After producing three consecutive victories with 20-plus victory margins for the first time since 2001, Pitt moved into the Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday at No. 23.

Pitt’s first appearance in the Top 25 since winning its first three games of the 2020 season precedes a nationally televised (ESPN) matchup at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Heinz Field when Clemson visits Pittsburgh for the first time in history. Clemson is unranked in the Associated Press poll, but No. 24 — one behind Pitt — in the American Football Coaches Association poll.

In the aftermath of Pitt’s 28-7 victory at Virginia Tech, coach Pat Narduzzi called the upcoming game “epic.”

The Panthers (5-1, 2-0 ACC) also are getting recognition from the ESPN Football Power Index, which ranks them No. 7 in the nation. The FPI gives Pitt an 88.2% chance to win the ACC Coastal, 57.5% (tops in the conference) to win the ACC and 63.1% to beat Clemson while projecting 10.4 victories at the end of the season.

ESPN’s FPI currently ranks Pitt SEVENTH nationally. It projects the Panthers with 10.4 wins, gives them a 17.4% chance to win out, an 88% chance to win the Coastal, 57.5% to win the ACC & 15% chance to make the playoff. Gives Pitt a 63.1% chance to beat Clemson this week.

— ????????️♈️???? (@ADavidHaleJoint) October 17, 2021

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