Clemson Tigers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 9th 2024
Preview and Prediction
After giving up 210 rushing yards and an average of eight yards per carry in their previous loss, the 23rd ranked Clemson Tigers are determined to put a stop to the Virginia Tech Hokies' rushing attack. However, it remains uncertain who will be carrying the ball for the Hokies on Saturday when they host the Tigers at a sold-out Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses and are currently trailing behind Miami and SMU in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings.
Despite being a regular contender in the College Football Playoff, Clemson was not included in the first rankings released on Tuesday night. The Tigers have made it to the CFP six times, second only to Alabama with eight appearances.
Virginia Tech is also coming off a loss, having been defeated by Syracuse 38-31 in overtime last week. The Hokies were without starting quarterback Kyron Drones and lead running back Bhayshul Tuten, who were both sidelined due to injuries. Drones was out with a "lower body" injury while Tuten was dealing with an ankle concern.
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During his press conference on Tuesday, Hokies coach Brent Pry did not reveal much about the status of Drones and Tuten for the upcoming game against Clemson.
"They are both questionable right now," Pry said. "They are obviously better than they were. Kyron is better than he was this time last week; Bhayshul, we find out today. Hopefully, by the end of tomorrow we feel good about both guys."
Tuten is currently ranked second in the ACC with 951 rushing yards, while Drones has thrown for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 323 yards. In their previous game against Syracuse, the Hokies' offense was led by Collin Schlee, a redshirt senior transfer from UCLA, who threw for 206 yards. Despite Tuten's absence, the Hokies were still able to rush for 249 yards.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has expressed his concern about Virginia Tech's running game, as the Tigers' defense currently ranks 59th nationally in rushing defense, allowing an average of 140 yards per game.
"They run the ball. We gotta respond," Swinney said on Tuesday. "They are a stretch team, but they will mix in some midline and stretch wham, we just have to do what it takes to stop the run. For the most part we have done a nice job of that, but we did not last week. That's pretty evident."
Clemson's first conference loss came in their previous game against Louisville, where they were dominated on the ground, giving up an average of 7.8 yards per carry in a 33-21 defeat. The Tigers were down 26-7 after three quarters.
Swinney also announced that defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart (15 total tackles) and nickelback Shelton Lewis are likely out for the remainder of the season due to injuries. Defensive end Peter Woods is listed as "day to day" and ranks fifth on the team with 5.5 tackles for loss.
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On the offensive side, Clemson's quarterback Cade Klubnik has thrown for 2,064 yards and 21 touchdowns, while running back Phil Mafah ranks fourth in the ACC with 853 rushing yards.
These two teams have a long history, with their first meeting dating back to 1900. Clemson has won the past six meetings and currently leads the all-time series 23-12 with one tie. Virginia Tech's last victory against the Tigers was in 2007.