Collegiate Times

Clemson defenders force a David Wilson fumble during Tech's 23-3 home loss on Oct. 1.

Here we go again. 

So much has changed for both teams since the last time they met (just in case you need more reminding — Clemson beat Virginia Tech 23-3 in Blacksburg on Oct. 1) that you would think my weekly list would be a lot different this time around.

Unfortunately, not much will change.

After starting 8-0, the Tigers have lost three of their last four contests and finished up the regular season 9-3, and 6-2 in ACC play, with their two losses coming at the hands of Georgia Tech and NC State.

Last week, Clemson was embarrassed by in-state rival South Carolina 34-13 while putting up just 153 yards of total offense.

Despite their lack of recent success, the Tigers still have the same offense that beat the Hokies two months ago. Quarterback Tajh Boyd has a ton of weapons at his disposal, and even though Clemson has lost three of its last four games, the athletes are still there, and still very, very dangerous.

And even though the Tigers’ defense ranks among the worst in the conference, it wreaked havoc on Tech back in October, sacking Logan Thomas four times and holding the Hokies without a touchdown in Lane Stadium for the first time in more than a decade.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, this is not the same team they faced in Blacksburg.

Here’s why I’m less afraid of Clemson now than I was two months ago: 

TAJH BOYD

Despite struggling over the last month of the season (just four touchdown passes to seven interceptions) Boyd still received first-team All-ACC honors.

While many Hokie fans will argue that their gunslinger deserved it, voters saw Boyd’s season stats as more important than his recent skid. He led the conference in passing yards (3,338) and touchdowns (28) and is still just as dangerous as he was two months ago.

Whether he can protect the ball on Saturday could go a long way in determining if his team gets its first conference title in 20 years.

SAMMY WATKINS

He was held at bay in the first matchup (three catches, 38 yards) but remains one of the ACC’s best wide receivers. He averaged almost 100 yards receiving per game and caught 10 touchdowns — both good for second-best in the conference.

He set conference records for a freshman in receptions (72), yards (1,073) and touchdowns, and was just named the ACC’s Rookie of the Year. Watkins and the rest of the Tigers’ wideouts vs. the D-Block will probably end up being the game’s most crucial matchup.

DWAYNE ALLEN

The junior from Fayetteville, N.C., is top among tight ends within the ACC in terms of receptions (45), receiving yards (539) and touchdowns (6).

He had a big day in the first game (four catches, 75 yards and a touchdown) and will be a matchup nightmare once again. Linebackers aren’t quick enough to keep up with him in the open field and safeties are too small to cover him. Allen’s third quarter touchdown catch was the play of the game for the Tigers the first time around, and expect his play to have a similar impact once again. 

CLEMSON’S DEFENSIVE LINE

Led by seniors Andre Branch and Brandon Thompson, the Tigers got to Logan Thomas four times back in October, and whether they give a similar effort will be very important come Saturday.

Branch ranks first in the conference and seventh in the nation with 10.5 sacks, including three against the Hokies in round one. He also leads the ACC with 16 tackles for loss — five of which also came against Tech.

Thompson is currently No. 14 on NFL draft expert Mel Kiper’s Big Board, and also registered half a sack in the team’s first meeting. If Tech’s offensive line can do a better job at protecting Thomas this weekend, expect the result to be a little different than the first time around.

Despite losing three of their last four games, Clemson is still a force to be reckoned with. But I think this weekend’s game will see a very different result than the first time these teams met.

Here’s why I’m not afraid of the Clemson: 

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A version of this article appeared in the Dec 2 issue of the Collegiate Times.