When the Virginia Tech and Clemson football teams meet on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium in South Carolina, it'll be a matchup of a pair of two-loss teams. It's a primetime start and, really, a huge road test for James Franklin and the Hokies.
Virginia Tech is 2-1 on the road this season with wins against Maryland and Boston College, along with a loss at California. However, when the Tigers and Hokies meet and the game begins, it'll be a matchup between a Virginia Tech defense that struggles to defend the pass this season and a Clemson offense that struggles to have a lot of success through the air. Something has to give, no?
Virginia Tech's pass defense against Clemson's air attack is a matchup to watch
So two forces that are struggling will meet on Saturday night: Brent Pry's struggling secondary against Clemson's struggling passing game in terms of finishing off drives. Pittsburgh, Cal, and Georgia Tech have passed the Hokies secondary crazy, as did Maryland in the second half.
In the past 31 quarters under signal callers Christopher Vizzina, Tait Reynolds, and Cade Klubnik, the trio has combined for one touchdown pass in 242 attempts in eight games against Power 4 Conference schools. Talk about a stunning stat for a Dabo Swinney offense.
However, Clemson fans can rest easy with Virginia Tech coming to town. You can bet that the Tigers are going to test the secondary early and often, and if there is early success, doubt could be creeping into the Hokies' heads. To compound matters, Virginia Tech's second-half struggles to begin the half could be exposed as well. You can bet if the Tigers win the toss, they'll defer to test Tech after halftime.
So, how could Virginia Tech turn things around against Clemson in terms of the passing game? For starters, the offensive line getting pressure on the Tigers quarterback would be a good place to start. The Hokies' rush defense is good, and if they can force the Tigers to run the ball, then that could be a path to success.
Second, if Clemson is going to drop back and pass it, then getting after the quarterback and creating sacks, or making quick decisions that could turn into mistakes, will be key. Virginia Tech will have to defend against getting called for pass interference. I know, easier said than done.
Virginia Tech needs to force Clemson turnovers
The Hokies have not done a great job of forcing their Power 4 Conference opponents to turn the ball over. Their forced fumble out of the back of the end zone last week and the interception of Alberto Mendoza of Georgia Tech were the first two turnovers forced since Week 2 against Old Dominion. That's not something you want to hang your hat on.
Virginia Tech's offense can help out the defense by simply running the ball and converting on third downs, which would require them to be in a lot of third-and-shorts. You don't want to be in third-and-long at Clemson. If there was ever a week for the Hokies to get things worked out in the secondary, it's this week against the Tigers, going into a much-needed bye next weekend.
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