VandySports.com - Big East honors Clermond

December 3, 2007

Pitt senior defensive end Joe Clermond, who helped the Panthers to perhaps the greatest upset victory in school history this past Saturday at West Virginia (13-9), has been selected the Big East Conference's Defensive Player of the Week.

Clermond (Tampa, Fla./Chamberlain) spearheaded an overpowering defensive performance by collecting eight tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. The Panthers limited West Virginia's high-powered offense to just 183 total yards and a lone touchdown. The Mountaineers entered the contest averaging 41.6 points and 474.8 yards per game.

West Virginia managed just 104 yards on the ground, its lowest single-game rushing total since 2001 when the Panthers held them to that same total in a 23-17 victory (incidentally, Pitt's last victory in Morgantown). The Mountaineers' nine points marked their lowest since 2003.

The team's defensive captain, Clermond finished the season as Pitt's leader in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (13). His 53 total tackles ranked tied for fourth. Clermond's 0.875 sacks per game ranks 12th (tied) nationally and third in the Big East.

Pitt's victory over West Virginia is being called the biggest upset win in the Panthers' 118 years of collegiate football. The Panthers, who entered the game as a four-touchdown underdog, not only defeated their most intense rival but also knocked the Mountaineers from a possible berth in the BCS title game. It additionally was the first time in school history the Panthers defeated a team ranked No. 1. (West Virginia was atop the USA Today coaches' poll entering its game with Pitt.)

After the West Virginia game Clermond said, "This is the biggest win I have had in my career. It's nice to get one here in Morgantown. We just went out there and played our game. That's it. It doesn't make up for (other losses) but sure feels good. It's a good start heading into next year."

Jim Snyder can be contacted at jrsnyder04@comcast.net.

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