By Chandler Carver.
By Chandler Carver
CLEMSON — Here is a look back at Clemson’s victory over Virginia Tech Saturday in Death Valley. The Tigers used key defensive stops to snuff out the Hokies chance at revenge on Saturday with a 38-17 victory on Military Appreciation Day.
It was Clemson’s third win over the Hokies in the last two seasons.
Game-Changing Moment
With the score 7-3 in the Hokies’ favor, Virginia Tech had forced the Tigers into another three-and-out situation. However, the punt hit a Virginia Tech defender, making it a live ball, and Tony Steward pounced on it. This set up a six-play, 26-yard drive for the Tigers, which ended with a Tajh Boyd one-yard touchdown run to put the Tigers ahead 10-7, a lead they would never relinquish.
Story Line
Today’s game against the Hokies was all about Military Appreciation. Clemson walk-on wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez, a purple-heart recipient, led the team down the Hill carrying the American flag. Clemson and Virginia Tech’s band combined at halftime to perform a military tribute, culminated by a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps”. Always a special day in Clemson because of the university’s military heritage, Saturday’s game was extra special because of the current military connection the team has in Daniel Rodriguez.
Turning Point
With 3:46 left in the first half, Jonathan Meeks intercepted a Logan Thomas pass and sprinted down the sideline, returning it 74 yards for a touchdown. This gave the Tigers a 17-7 lead.
What went right?
Although the Hokies amassed 406 total yards of offense, the Clemson defense played one of their better games of the season today. Jonathan Meeks finished the day with two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and Xavier Brewer added one of his own. Tony Steward recovered a fumble and the Tigers twice held the Hokies on fourth down. Like two weeks ago against Georgia Tech, Clemson’s defense got the stops they needed, when they needed them.
What went wrong?
Clemson’s offense, which is usually firing on all cylinders, looked a little out of sync. The Tigers only ran 66 plays and did not win the time of possession battle (33:52 to 26:03). Coming off of a 397-yards passing performance against Georgia Tech, Tajh Boyd only threw for 160. Clemson has a short week before facing Wake Forest in Winston-Salem on Thursday night.
They said it.
Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney
On today’s defensive performance:
“They had a great performance. From the sidelines, I believe it was their best game of the season. We struggled with some missed tackles, but they did really well at getting turnovers, including that pick six.”
On the stadium atmosphere and Military Appreciation Day:
“What a privilege it was to be part of a day like this. It’s special to experience it with Daniel Rodriguez. His presence has helped the team, and he never forces his leadership. It has really made the team appreciate our military and realize that there are a lot more problems in the world than our third down conversion rate.”