Collegiate Times

Image: 2012-10-18 22:31:55

“You just see a group that’s playing with a lot of confidence,” Foster said. “They’re doing more things with it than they did a year ago. They’re going to run it and run it, then throw it and throw it, then run it and throw off the run, reverse passes or a throw back to the quarterback. Just do a lot of unique things. And they do it very well. Looks like they have a lot of fun with it.”

In order for the Hokies to slow down the Clemson offense, they’ll need big games from their secondary and defensive line, two groups that can throw off an offense’s rhythm.

“(Boyd’s) a guy that you’ve got to have scrambling,” Gayle said. “You can’t have him sitting in the pocket. He’ll beat you.”

Foster said one of the keys to slowing down the Tigers is limiting the big plays.

“We’ve got to be sound with our perimeter people, not letting the ball get outside of us,” he said. “Keep areas restricted and then not give up the big play.”

The Hokies, usually road warriors under Beamer, are 0-3 on the road this season. Death Valley, where the Tigers average 41.7 points per game, won’t make getting that first road win easy.

“Going down there is a challenge for us,” Beamer said. “We haven't played as well as we want to on the road."

Tech’s offense, which found its stride Saturday against Duke, will be able to hit some big plays against Clemson’s defense, which ranks 70th in points against. In fact, the Tigers have allowed 30-plus points in each of their last three games. The Hokies think they have a chance to hit some big plays against Clemson.

“Teams will be like 'we’ve got to limit the explosive plays because those are the ones that are going to kill us,' but we’re going to keep doing it until somebody stops it, I guess,” said Logan Thomas, quarterback.

Beamer said the best defense Saturday will be a good offense.

“I think the less time they have the ball, the better,” Beamer said.

The Hokies travel to Clemson Saturday to face the Tigers. Kickoff is set for noon, and will be broadcast on ABC or ESPN2.

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A version of this article appeared in the Oct 19 issue of the Collegiate Times.