Virginia Tech defensive report card vs. Clemson
The defense as a whole bent all first half long but never broke thanks to big plays or Clemson hurting themselves. The defensive line had two of Virginia Tech's four sacks of Cade Klubnik, one each for Cole Nelson and Antwaun Powell-Ryland. Burgos had the block of the field goal attempt in the second quarter.
It was a good game at the second level for the linebackers. Sam Brumfield was more noticeable and he had a sack. Keli Lawson had some key tackles, as did Caleb Woodson. Jaden Keller was a beast again with eight tackles, one behind Moses Phillips for a team-high. Here's hoping freshman Gabe Williams is OK after leaving in the fourth quarter in an ambulance after sustaining a leg injury.
There were some breakdowns in the second half, no doubt, but a Jalen Jones interception in the first quarter ended the Tigers' first drive at the Hokies' 3-yard line. Mansoor Delane played after being questionable all week and finished with five tackles. The second Clemson touchdown was a great play by Klubnik who avoided a sack and found a wide open T.J. Moore for a 41-yard strike after he got lost in the Tech secondary.