CLEMSON — Clemson football looks to get back on track after its shocking upset home loss to Louisville last week.
The No. 23 Tigers (6-2, 5-1 ACC) face Virginia Tech (5-4, 3-2) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Lane Stadium. Clemson must win this game to not only keep pace in the conference but to improve its chances at landing an at-large bid in the College Football Playoff.
Here is what to know about the matchup:
Can Cade Klubnik get Clemson explosive plays in passing game again?
The Tigers had 10 big plays, which are characterized as passes for 15 yards or more or rushes for 10-plus-yards, against Louisville. Yet, only two were passing plays with one coming in the first quarter and the other in the fourth.
Clemson entered the game having the fourth-highest-scoring offense in FBS with 41 points but was contained to 21. According to Pro Football Focus, Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik was 5-for-19 (26.3%) on 10 yards-plus passes against the Cardinals. Those are the most attempts Klubnik has taken this season on those throws and the lowest completion percentage he has had this year.
The Tigers must figure out how to regain their explosive passing to complement their running game, which has been fantastic with running back Phil Mafah coming off a season-high 171 yards on 30 carries.
What to know about Virginia Tech, QB Kyron Drones’ injury status
Virginia Tech’s losses have been to Vanderbilt, Rutgers, No. 4 Miami and Syracuse by one possession in each game.
The Hokies are led by quarterback Kyron Drones, who missed last week’s game against Syracuse with an injury. Drones has 1,447 yards passing and 323 yards rushing for 16 total touchdowns. If he is out, fifth-year quarterback Collin Schlee will take his place.
Hokies running back Bhayshul Tuten is second in the ACC in rushing yards (951) and touchdowns (12). Defensively, Virginia Tech is led by defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who leads the nation in sacks with 12. The Hokies allow 22.3 points per game, the fourth fewest in the ACC, and 363.1 yards per game, eighth fewest in the conference.
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Clemson football rebounds often after losses under Dabo Swinney
Clemson is 35-9 in games following a loss under Swinney. After its 34-3 loss to Georgia in Week 1, it bounced back to defeat Appalachian State 66-20.
Clemson is also 8-2 all-time at Lane Stadium, and its .800 winning percentage is tied for the highest of any opponent that has played at least five games in the venue since it opened in 1965. This will also be Swinney’s first time facing Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry. Swinney is 49-8 when facing an opposing coach for the first time since 2011.
Clemson’s history vs Virginia Tech
Clemson is 23-12-1 against Virginia Tech. These teams first met in 1900, and the Tigers won 12-5. Clemson defeated the Hokies 45-10 in their last matchup in 2020.
The Tigers have won six straight against Virginia Tech, dating back to 2011. The Hokies last defeated Clemson in 2007, winning 41-23.
Clemson score prediction vs Virginia Tech
Clemson 28, Virginia Tech 24: The Hokies pose an even greater rushing threat than Louisville if quarterback Kyron Drones plays. If he does, expect the Tigers to be in another tight contest with a team that is performing better than its record. In the end, Clemson will make enough plays to defeat Virginia Tech and escape with a road win.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
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