Virginia Tech-Clemson Preview

Jackson Didlake

December 5, 2020

Virginia Tech will have an immediate test coming off of its bye week, facing off against No. 3 Clemson on Saturday at home. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.

Both teams' most recent matchup was against Pitt. The Tigers (8-1, 7-1 ACC) thumped the Panthers 52-17 on Nov. 28 in the return of Trevor Lawrence from COVID-19. The Hokies (4-5, 4-4), on the other hand, faced the Panthers the week prior, falling 47-14 in a blowout loss.

The Hokies were blown by the Panthers, who went on to get blown out by the Tigers – that’s not a great sign for Saturday.

The game will be the 36th between the two, with the Tigers owning the all-time series 22-12-1. Clemson has won the past five meetings, most recently a 31-17 victory in 2017.

Clemson’s key to the game: Stopping the run

Virginia Tech is coming off of its three worst rushing games of the season, all three losses in the month of November. Clemson should be able to contain the Hokies rushing attack with its stout defensive line that includes two freshmen that were top 10 recruits in the nation – Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy. Making Tech one-dimensional is the key to victory.

Virginia Tech’s key to the game: Pressuring Trevor Lawrence

The Hokies’ defensive line has struggled at times this season and is coming off of a loss where they got carved up by Kenny Pickett. Lawrence is the leader in the clubhouse for the Tigers and Notre Dame proved he is the glue that holds everything together.

Clemson player to watch: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence

Lawrence is expected to be the first, if not, a top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The junior quarterback has only lost a single game in his time at Clemson, the National Championship game to LSU last season. Lawrence is near impossible to stop and will more than likely have a field day with the Virginia Tech secondary.

Virginia Tech player to watch: Running back Khalil Herbert

In a matchup against a superior team, the Hokies need to rely on their best player on the offensive side of the ball. Herbert has 924 yards and six touchdowns on the ground this season, leading the way for Virginia Tech. However, he is coming off of two of his worst games this year in losses to Pitt and Miami. The Hokies will need him to bounce back in a big way.

Score Prediction: 45-10 Clemson