A Game We Should Lose

We have no business beating Clemson. Absolutely none. If last year’s combined score of 61 to 10 in two games is any indication, this game should run as swiftly as an Autumn wind through Death Valley on Saturday. Already Clemson is on track to break twelve offensive records dating as far back as 1900. In twelve separate categories they show they are arguably better than any offense they’ve fielded previously and rank in the top 15 nationally in another three categories this year.

 
They aren’t impenetrable as seen by their loss to Florida State in Tallahassee on September 22nd. As well, their defense is  average at best on paper. Something we also believed last October as they were set to arrive in the “Terrordome”. Nonetheless, the game is at home with Chad Morris becoming more and more the Yang to Bud Foster’s Defensive mind. Any respectable fan should see this as another reason to drink, fill bellies, and hope for the best as the W/L record balances back to an even 4 and 4.

 
With that being said,  October, 26th, 2006 was also a day the unranked Hokies were set to lose against a powerful and ranked Clemson team. Other than a crushing defeat against a Boston College team that ended up outscoring the Hokies 22 to 3; the no. 10 ranked Tigers were on a roll. Behind an already impressive lineup were outstanding freshmen Jacoby Ford and CJ Spiller. And having already lost a close one to Georgia Tech and  aforementioned Boston College, the Hokies were handling another embattled season with hopes of an ACC Championship appearance looking dim.
 
 
In 2006 the Hokies were also utilizing a team with a lot of questions as well. The defense was loaded with talent also shutting out two teams prior in the year all the while giving up two losses. Quarterback Sean Glennon was serviceable yet shaky. A clear starter in Brandon Ore was there, but in the rotation was also Kenny Lewis to compliment one of the last rushers we’ve had sub 1000 yards that season.

 
Something changed, however, starting at 7:30 pm the night of Oct. 26th, 2006. Yet to be seen after a slow start in the first quarter with Clemson going up 7-0 early we would go on keeping them to that sole TD and scoring 24 unanswered. Withstanding a measly 108 yards through the air by So. QB Glennon it was a complete game on both fronts. Brandon Ore mirrored his 207 on the ground the week before against Southern Miss putting up 203 yards on 37 carries against Clemson’s defense. Keeping true to the ground game the Hokies racked up 35 minutes in T.O.P, were 33% on third down and 100% in the Red Zone on four tries. Holding their own defensively, Clemson was only able to tally up 166 yards on offense also suffering a lost fumble along with an interception.
 
 
This being a history lesson may fall on deaf ears suffice to say, that if anything, it is taught mainly to show that history does repeat itself. Again, we have no business beating Clemson. Nonetheless, playing inspired football with a young team so full of promise on Saturday would be a blessing. Getting the much needed W could be the turning point so many fans are anticipating. Everyone should be fired up and hopefully making the 5 hour trek south. Being more than another ACC win notched firmly into the belt. It’s Clemson. They embarrassed us twice last year and nothing is sweeter than revenge. Lets Go Hokies!