The number two team in the land comes into Blacksburg to get it on when the 12th ranked Virginia Tech Hokies play the Clemson Tigers this Saturday night. The ACC clash is set to go off on Saturday, September 30th at 8:00 p.m. EST. The conference football extravaganza can be seen on ABC for your Saturday night entertainment. Heading into this match-up, the Clemson Tigers are -7.5 point favorites and the game’s total sits at 51.5.
The Clemson Tigers clawed their way to a 34-7 victory over the Boston College Eagles last week. Do not be confused, this game was tied 7-7 going into the fourth quarter. Clemson’s offense rallied and put up 27 fourth-quarter points to make this game look like a blowout. In fact, it was a lot closer than it might have appeared.
The Virginia Tech Hokies glided to a 38-0 home triumph over the Old Dominion Monarchs in their previous action. The Hokies dominated both sides of the ball in this game. The offense provided more than enough firepower through the air and on the ground. The defense was outstanding, limiting the Monarchs to a paultry 149 total yards.
(2) Clemson Tigers (4-0)
It took three-quarters of football for Clemson to finally take control in their 34-7 home win over the Eagles last week to remain undefeated. Quarterback Kelly Bryant did not have his best performance, completing 17 of 26 throws for 140 yards with no touchdowns and two picks.
However, the dual-threat signal-caller was able to rush for 106 yards with two trips to the back of the end zone. All told, the junior quarterback has tallied 873 passing yards with a poor two scores to three interception ratio. He has scrambled for 268 yards and scored seven touchdowns with his feet.
Running back Travis Etienne has been the Tigers go-to guy out of the backfield. Last week, he performed well. The tailback had a 50-yard scamper for a score and collected 106 and another touchdown. In 2017, he has accumulated just under 300 yards and four trips to pay-dirt. Combined with Kelly Bryant, Clemson boasts a stout rushing attack that ranks 13th in the nation, averaging 275 yards per game.
Wide receiver Hunter Renfro was the Tigers best option against Boston College. He grabbed six passes for 53 yards in the win. more importantly, four of those throws went for first downs. Heading into this clash with the Hokies, Clemson has four other receivers that have caught over 100 yards in 2017.
The Tigers defense was at it again when they beat the Eagles last week at home. Overall, they limited BC to 238 total yards and four of 16 on third downs. This marked the third time this season that the Tigers have dominated an opposing offense.
Apparently, they have reloaded after some key losses to the NFL. Let’s also remember, this may have been against the Eagles offense but they also had a similar performance against Lamar Jackson the week before.
(12) Virginia Tech Hokies (4-0)
Quarterback Josh Jackson is off to a tremendous start in 2017. Yes, it has been against the likes of Old Dominion, Delaware and East Carolina but the numbers speak for themselves. Since taking over under center this year, Jackson has well over 1,100 yards with 11 touchdowns and only one pick. The new face also has carried the rock 32 times for 144 yards and another score. He will face the best defense that he will see all season when he plays the Tigers this weekend.
Since taking over under center this year, Jackson has well over 1,100 yards with 11 touchdowns and only one pick. The new face also has carried the rock 32 times for 144 yards and another score. He will face the best defense that he will see all season when he plays the Tigers this weekend.
The Hokies split their running game between three capable tailbacks. All three have around 35 carries and all three have easily eclipsed the century mark. Virginia Tech also isn’t afraid to share the carries in the red zone. All three backs have at least one score and they have six as a unit. Combined with Josh Jackson, the Hokies sit at 34th in the nation, getting 215 yards per game.
Cam Phillips is head and shoulders above any other receiver that the Hokies will field this Saturday. The outstanding play-maker is off to a great start in 2017. So far, he has team-highs in receptions (34), yards (523) and touchdowns with five. On the other side, Sean Savoy has grabbed 14 passes for about 160 yards and another trip to the end zone.
The Virginia Tech defense has been on point since the opening kick-off to their season against the West Virginia Mountaineers. Altogether, they limit opposing offenses to only 10 points per game (6th) and only 108 yards on the ground (26th). Cornerback Divine Deablo was the recipient of an interception against the Eagles but is questionable with a bum foot for this game.
Prediction
Well on paper, I can see why the Hokies are 12th in the land. They are playing balanced football, getting contributions from their defense as well as their offense. Even still, one must remember that they have faced some pretty weak teams in their first four games.
On the other hand, Clemson remains undefeated even though they have played two highly ranked teams in Louisville and Auburn. The jury is still out on whether the Auburn Tigers are that good overall, but it is a power-house SEC club. What concerns me is the play in the Tigers passing game. I like to bet on road favorites that have a balance to their offense and Clemson certainly doesn’t have that.
We all know that the Tigers can move the ball via their ground attack but so does the Hokies. I’m willing to bet that they are going to take a page out of the Boston College Eagles’ defensive playbook and load up in the box for this one. Making Clemson’s quarterback Kelly Bryant beat you with his arm just makes sense.
Either way, Bryants’ inconsistent play is the reason I believe Clemson will not gouge Virginia Tech for a lot of points in this game. Especially on the road in Blacksburg for a Saturday night contest on national television. Nope, give me the home team with the balanced offense and a steady defense to keep this one closer than a touchdown. I’ll skip the over/under with these two defenses out on the field. #moneytreesgrow
Trends
The Tigers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
The Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last five conference games.
The Over is 6-0 in the Tigers last six road games.
The Hokies are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four home games.
The Hokies are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.
The Under is 18-8 in the Hokies last 26 conference games.
The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six games between these two schools.
