Virginia Tech Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Clemson Tigers and Virginia Tech Hokies face off in a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship game. The Hokies fell in the title game by one possession, 42-35, after giving up 182 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson led the way offense with 85 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 288 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. The Hokies stuck around all night but there was no denying the Clemson offense. The offense accumulated 30 first downs, 470 total yards and just one turnover in the game.

The good news for Virginia Tech is the Clemson offense will have a completely different look this season with a new quarterback. Wide receivers Hunter Renfrow and Deon Cain return to give them solid weapons in the passing game.

Defensively, the Tigers still have a solid group. They have some rebuilding to do in the secondary but they return seven starters. The defensive line features a few NFL Draft picks in Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wikins and Dexter Lawrence.

Two seasoned defensive coordinators in Brent Venables (Clemson) and Bud Foster (Virginia Tech) clash in what should be a defensive battle throughout. The Tigers went 14-1 last season and while they return just five starters on offense, they’re still projected to be a top team.

The Virginia Tech Hokies still aren’t quite ready to face an elite ACC Clemson team, at least their offense isn’t anyways. The Hokies have lost four games in a row to the Tigers including 2 losses in the ACC Championship in 2016 and 2011.

Final: Clemson 38, Virginia Tech 30 (4-1, 0-1 ACC)