Clemson 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 by one possession, 42-35, after giving up 182 rushing yards and three 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 Virginia Tech offense will need to find a new groove for the 2017 season with the departure of Jerod Evans. They should be in good hands with redshirt freshman Josh Jackson.

Defensively, the Hokies are still a solid group. Up front, Trevon Hill, Vinny Mihota , Ricky Walker and Tim Settle have the experience and talent. In the secondary, the Edmunds’ brothers (Terrell and Tremaine) look to wreak even more havoc.

Two seasoned defensive coordinators in Brent Venables (Clemson) and Bud Foster (Virginia Tech) clash in what should be a defensive clash. Foster’s defense allowed just 22.8 points per game in 2016, 28th in the FBS.

The Hokies have lost four games in a row to the Tigers including two losses in the ACC Championship in 2016 and 2011. They are one of the top teams in the conference, but not quite on Clemson’s level yet.

They should challenge the Clemson Tigers in Week Five but don’t expect an upset just yet.

Final: Virginia Tech 30, Clemson 38 (4-1, 2-1 ACC)