Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Watch: Cade Klubnik saves Clemson's playoff hopes with game-winning 50-yard TD run

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Nov 16, 2024 4:17 PM ET

The No. 20 Clemson Tigers spent most of Saturday seemingly trying to give away their game against the Pitt Panthers, but they still managed to sneak away with a 24-20 win that kept their college football playoff hopes alive.

Things were looking bleak with less than two minutes to play when Clemson took over on its own 25-yard line, trailing by three points for the first time all day.

The Tigers did not trail for long.

They went on a stunning three-play, 75-yard drive that was capped off by quarterback Cade Klubnik taking off and running through the Pitt defense for a 50-yard touchdown.

The entire series took just 20 seconds.

ICYMI - The game-winning TD‼️ pic.twitter.com/ioogivBcr2
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 16, 2024

Until then, Pitt's defense had done a masterful job of limiting the Clemson offense and completely shutting down its running game. Before that run, the Tigers had eight yards rushing for the game.

Klubnik gave them 50 and the game-winning touchdown.

Pitt was able to get down inside the Clemson 25-yard line on the ensuing drive but could not score on the game's final play.

Had the Tigers lost, it would have been its third loss on the season, putting it in a situation where it would have needed help to get into the ACC Championship game. With that win, Clemson controls its own path and is in a position to not only play in the ACC title game but perhaps play its way into the College Football Playoff.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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