In a rematch of last year's ACC Championship Game, the Hokies and Tigers will meet in Death Valley. Each will be looking to build momentum for a return trip to the Championship Game. The winner keeps their hopes alive for the conference championship. The loser likely won't have a shot at the championship.
Clemson's Offense vs. Virginia Tech's Defense
Bud Foster's Hokie defense hasn't been as good this year as it has in years past. Going against Clemson's high powered offense doesn't bode well for the Hokie D. Tech ranks 73rd in rush D and 78th in pass D. Their secondary, led by Kyle Fuller and Antone Exum, was expected to be very good but so far it has been mediocre at best. Tahj Boyd should be able to get the ball downfield to his receivers without much trouble but VaTech can create
turnovers. This will be a good opportunity for Sammy Watkins to have his first big effort of the 2012 season. Also, Andre Ellington should be able to run well giving the Tigers a balanced attack.
Clemson's Defense vs. Virginia Tech's Offense
Virginia Tech's offense is very solid but hasn't been the high powered offense most thought they would be. Logan Thomas is a big physical QB that can beat teams with his legs and his arm. Thomas has NFL 1st round talent and will likely be able to have his way with Clemson's secondary. Clemson, will have to force Thomas into turnovers if they want to have a good day. DB Garry Peters will have to be good as he will be tested early as will the rest of the Tiger secondary. Receiver Marcus Davis will get quite a bit of passes thrown his way and can really hurt the Clemson secondary. J.C. Coleman averages over 7 yards per carry and will look to get to the outside of the Clemson Dline. Coleman should have at least a 100 yard game.
Special Teams
Both teams have good punters and kickers. Both teams have good skill players involved in their return game but the Hokies have been able to capitalize on kick returns and punt returns. Kyshoen Jarrett is 1st in the nation in punt returns averaging 20.22 yards per return and Demitri Knowles ranks 15th nationally in kick returns at 28.8 yards per return. Clemson will likely try to keep it away both of them as kicking to either one could lead to a Hokie touchdown.
X-Factor
Special teams will be the key. Coach Beamer has always had very good special teams and this year is no different. A punt block or a return for touchdown could give Virginia Tech enough to win the game. Clemson will likely try to get punts off quickly while kicking away from Tech's dangerous return men. If special teams play is even Tech will likely have a hard time winning in Death Valley.
Prediction
Virginia Tech is looking to get revenge after Clemson won easily over them twice last season. Both quarterbacks will look to have big days against weak defenses. One big special teams play for the Hokies could lead to a Tech win but Clemson should be well prepared. Clemson will be able to add to its 10 game home winning streak. Clemson wins 45-34.
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