Saturday's game between Clemson and Pitt in Clemson, S.C. will pair two teams who are struggling to keep their heads above water in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Clemson (10-8, 2-5 ACC) has lost three consecutive games thanks in large part to late-game defensive deficiencies.

"That is becoming a common theme for this team," Clemson coach Brad Brownell said. "We've got a great group of kids, but we're not as tough as we need to be. And it shows up especially on the defensive end.