Virginia Tech football report card from brutal loss to Clemson

The Hokies suffered another bad loss in 2024, this time to Clemson.

Nov 9, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA;  Clemson Tigers running back Phil Mafah (7) runs the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Jaden Keller (24) reaches for the tackle during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Phil Mafah (7) runs the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Jaden Keller (24) reaches for the tackle during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
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Virginia Tech offensive report card vs. Clemson

This grade is more of a reflection of the coaching staff. It was clear from the beginning that Drones was not healthy enough to be effective enough to be on the field. Then, to compound matters, it took until the fourth quarter for the coaching staff to go to Collin Schlee. And he still wasn't fully healthy after getting injured against Syracuse last week. Both sturggled to scramble and throw the ball.

See above. Again, Bhayshul Tuten, who missed the Syracuse game, was not healthy enough to be on the field. Not having Malachi Thomas clearly played a role but evening using him as a decoy didn't fool the Tigers. Where was Jeremiah Coney?

There were a lot of missed throws by both quarterbacks, but when the ball was delivered and catchable, it was a bad day for the wide receivers. They dropped a season-high six passes and some of the drops were wide open. When your offense is struggling and you have a chance to make a play (or a catch) you need to make it. Another issue in a long list of them against Clemson.

Like the wide receivers, the Hokies would have taken anyone making a play offensively, but aside from Benji Gosnell had two catches for 33 yards, but he had a bad drop in the game.

How bad were things against Clemson? When your offensive line, which has struggled all season long gets the highest grade on offense, it's eye-opening.

Schedule

Schedule