play-calling. “We’re more consistent in practice since the week off (for the Georgia Tech postponement). We’re not as tired. Timing is much better in the run game.”

The biggest factor is quarterback Kenny Pickett played in the two victories; he sat out the two defeats with an ankle injury. Defenses must account for him.

“When he’s in there, we’re a real threat. We can play with anybody in the country,” Whipple said.

2. Not the same

The atmosphere in Death Valley for the nationally televised ESPN game — where 25% of the 81,500 seats will be filled — won’t resemble the raucous scene Pitt encountered in 2016.

Will it help the Panthers?

“There will be less of a home-field advantage,” defensive coordinator Randy Bates said, “because there are less people in the stands calling you names.

“Does that help you? Probably a little bit. I see teams that shouldn’t be winning away playing as if it’s a home game.”

3. No Fun League?

Pitt has a portable basketball hoop on its sideline that players use to dunk the football after securing a turnover. Because it’s done in the bench area, there is no penalty for celebration.

But Pitt was given two of those for celebrating after a fumble recovery and touchdown in the Virginia Tech game. Defensive end Patrick Jones did a little dance on the field; the touchdown celebration occurred outside the out-of-bounds line after D.J. Turner politely handed the football to the official.

Asked about the penalties, Pat Narduzzi said, “No one alerted me that you couldn’t have fun playing the game of football anymore, OK? There’s nothing choreographed. It’s called excitement. It’s called energy, and I want our football team to have energy and play with excitement.

“Now, I don’t want it to be excessive, but when it’s on the sideline you kind of (say), ‘What are we doing here?’

“So it’s probably a question for the ACC office, I guess.”

4. Does it hurt, Kenny?

A quarterback who can’t step into his throws, keep his balance in the pocket and escape pressure will struggle. Fortunately for Pitt, none of that is true of Pickett. Since his return, Pickett has completed 70.9% of his throws for 614 yards.

It’s fair to wonder how much pain Pickett feels and is able to ignore, especially when you consider he never complains about it publicly.

Whipple believes the week off gave Pickett time to heal. “He was able to do drills and some things, instead of just standing there as a statue,” Whipple said.

5. Face to face

Fans who think they know better have wondered for the past two seasons why Pickett must run to the sideline to get the play call from Whipple.

Whipple likes that method of communication because it’s what he uses in practice and it allows him to shoot quick reminders at his quarterback.

“I might remind him on a certain play, ‘You have a sight adjustment. Don’t forget your hot (receiver).’ He likes it and all the guys like it.

“You get to do it in the NFL (electronically). You don’t get to do it at our level. I’ve always said since I came back to college, they have to go to a communicator.”

Asked if he follows fans’ comments on social media, he said he doesn’t have time.

“I’m old enough and wise enough to not read,” he said.

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