Clemson Football: 3 takeaways from 2019 ACC title blowout vs. Virginia

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 07: Bryce Perkins #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during the ACC Football Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

2. One-man show not enough vs. Clemson

Bryce Perkins did all he could against the Tigers tonight, but it simply wasn’t enough. He has been Mr. Everything for the Cavaliers all season long. Tonight was no different.

Perkins led the Cavaliers in both passing and rushing much like he did all season long. The Cavaliers have gotten away with using Perkins as their primary runner this season with the lack of a feature running back, but couldn’t cover up that weakness tonight.

Perkins couldn’t get away from Clemson’s speed, and the Cavaliers’ receivers — without Joe Reed — could not separate from Clemson’s defensive backs. The short pass game worked for so long until Clemson began to squeeze the Cavaliers receivers.

Without a threat to pitch, the Tigers knew Perkins was going to keep all game long. What Perkins has meant to the Cavaliers this season, and to the program since Bronco Mendenhall came to Charlottesville.

It has been Perkins’ super human efforts against Pitt and Virginia Tech that got them to this game. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough tonight.

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