Virginia Cavaliers vs. Clemson Tigers Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 19th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Virginia head coach Tony Elliott will make his return to his alma mater, Clemson, on Saturday afternoon as a significant underdog against the 10th-ranked Tigers.

Clemson (5-1, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) has been on a roll, winning five consecutive games since their season-opening loss to then-No. 1 Georgia. The Tigers are heavily favored, with a three-touchdown spread, against the visiting Cavaliers (4-2, 2-1).

Elliott, who played wide receiver at Clemson and coached under Dabo Swinney for 11 seasons from 2011-2021, was the offensive coordinator the last time Virginia visited Death Valley in 2020.

"It will definitely be a bit strange," Swinney said about facing his longtime staff member. "Tony is like family to me, not just someone I have worked with."

Elliott, who was a team captain during his final season at Clemson in 2003, will have some special moments returning to his old stomping grounds. However, Swinney emphasized the importance of staying focused on the game and not getting distracted by any circumstances.

Now in his third year at Virginia, Elliott acknowledged that he will have to put his emotions aside and treat the trip to Clemson, S.C. as a business trip.

"My relationship with Coach Swinney is one of the best in my life," Elliott said, according to the Daily Progress. "It has been amazing to see him go from a father figure to my position coach, mentor, and colleague. But when we go down there, we want to beat him."

However, it won't be an easy task.

After a slow start, Clemson dominated in a 49-14 victory over Wake Forest last weekend. Quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns, running back Phil Mafah rushed for 108 yards and two scores, and wide receiver Jake Briningstool caught seven passes for 104 yards and one touchdown.

The Tigers currently rank second in the ACC in scoring (41 points per game) and total offense (482.3 yards per game). Mafah is third in the league in rushing (604 yards), and Klubnik is third in touchdown passes (17) while only throwing two interceptions.

On the other hand, Virginia has already surpassed their win total from Elliott's first two seasons (3-7 in 2022 and 3-9 in 2023). The Cavaliers were close to being 5-1 last weekend, but a late touchdown by Louisville resulted in a 24-20 loss. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw for 279 yards and a touchdown and also led the team in rushing with 84 yards. Wide receiver Malachi Fields had a standout performance with nine catches for 129 yards, his third 100-yard game of the season.

Klubnik and the Tigers' high-powered offense could have a field day against a Virginia defense that ranks 15th in the ACC against the pass, allowing an average of 260.5 yards per game.

This will be the 50th meeting between the two schools, with Clemson leading the series 40-8-1. The Tigers have not lost to Virginia at home since 2001 and have won the last five matchups.

PREDICTION

Virginia Cavaliers

Clemson Tigers