Clemson Tigers @ Virginia Tech Hokies Football Recap

Clemson 23, Virginia Tech 3

Clemson finished Dabo Swinney’s proclaimed “schedule of champions” Saturday night, and paved the way to championship favorite status in the ACC themselves.

Downing 11th-ranked and reigning ACC champions Virginia Tech (4-1, 0-1 ACC), 23-3, the Tigers completed a stage of defeating a national champion (Auburn) and five either conference or division title-holders from 2010 for a 5-0 (2-0 ACC) start.

It wasn’t pretty on a cold, rainy and windy night in Blacksburg, Virginia, but when the game hit its crucial moments – Clemson rose to the occasion every time.

Turnovers were an issue for both teams, as a fumble by Hokies running back David Wilson set up an 11-play, 45-yard field goal drive to give Clemson an early 3-0 edge.

After struggling with overthrowing passes, Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd hit a pass right on the mark, but to Virginia Tech cornerback Jayron Hosley, which after a Clemson goal-line stand – delivered the tying field goal with under five minutes to go in the second quarter.

Clemson star freshman wide receiver Sammy Watkins made an impact on the next drive holding on after taking a big hit on for a third down conversion down the middle of the field to the Virginia Tech 12-yard line – clearing the way for a one-yard Andre Ellington touchdown plunge to put the Tigers up 10-3 into the half.

Virginia Tech’s punting woes, and conservative playcalling bit them to start the second half.

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Facing a fourth-and-three from the Clemson 45-yard line, Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer opted for the punt, and after dropping the snap, Hokies punter Scott Demler shanked the 11-yard kick – spoiling any chance to flip the field.

Right out of the gates, Boyd hit wide receiver Jaron Brown for a 27-yard pass, running back Andre Ellington rushed for seven yards and Boyd, off his back-foot in the face of pressure, connected with tight end Dwayne Allen on a fade for a 32-yard touchdown pass to add to the Tigers’ lead, up 17-3 with under 12 minutes to go in the third quarter.

Clemson’s offense made their move – the Tigers’ defense took over the rest.

There was no more telling a drive then at the end of the third quarter into the start of the fourth quarter. On first down, Virginia Tech’s Wilson ran left, ran right, ran backwards and finally forwards – eluding tackles for the longest 19-yard rush you’ve ever seen – the crowd was getting into it at Lane Stadium, and the Hokies were deep in Clemson territory.

Facing another crucial third down, Clemson defensive end Andre Branch rushed around the Virginia Tech tackle unopposed to bring Thomas down and force another punt on 4th-and-16 with 14:14 to go in the fourth quarter. Branch had three sacks in the second half to add to his team-leading five tackles for loss and 11 tackles overall.

The program-defining win, was well within Clemson coach Dabo Swinney’s grasp, but leaving no doubt, the Tigers defense thwarted Virginia Tech’s second-and-last trip to the red zone on their next drive on downs, and Clemson took the ball eight plays and 88 yards – capped by a 31-yard touchdown rush by freshman running back Mike Bellamy for the 23-3 score.

Clemson’s Boyd didn’t have a banner day, going 13-for-32 with 204 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but made some plays with his legs Saturday. The first quarter interception broke up a string of 141 consecutive passes without a pick.

The result overshadowed a brilliant game for the Virginia Tech sophomore running back Wilson, who had 180 all-purpose yards (6.2 yards per carry).

Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas struggled in his first big game as a starter, hitting 15-of-27 passes for 125 yards with an interception.

By: Brandon Rink
DFN Sports Staff Writer