How does Virginia Tech beat Clemson?

Hokie CPA: Well, that’s the question of the season, now isn’t it?  How do we do it?  I think we start with Boston College’s blueprint, which kept them in it into the fourth quarter last week.  Tough defense, good punting, strong special teams, and ball control.

I believe the defense will be up to the task.  Bud Foster’s Lunch Pail Crew will be tough against the run, and I would like to think our secondary can keep the Clemson passing game in check.  Kelly Bryant is a serviceable quarterback, but he’s not exactly lighting it up with the deep ball.  Clemson has a strong running game, so it’s going to be up to our front seven to stuff the run and get off the field as quickly as possible.  Limit Clemson’s offense on first downs and keep their third down conversion percentage to a minimum, and we’re in this football game.  If our defense can keep Clemson’s offense off the field, they should hopefully not be burned out in the fourth quarter, which was ultimately Boston College’s undoing.

Our punting, and special teams in general have been a real strong point for us this season.  We’ll need Joey Slye to be more accurate on his field goal attempts, but as long he’s kicking touchbacks and Oscar Bradburn isn’t out-kicking his coverage, we’re going to keep Clemson pinned deep to start their offensive drives.  That had a lot to do with our victory over West Virginia, and it will be a major factor against Clemson.

...