An interesting matchup between two ACC schools that are heading in opposite directions will take place when the Virginia Tech Hokies travel to Death Valley to take on the Clemson Tigers. Virginia Tech is 2-2 in head coach James Franklin's first four games in the ACC. The Hokies defeated Georgia Tech 34-24 last weekend to end their two-game losing streak. Virginia Tech is hoping Franklin can elevate their program, and Franklin has an opportunity to win a big game in one of the toughest stadiums to visit in the ACC. Clemson is 2-1 in ACC games this season. I suppose Dabo Swinney and the Tigers wanted to ensure a midseason win out of the bye when setting their schedule. They beat Charleston Southern 37-0 in an unimpressive win at Memorial Stadium. Before last week’s win, Miami came into Clemson and beat the Tigers 41-13. This weekend, will James Franklin and the Hokies be able to continue their upward trajectory, or will Clemson be able to hold onto the current status quo of the ACC for another year?
It is without question that Clemson’s program has taken multiple steps back from their previous national championship teams from years ago under Swinney. Something those previous teams never had was uncertainty at quarterback. Christopher Vizzina will likely continue to be sidelined this weekend with an elbow injury. Tait Reynolds replaced Vizzina back on September 12th. In five games, Reynolds has only thrown for 943 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions. It has been the rushing game, led by running back Gideon Davidson, that has kept the Tigers afloat. Davidson has been an above-average back, running for 430 yards and 5 touchdowns on 79 attempts this season. Virginia Tech can shut down the Tigers fully on offense if they can slow their running game. The Hokies have the talent to do it, only allowing 86.5 rushing yards per game this season. There is no uncertainty towards the quarterback play for Virginia Tech. The Hokies are led by junior quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer. Grunkemeyer has thrown for 1,984 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions so far this season. He is fourth in college football in passing yards. He has led Virginia Tech to average 38 points per game this season, and he could prove to be the difference in this game. There is a night-and-day difference between the overall vibe of these two offenses. This is a great spot for James Franklin to get a signature conference win in his early tenure at Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech vs Clemson prediction: Virginia Tech ML (+125) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
