The Blue Collar Breakdown: Virginia Tech at #14 Clemson

This weekend the Hokies will travel to Clemson, South Carolina to take on the Clemson Tigers in Death Valley.  This game will likely mean very little in the race for the Coastal Division crown, but in terms of bragging rights, pride and momentum, this game is critical for the Hokies.

Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM and game will be televised by ESPN2/ABC, depending on your region.  Not surprisingly, the Hokies come into the game as 8-pt. underdogs, with some lines going as high as 11 points in favor of Clemson.  Not many people expect Virginia Tech to win this game, despite the strong performance in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters at home against Duke last week.

Clemson’s head man – Dabo Swinney – has one of the most dangerous and talented offenses in the country, and they are playing at a high level this season.  It’s obvious to anyone who pays attention to college football that the Clemson playmakers will give the Hokies a serious challenge defensively in this game, particularly on the edge, where Clemson has the speed and experience advantage.

I have heard many say the Hokies will come into this game focused and looking for revenge for their two dismal performances against Clemson last year, and I hope that’s true.  But, this is a Clemson team that doesn’t like the Hokies very much either, and their coaching staff will have been telling them all week long that Virginia Tech is a dangerous opponent and I guarantee that players have watched quite a bit of the Duke film and they will be ready.  I don’t expect Clemson to come into this game overconfident or unprepared.  In fact, I expect the opposite, as Clemson is still looking to win the Atlantic and they need every ACC win they can get.

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