CFB Football Previews – Clemson Tigers vs Virginia Tech Hokies
The ACC isn’t messing around this week. Its two highest-ranked teams, Clemson and Virginia Tech, clash in a crucial matchup this Saturday. Can Clemson keep riding the high of last week’s win over Florida State?
NCAAF Week 5: Clemson vs Virginia Tech
Date: Saturday, October 1, 2011
Venue: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
Broadcast: ESPN2
Clemson Tigers at Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Lines from BetOnline.com
Money Line: Clemson +230, Virginia Tech -270
Spread: Virginia Tech -7
Over/Under: 50.5
(13) Clemson Tigers (4-0)
It’s safe to say Clemson is for real now. We weren’t totally sure after it beat its first ranked opponent, Auburn, two weeks ago; the defending champs were stripped bare entering this season and weren’t as good as their rank. But the 35-30 victory over Florida State last week has me convinced.
Clemson hasn’t been viewed as a passing team in recent years but Tajh Boyd is quickly changing that reputation. He continues to post sparkling numbers, having thrown for 344 yards and three scores against a tough FSU defense, and he’s hit the 300-yard mark two games in a row. On the year, he has 1,255 passing yards, 13 touchdowns passes and one interception.
Last week. Clemson’s defense really stepped up against the Seminoles, too, holding them to just 29 rushing yards.
(11) Virginia Tech Hokies (4-0)
Does Virginia Tech really deserve to be ranked ahead of Clemson? Its first victims this season are Appalachian State, East Carolina, Arkansas State and Marshall. Not exactly a fearsome foursome. In fact, one could say it’s a bit concerning that the Hokies failed to score 30 points in two of those games. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Look for Virginia Tech to run the ball a lot this week. The ground game has been its bread and butter so far, partially because the Hokies are still breaking in new starting quarterback Logan Thomas. Tailback David Wilson has been a beast so far; he dinged Marshall for 132 yards and a score last week.
Virginia Tech has done a fine job keeping opponents off the board so far, allowing 10 points per game. Again, though, that number doesn’t mean a whole lot given the competition.
The pick:
I love Clemson at +7 in this matchup. The Tigers are brimming with confidence, having beaten two high-profile opponents, whereas Virginia Tech is unproven and overrated so far. Virginia Tech is just 1-3 against the spread this season. Not only do I expect Clemson to beat the spread, I think it can win this game, even on the road.
Clemson vs Virginia Tech prediction: Clemson 27, Virginia Tech 24
Money Line: Clemson +230
Spread: Clemson +7
Over/Under: OVER 50.5
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