BLACKSBURG, Va. — With its top two middle linebackers out of the game due to injury, things looked a little bleak for No. 3 Clemson early at Virginia Tech on Saturday night.
Middle linebackers James Skalski and Jake Venables both left the game early. Though he tired to give it a go, Skalski’s injured groin was too sore, while Venables broke his arm after replacing Skalski in the lineup. The Hokies took advantage of the injuries for a little while as they controlled the football and had the game tied late in the first half.
However, the Clemson defense adjusted and with the offense struggling to get its momentum going, the Tigers’ D forced two second half turnovers that turned the tide in a 45-10 victory at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va.