Clemson Preview

Who: #11/10 Virginia Tech Hokies (4-0, 0-0 ACC) @ #13/15 Clemson Tigers (4-0, 1-0 ACC)

Time: 6:05 PM

TV Coverage: ESPN2 (Mark Jones, Ed Cunningham, Quint Kessenich)

Venue: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA (66,233 – Grass)

Series History: Clemson leads 17-12-1

• Last Meeting (2007): Virginia Tech 41, Clemson 23
• Virginia Tech has won five straight games over Clemson dating back to 1998
• During those five games, the Hokies have won by an average score of 35-12
• Clemson has not won in Blacksburg since 1989
• When ranked higher, the Hokies are a perfect 3-0 against the Tigers

Injury Report

• TE Eric Martin – Out (AC Joint)
• OL David Wang – Out (Foot)

The Opponent: The preseason is over. Time to strap on the pads and let’s play some big boy football. Clemson comes into Lane this weekend off of two straight wins against defending National Champion Auburn and everyone’s previous media darling, Florida State. Now, everyone is going gaga about the Tigers. And they should. Dabo Swinney’s team has won four straight to start the season, but all have been at home. This is the first time the young Tigers head in to hostile territory. For conduct on how to act…click here.

• On Offense: Clemson brought in offensive coordinator Chad Morris from Tulsa in the offseason, installing a no-huddle, spread style attack for the Tigers. Through four games, Clemson has averaged 505.75 ypg (13th in nation) while scoring 37.75 ppg (23rd in the nation). Unlike most spread teams, the Tigers strive for a balanced attack. They’ve done that so far, averaging nearly 200 yards on the ground and 315 through the air per game.

  The offense is led by what many consider to be the best QB in the ACC right now, Hampton native Tajh Boyd (6-1, 225, r-SO). Boyd has been excellent so far, throwing for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns compared to just one interception. He’s also completed 66 percent of his passes. Boyd came out in the same class as Logan Thomas, but never really considered either Tech or UVA. He’ll most definitely be playing with a chip on his shoulder Saturday.

  And it helps when there are stars at positions around you. Boyd has plenty of athletic targets around him, highlighted by freshman sensation Sammy Watkins (6-1, 200, FR). Talked about as a mix of Percy Harvin and Julio Jones, Watkins is Clemson’s best asset, grabbing 28 balls for 433 yards and six touchdowns in the first four games. He’s averaging over 15 yards per catch and already has six plays of 20 or more yards on the season. If that weren’t enough, Watkins also has 15 carries for 92 carries so far.

  Joining Watkins in the receiving corps are DeAndre Hopkins (6-1, 200, SO) and Jaron Brown (6-2, 200, r-JR). Hopkins has 269 yards and two touchdowns while Brown has 116 yards and a score. Boyd’s second favorite target, though, is tight end Dwayne Allen (6-4, 255, r-JR). Allen isn’t your typical tight end in that sometimes he’ll line up on the line, but sometimes will also split out as a receiver. He has the ability to do both, which makes him extremely dangerous in their offensive scheme.

  If that weren’t enough, the Tigers have a very capable running back in Andre Ellington (5-10, 190, r-JR). Obviously, Ellington isn’t the biggest back, but he has big-play ability. This season, Ellington is averaging 4.8 yards per carry, but if you take out his season-long rush of 74, that average drops to 3.9. Mike Bellamy (5-10, 175, FR) and D.J. Howard (5-11, 195, r-FR) will also see time at running back for Clemson.

  Up front, the Tigers are experienced. Starting left guard David Smith (6-5, 310, r-SR) is expected back for this game after missing the Auburn and FSU games. With Smith back, Clemson will start four seniors and a junior up front. The key for Tech will be shutting down the Tigers running game, just like they have all season. FSU compares well to Tech’s scheme and the Noles held Clemson to 99 yards on the ground.

• On Defense: With all the fireworks on offense, Clemson’s defense has been able to skate by unscathed thus far. That should change on Saturday. The Tigers rank 90th in the nation in total defense (405.5 ypg), and more importantly for this matchup, 85th in rushing defense, yielding 175.5 yards on the ground. This unit gave up 237 yards rushing to Auburn and 272 to Wofford. Yes, they did hold FSU to 29 yards, but the Tigers stacked the box against a backup quarterback who was missing weapons on the outside.

  Clemson’s defense is giving up an average of 6.9 yards per play this season. For comparison, the Hokies are giving up just 3.9. The problem has been a lack of pressure up front. The Tigers have just 12.5 tackles for loss this season. Tariq Edwards and Kyle Fuller have 11 combined. Clemson starts three seniors and a junior up front, led by end Andre Branch (6-5, 260, r-SR). Branch leads Clemson with 23 tackles so far. Rennie Moore (6-3, 265, r-SR) and Brandon Thompson (6-2, 310, r-SR) play up the middle and will be the toughest challenge for the interior lineman to date.

  The linebacking corps has left something to be desired so far. Quandon Christian (6-2, 220, r-SO), Corico Hawkins (5-11, 230, JR), and Jonathan Willard (6-2, 220, r-JR) haven’t made much of an impact. Combined, the trio has two tackles for loss and 0 sacks. Interesting note: remember Stephone Anthony? The former Tech target is the backup middle linebacker as a true freshman.

  In the secondary, the Tigers return just one starter from last year in free safety Rashard Hall (6-1, 210, r-JR). However, the three new starters had a solid amount of experience before entering starting roles this year. Strong safety Jonathan Meeks (6-1, 210, JR) is tied for the team lead in tackles with 23. At cornerback, Clemson has four players (Senior Coty Sensabaugh, Junior Xavier Brewer, Sophomore Darius Robinson, and Freshman Bashaud Breeland) that have played over 100 snaps this season. Expect all four to rotate in during Saturday’s game.

Players to Watch:

• Virginia Tech
• RB #2 Josh Oglesby
• Last Week vs Marshall: 12 carries, 75 yards, 2 TD
• This Season: 36 carries, 174 yards, 5 TD
• ROV #15 Eddie Whitley
• Last Week vs Marshall: 3 punt returns, 97 yards (55 long)
• This Season: 13 tackles, 5 solo, 1 for loss, 1 interception
• Clemson
• TE #83 Dwayne Allen
• Last Week vs Florida State: 4 rec, 67 yards, TD
• This Season: 14 rec, 216 yards, 3 TD
• DE #40 Andre Branch
• Last Week vs Florida State: 1 tackle
• This Season: 23 tackles, 19 solo, 2 for loss, 1 sack

Matchups to Watch:

• Clemson Offense vs Virginia Tech Defense on 3rd Down
• The Tigers are one of the best teams on 3rd down, converting at a 53% clip, which is the 13th best mark in the nation. That percentage increases to 66% (23-35) against Auburn and Florida State. On the flip side, the Hokies have the 12th best mark, limiting opponents to 27% on third downs. Clemson wants to control the clock and to do that, they’re going to have to convert on third down.
• Clemson Wide Receivers vs Virginia Tech Secondary
• This group of wide outs is the best the Tech secondary has seen all season. The Hokies probably had their worst game pass defense-wise against Marshall last week, allowing receivers to slip behind in coverage. The Herd’s wide outs pale in comparison to Clemson’s. Tech can ill afford to let Sammy Watkins bust a big play or let Dwayne Allen eat up huge chunks of yardage.
• Virginia Tech Running Game vs Clemson Defense
• This can’t be stated enough. Clemson gave up 272 rushing yards to WOFFORD. Clemson’s weakness in recent years has been rush defense and David Wilson will be by far the best back the Tigers have faced this season. If Wilson gets going, things can open up down the field. If Wilson has trouble getting started, it could be a long night for the Hokie faithful. I’m not expecting Brandon Ore vs Clemson in 2006 numbers, but I wouldn’t say it’s out of the question.
• Special Teams
• We’ve been lucky that our special teams miscues haven’t come back to haunt us yet. Odds are this game is going to be close and a missed field goal or a bad punt could end up costing Tech the game. The Hokies are 94th in field goal percentage and 116th in punting yardage. Coach Beamer has said the players perform great in practice. We just need to see it on the field.

Keys to Victory:

• Virginia Tech
• Balance the Offense
• I know it’s a little contradictory to what has been said earlier, but Clemson is going to load the box to try and stop David Wilson. Logan Thomas needs to show early that his arm is a weapon and make Clemson respect the pass. Doing so will then open up the rushing game for Wilson and Josh Oglesby. Once that balance is created, the play action game comes into play and the Hokies can take advantage of a modest secondary.
• Prevent the Big Play
• Clemson has changed games with the big play this year. So far, they’ve busted 13 plays of 30 yards or more, 7 of 50 or greater, and 2 of 70 yards. Only Georgia Tech is better at the big play statistically. Big plays have been a hallmark of recent Tech losses. Holding Clemson to minimal gains is an absolute must. Tech has done great job on wrapping up on tackles so far this season. That must continue Saturday.
• Clemson
• Start Fast
• It’s a night game in Lane Stadium. The Tigers are providing bulletin board material saying they’re excited for the plane ride home after a win and Lane Stadium is just another stadium. The best way to make that true? Get out to a fast start and take the crowd out of the equation. An early deficit will make things even tougher than they already will be.
• Control the Clock
• In their two victories over Auburn and FSU, Clemson had the ball for at least 36 minutes in each game. Yes, the Tigers want to speed their offense up, but they want to be methodical in their approach and then strike for the big play. Getting the running game going against a stingy Tech rush defense will be a challenge, but is crucial to the Tigers success. The best way to cover up their defensive flaws is to keep Tech off the field. If they do that, they’ll have a great shot at winning.

Projected Score: Virginia Tech 24, Clemson 21