Clemson @ Virginia Tech Game Preview
by FIGUREFOUR on Sep 30, 2011 6:00 AM EDT
in Game Preview
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Print| School | Virginia Tech |
| Nickname | Hokies |
| Athletic Website | www.hokiesports.com |
| 2011 Record | 4-0 |
| 2010 Record | 11-3 |
| Conference | ACC |
| Head Coach | Frank Beamer |
| Record at School (pre-2011) | 198-95-2 |
| Game Time | 6:00 EDT |
| Television | ESPN2 |
| Radio | 104.9 WCCP |
| Home Stadium | Lane Stadium |
| Offense | Multiple |
| Offensive Coordinator | Bryan Stinespring |
| Defense | 4-4/4-3 |
| Defensive Coordinator | Bud Foster |
CUAD Overview (courtesy of www.clemsontigers.com)
Basic Statistics (Courtesy ESPN website):
We show more complete statistics after the jump.
Quick Links: Tigers vs Hokies coverage, Gobbler Country
Clemson (ranked #13 in the AP and #15 in the Coaches Poll) heads to a very tough place to open the season, Blacksburg, VA. They play a Virginia Tech team that boasts a better ranking (#11 AP and #10 in the Coaches Poll). The Vegas handicappers open this one at Clemson +7. This signifies to me that the "experts" are cautious about this Clemson team as we are here at STS. They also realize that there are a couple fresh faces who will be making their first road starts at night in Lane Stadium...a tough measure for anyone.
The experts are probably asking themselves "How good is FSU and how good is Auburn?" Those are very good questions. I think the opposite question is very valid as well. How good is Virginia Tech? They haven't played anyone significant yet and were in a really close one with an average/below average East Carolina team a couple weeks ago.
We provided information on the modified 4-4 "G" Virginia Tech defense and a coaching staff overview earlier in the week. As always, we encourage you to brush up on this information before Saturday evening's contest.
Virginia Tech's offense is led by Sophomore Logan Thomas. Thomas, a 6'6" Lynchburg native, has completed just over 57% of his passes (105 attempts) for 761 yards with 4 TDs and 4 INTs. Logan Thomas has 27 carries for 122 yards and a touchdown to go along with his passing statistics.
VPI's four leading pass catchers are Danny Coale, Marcus Davis, D.J. Coals, and Jarrett Boykin. Coale leads the team with 18 catches and 258 yards through the air.
David Wilson leads the rushing attack with 87 carries for 516 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season. He has carried the ball 20 times or more in each of Va Tech's last three games and had 16 rushes for 162 yards and three TDs in the season opening win over App. State. Josh Oglesby is second on the team in rushing with 36 carries, 174 yards, and 5 TDs so far.
Virginia Tech will show a lot of two back and or two tight end formations and try to run the football. Thats what they do and they won't deviate too far from it. Running back David Wilson is good and has had success on the season. VPI will use him to take pressure off of first year starter Logan Thomas, who is trying to fill the shoes of 2010 ACC POY, Tyrod Taylor. Look for the Hokies to line up and try to run over a Clemson defense that was less than impressive during its first three football games against the run. Virginia Tech is not scared to use play action and heave the ball down the field and will rely on the running game to set up their passing attack. Logan Thomas himself has good talent, and a gun on his shoulder.
Look for Clemson to show more base 4-3 than they have all season. Virginia Tech will take Gun snaps but like to play typical (1st and 10, 2nd and less than 7, 3rd and less than 3-4) under center and in either a two back set or out of the Ace formation. Because of the formation and the Va Tech run first strategy, Steele will be happy to substitute in the extra linebacker for the nickel.
I will say that Shane Beamer's antics against East Carolina were impressive. They were struggling a little on offense so Beamer spiced it up a little (as shown below). I only hope Dabo doesn't get footage of the sweet headbutt Beamer delivered to his running back, else we'll have a head football coach with a concussion on Saturday. (Thanks to Collegiate Times for the GIF).
The Virginia Tech defense features an aggressive quasi-8 man front that will take away the run and force Clemson to pass. We think Bud Foster will do what he normally does: Blitz, blitz, and blitz to hurry and confuse So. QB Tajh Boyd needs to remain poised and identify what's happening in front of him quickly. Virginia Tech's coverage schemes are designed to make the offense overcome pressure and methodically move down the field. You'll see some Robber concepts and Cover 4 looks all day Saturday, with the loose Cover 4 that will give more underneath. Foster and Beamer have been very successful over the years with the 4-4 "G" concepts and this defense is a morph from the Hokie mid-90's defense that accounts for modern spread offenses.
Clemson QB Tajh Boyd will have to remain patient against the VT defense. Tajh will need to keep his head under pressure and realize that taking a sack or throwing the ball away is not always the worst thing for the football team. We will also need to continue to do a good job up front pass blocking and successfully use backs and max protection when necessary. I imagine Andre Ellington will be needed for the majority of the game simply for pass protection purposes, as he is likely best equipped to pick up the rush out of the backfield simply because of experience. For this reason, I don't expect to see much out of Mike Bellamy on Saturday.
I look for Clemson to try and execute at two levels: in the flats and vertically. V-Tech will be more flexible in the flats and Clemson's excellent receivers could make them pay if they get the ball in space. On the flip side, I expect to see four wide sets in which Clemson lobs bombs down the field to guys like Martavis Bryant and Sammy Watkins. Those guys are good receivers with enough speed to make things happen against Cover 4 or Cover 1. If CU can do a good job keeping defenders off Boyd and/or Tajh can play smart and get rid of the ball before getting sacked, Clemson could have a nice night on offense.
Special teams will need to improve over last week. Clemson should have had a punt blocked at the end of the half and, because of this breakdown, punter Dawson Zimmerman was injured on the play. Clemson tackled poorly on kick coverage and missed a short field goal. Virginia Tech puts a tremendous amount of emphasis on special teams and will capitalize on any mistakes the Tigers make there. They expect to score each week on special teams and have done a fine job over the years beating opponents with their punt return/block team.
Team Statistics for Both Squads (thanks Grey Matter Stats):
2011 Va Tech Schedule (per ESPN)
2011 VTech Season Preview
East Carolina Highlights
App State Highlights
Logan Thomas Runs Over an App Defender
David Wilson TD Against Appalachian State
Clemson Va Tech 2006 Highlights
2006 Va Tech Clemson Sportscenter Post Game
Clemson Va Tech 2007 Highlights
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Eager for game time
I want to see how our team handles the atmosphere and the adversity. America as a whole still is not giving us much respect for our wins. It’s time to prove ourselves. Va. tech’s O doesn’t really scare me as I hope that Steele’s perferred base D will be more impressive than the strange sets we’ve had to run the previous weeks. I really expect to see more of Anthony and Steward on the field. I have confidence that our team will rally and pull off a victory.
One thing that I want to ask. I have yet to see a team find a way to handle Dwyane Allen. I’ve read that they’re very concerned about him. Do you think we can exploit their LBs or DBs that try to cover him to move the chains consistantly? Also, if Nuke is not 100% then who is behind him is it Peake or Bryant?
Ready...
I thought I was anxious for the FSU game. I just can not wait until Saturday.
Who do you think will be affected by the atmosphere the most? Boyd or the O-Line? (If either)
by ClemsonGrad04 on Sep 30, 2011 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Boyd
The O-line has played at some very loud stadiums like against Auburn and FSU last year. They will probably be ifne, it all depends on Boyd really. Readin about Va tech’s D makes it seem that they will bring as much pressure as they can and trust their DBs to hold our WRs. FSU tried the same and we burned them for it with PI and TDs. I look forward to seeing how we andle the atmopshere as this will be the true test of our team. I trust Boyd and Dabo.Morris to keep his head on straight at times.
Boyd
I agree. I have a lot of confidence in the O-Line to keep their poise in the game. However, there will probably be a few false starts, but hopefully the game is not on the line when they happen (like FSU’s).
I trust Boyd too. I think the youth of some of these players may help them. They don’t understand the Clemson culture of giving up these big games just yet.
by ClemsonGrad04 on Sep 30, 2011 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
How do you think we match up with VT?
I really do not know what to expect from this game. On one hand, VT is always good and it is very difficult to beat them up there. On the other, they have not played anyone, they have a young QB who has been very average against below average competition, and I think our recievers and allen will be tough for their defense to handle. Special teams scare me to death, and if we can’t at least hold our own in that area, then we are in trouble.
"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony
by Tigerplowboy on Sep 30, 2011 9:03 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I think we match up well...
With our offense against their defense we match up well. We obviously have a better offense this year than we have the last few times we’ve played them.
Luckily, their offense is not THAT great. If they had a stout def (which they do) and a great offense I would pick VT hands down in Lane.
I think coming out and scoring early will be the key. If we don’t score early, the night could be a long cold and wet one.
by ClemsonGrad04 on Sep 30, 2011 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Our D
Will really have to come with the physicality. If they start blowing us off the ball and controlling the clock, our D could be in for a lot of snaps. A couple early 3 and outs by our D and we may jump on them quick.
"Just because you've had 2 or 3 good games doesn't mean anything right now. It's not the first 3 games you're going to be remembered by." - The Chad
by scgreatest803 on Sep 30, 2011 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
average/below average East Carolina team??
A subpar ECU team? ECU’s losses come at the hands of teams that are both ranked higher than the Clemson Tigers. South Carolina was losing at halftime. Check out attached article. You are not giving ECU enough credit. I would argue ECU could beat Auburn and FSU (With out starting QB).
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312462579
by Walter Lee Willard on Sep 30, 2011 9:43 AM EDT reply actions
VT Fan
We beat you by at least 10. Our defense is going to hold you to less than 300 yards. If Wilson gets more than 150 then it’s worse than 10. Tech plays up to their opponents. You are going to see what Miami saw that rainy day a few years ago. Espn wnts ratings so they build you guys up to fall.
by Walter Lee Willard on Oct 1, 2011 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions
smack talk? really? okay, here's some of your own medicine
We will put up 450+ yards on that overrated defense with 300+ passing yards. Watkins will toast your secondary to a finely burnt crisp for 150+. And the only way VT would outscore us by 10 is if they put up 45+ pts, as we’ll have at least 35. We’re going to take your overrated #11 rating and use it as a stepping stone to jump into the top 10. Then we’ll mockingly sing “Enter Sandman” all the way home to the tune of “Eye of the Tiger”.
See how silly all this is?
No one has disrespected VT, nor should you disrespect Clemson. Our offense is a good test for your defense, and vice versa, though our offense got tested by FSU’s defense, and tore them apart. Our special teams WILL be tested. Our defense can be a real problem, and I suspect we’ll be in shootouts with good teams all year, but at this point I am not afraid of any team.
Well we beat you by 20 and put up 300+
Wilson never got his 150 either.
Good job playin up to your opponent.
lolno
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by Bud Elliott on Sep 30, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
No!
ECU always plays VTech and S Car tough, but they would not beat those teams you named. One thing I do know, is VTech’s schedule to date has been filled with more cupcakes than a local bakery. Don’t try to pass that ECU team off as a respectable matchup.
"Just because you've had 2 or 3 good games doesn't mean anything right now. It's not the first 3 games you're going to be remembered by." - The Chad
by scgreatest803 on Sep 30, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
How bad did ECU get beaten?
If they got beaten by SC by less than a touchdown, ok. SC screwed around with Garcia and still worked ECU. East Carolina sucks and they would not beat either Auburn or FSU.
Clemson Sports Analysis and Insight
www.shakinthesouthland.com
Follow me on Twitter @figurefour_sts
Wilson
From these previews Wilson looked pretty good. But he did drop the ball a couple times early. Also, Thomas has 4 INTs on the year. it’d sure be nice to get some fumbles and INT’s this week!
His size...
Is what he has really working for him right now. His pass efficiency and ball skills have been trouble early, however, our pressure isn’t scaring anyone, so I don’t know how much we’ll get to him.
by ClemsonGrad04 on Sep 30, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
We have got to wrap up
Wilson and Thomas will be looking to break tackles and run over people.. We’ve got to do a good job of wrapping up.
"Just because you've had 2 or 3 good games doesn't mean anything right now. It's not the first 3 games you're going to be remembered by." - The Chad
by scgreatest803 on Sep 30, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Unis
Ok…So, somewhere I read we’re wearing all white.
1. Is this true?
2. If it is true, and we’re big on uniform superstitions, why are we wearing all white?
— See the 2006 game.
See 1977-1991
In the immortal words of legendary football mind and public restroom connoisseur George Michael, “Sometimes the clothes do not make the man”
Maybe the color of the uniform does not affect the outcome of the game
And we’re the visitor so we are in all white.
I
Don’t believe in the uniform superstition. I was just asking. I don’t think the colors or clothes define the play (well…Boise St. is masterminding a few tricks). However, I gaurantee these kids put emphasis on it. White, orange, goodness forbid purple, I don’t care, just win.
by ClemsonGrad04 on Sep 30, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes.
And no more purple.
"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony
by Tigerplowboy on Oct 3, 2011 3:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Clemson should wear all white
and if you want history, look at how good we were in this gear pre-1990.
Proper threads on the road are white shirts, white pants. Anything else is unacceptable.
Clemson Sports Analysis and Insight
www.shakinthesouthland.com
Follow me on Twitter @figurefour_sts
Chad Morris
if we keep this up, they better be ready to sign the check for this guy. This from ESPN, Morris reflecting on his “7-minute meeting” with Tajh after Spring ball:
“One of the things I told him was that this was a pivotal point in his career,” Morris said. “I told him if playing football and being the starting quarterback at Clemson were important to him, then he’d better have a great summer. I told him he better take ownership of it and be so far ahead of where he ended spring ball that it wasn’t even close.”
No BS. Sit you down, man to man, face to face, and tell you exactly how he feels about you and where you stand. Doesn’t get much better than that.
"Just because you've had 2 or 3 good games doesn't mean anything right now. It's not the first 3 games you're going to be remembered by." - The Chad
Well Done FF
I really like what you said there about “How good are FSU and Auburn?”
We don’t know exactly how good we really are…and we’re getting ready to find out which makes me pretty jacked for this game.
There are two theories here I think. It’s possible that Oklahoma is overrated (as we find out almost every year in the bowl game they are overrated ), the FSU team we played was nowhere near a top 5 “elite” type team, they got the Notre Dame media treatment in the polls this year, they are possibly not even as good as last year’s team, and we were possibly the better team last year anyway (albeit poorly coached out of a win at FSU). It’s possible Auburn is the best team we’ve played, but as we know, lost a lot of talent from last year but they recruit well and for some reason didn’t hammer Dyer at us after the 1st quarter. In which case, we’re getting ready to hit a buzz saw here at VT.
Or, the polls had it right preseason. We have a real winner here, are going to blister VT’s secondary much like FSU and if we avoid a letdown, are on our way to a very special season and an opportunity against a big boy team in the Orange Bowl. I’m damn sure hoping for the latter.
I hope the latter is correct
However, I think its honestly somewhere in between. I think FSU is a pretty darn good team. Physical defense and solid enough offense. Clemson got lucky to catch them after an emotional home loss, and then caught them with 3 top WRs and starting QB out. If they were healthy FSU wins that game 7 out of 10 times. Auburn is pretty much what we’ve seen. Just an average BCS conf team. I think the rest of the season will bear that out. They have a pretty good front four on defense and a lousy back 7.
Clemson probably is around a top 20 team, which is probably right where they’ll be after a tough hard fought loss saturday at VT.
Clemson has impressed me a little bit the last two weeks
After a pathetic showing against Troy and Wofford, they’ve proved they can play with the big boys. The O-line still cant block anybody in the run game though, which is extremely disappointing. Especially after how much we heard from Dabo and Morris about how tough they were becoming.
It wouldnt surprise me much to see Clemson win Saturday night. I dont think that’s going to be the outcome, though.
Tech 27 Clemson 17. Close game until 4th quarter when our Steele Charmin Curtain defense gives up a late TD to make it a 10 point margin of victory for the freaking hokies.
Not sure I agree
Even though FSU was missing some pieces on offense their D was fully healthy except for one player and we shredded them to pieces. I haven’t seen enough from Va tech’s QB to make me fear him in the passing game so I saw he stack the box and force him to beat us. They’ll be doing to same, mostly, but Tajh has proven that given time he can shred the best secondarys with our talent. It all rides on his shoulders though. I say we win this game in a close fight but in the end, our talent and weapons on offense push us over the top.
I think you are forgetting the home/away game. I would think Death Valley, with as crazy as it was last Saturday, would get 5 points. A night game in Lane Stadium gets 5 points from Vegas. That’s a 10 point swing. That doesn’t factor in that this is Tajh’s first road start.
I hope I’m wrong, but I tend to agree with IhateUSuc on the outcome.
Home or away
I trust in Chad and Steele and even Dabo to inspire confidence in our team. Va tech simply doesn’t look that threatening to me like they used to. It will be difficult yes and to walk out with a victory we’re going to go through a war, but I think the past few games have given us confidence in ourselves and what we can do. It all falls on Tajh and as of yet, I’m not willing to bet against him.
I think VT has plenty of confidence as well, considering they haven’t lost an ACC game in their last 12 tries. Tajh isn’t going to continue a 13:1 TD/INT ratio. There is going to be games where we turn the ball over. I just think VT, on the road, at night is a likely place where this occurs.
Clemson didn’t look too threatening either until the played better competition. Sometimes teams play down to their competition, and I think VT has been a victim of that. They certainly won’t have that excuse this weekend.
Weather
Could be cold and soggy
"Just because you've had 2 or 3 good games doesn't mean anything right now. It's not the first 3 games you're going to be remembered by." - The Chad
http://www.weather.com/weather/today/40917:20
"Just because you've had 2 or 3 good games doesn't mean anything right now. It's not the first 3 games you're going to be remembered by." - The Chad
by scgreatest803 on Sep 30, 2011 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Good luck. Go Clemson. Smoke 'em!
"What you are entrusted to do as a coach is to create an environment where your players have a chance to be successful." CHIP KELLY
by Famous Duck on Oct 1, 2011 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
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