Two top-ranked teams clash as 12th-ranked Virginia Tech hosts No. 2 Clemson football in Blacksburg. Here’s all the game information.
The No. 12 Virginia Tech Hokies face the No. 2 Clemson Tigers in a proverbial rematch of last year’s ACC Championship Game. It’s certain to have a different feel from last season’s 42-35 game which Clemson won, as College Gameday will be in town. It is their first trip to Blacksburg since 2007.
Both teams are undefeated at 4-0 for their Week 5 meeting. Matchup-wise, history favors the Tigers, who have won the last four meetings, including two ACC Championship game victories. The last time Clemson played the Hokies in Blacksburg was in 2011, when they defeated them 23-3. That was also the last Saturday night game in Lane Stadium.
The Clemson Tigers have passed every test on offense this season. This week, the Hokies wpose as another one for them. Bud Foster’s defense is known for bringing the pressure, if they can get quarterback Kelly Bryant to break, Clemson could be in for a game. Bryant has thrown three interceptions this season.
On the Virginia Tech side of things, quarterback Josh Jackson has been almost perfect this season, throwing 11 passing touchdowns and just one interception. He’s thrown for 1,127 passing yards on 64.7 percent passing.
He’s done well to find his favorite target, wide receiver Cam Phillips, in space. Phillips has an FBS-best 523 receiving yards for five receiving touchdowns on the year.
Here’s all the game information for Virginia Tech vs. Clemson:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 30
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Blacksburg, Va.
Venue: Lane Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
Clemson’s defense has an ACC-leading 17.0 sacks this season, averaging 4.3 sacks per game. Passing protection will be key for the Virginia Tech Hokies, They’ve allowed just four sacks this season as they face a tough Clemson defensive line.
The Hokies haven’t faced a defense like Clemson’s but their own defense should carry them as well. The team who plays mistake-free football and executes will win but with inexperience at quarterback on both sides, anything can happen.
Running back Travis Etienne is the X-factor for the Tigers offense. He’s got 292 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. His speed has been on full display as he’s got a 12.7 yards per carry average.
Prediction
Both teams boast two Top 10-ranked scoring defenses entering the game. The Tigers allow 9.3 points per game while the Hokies allow 10.2 points per game. Expect a game of chess not checkers as both teams will look to play it safe so early in the season.
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With two of the top defensive coordinators in college football facing off, we’re sure to see an exciting but low-scoring game. The Clemson Tigers already played one close game against the Boston College Golden Eagles in Week 4 and prevailed in the end, 34-7. The ending could be a bit different, but the Tigers should get the victory here.
Final Score: Clemson 28, Virginia Tech 20