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CLEMSON — Clemson football looks to get back on track after its shocking upset home loss to Louisville last week.
The No. 23 Tigers (6-2, 5-1 ACC) face Virginia Tech (5-4, 3-2) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Lane Stadium. Clemson must win this game to not only keep pace in the conference but to improve its chances at landing an at-large bid in the College Football Playoff.
Here is what to know about the matchup:
Can Cade Klubnik get Clemson explosive plays in passing game again?
The Tigers had 10 big plays, which are characterized as passes for 15 yards or more or rushes for 10-plus-yards, against Louisville. Yet, only two were passing plays with one coming in the first quarter and the other in the fourth.
Clemson entered the game having the fourth-highest-scoring offense in FBS with 41 points but was contained to 21. According to Pro Football Focus, Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik was 5-for-19 (26.3%) on 10 yards-plus passes against the Cardinals. Those are the most attempts Klubnik has taken this season on those throws and the lowest completion percentage he has had this year.
The Tigers must figure out how to regain their explosive passing to complement their running game, which has been fantastic with running back Phil Mafah coming off a season-high 171 yards on 30 carries.
What to know about Virginia Tech, QB Kyron Drones’ injury status
Virginia Tech’s losses have been to Vanderbilt, Rutgers, No. 4 Miami and Syracuse by one possession in each game.
The Hokies are led by quarterback Kyron Drones, who missed last week’s game against Syracuse with an injury. Drones has 1,447 yards passing and 323 yards rushing for 16 total touchdowns. If he is out, fifth-year quarterback Collin Schlee will take his place.
Hokies running back Bhayshul Tuten is second in the ACC in rushing yards (951) and touchdowns (12)….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/clemson-football-vs-virginia-tech-101016794.html
Author : Greenville News
Publish date : 2024-11-07 10:10:16
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