BLACKSBURG, Va. — After being maligned all week following last week’s showing in a loss to Louisville, the Clemson defense looked like Clemson’s defense.

Using a new scheme, the 23rd-ranked Tigers smothered Virginia Tech in a 24-14 victory at Lane Stadium. The win, coupled with No. 4 Miami’s loss to Georgia Tech earlier in the day, keeps their slim ACC Championship hopes alive.

The Tigers went away from their normal 4-2-5 scheme and started freshman Sammy Brown at middle linebacker and used a 4-3 base defense. The new look worked, and Brown was a beast, as he had a team-high eight tackles, including one sack and two tackles for loss.

Clemson (7-2, 6-1 ACC) held the Hokies to 228 total yards and forced three turnovers. The Hokies did not reach 100 yards of offense until midway through the third quarter.

Virginia Tech (5-5, 3-3 ACC), who averaged 201.6 rushing yards per game on the ground coming in were held to 40 yards. Their previous low was 99 yards against Georgia Tech.

The Tigers were allowing 140.0 rushing yards per game coming into the game, and 7.9 yards per carry. Virginia Tech averaged 1.9 yards per carry on Saturday.

While the defense was dominating the Hokies, the offense finally got going in the second half. The Tigers scored touchdowns on three of their first four possessions to take control of the game.

Quarterback Cade Klubnik threw three touchdown passes, and threw for 211 yards, most coming in the second half. Running back Phil Mafah ran for 128 yards on 26 carries.

Cole Turner, T.J. Moore and tight end Jake Briningstool scored the Tigers’ three TDs.

Trailing 7-0 at halftime, Clemson tied the game when Klubnik found Turner for a 29-yard TD pass, as Turner outplayed the Hokie defender to catch the ball in the end zone. The score tied the game at 7-7 with 12:46 to play in the third quarter.

The Tigers grabbed the lead for good, 14-7, when on third-and-long, Virginia Tech sent a corner blitz. Somehow Klubnik managed to keep his footing after being hit, then rolled to his right and off his back foot threw a perfect pass to Moore who was wide open at the 8-yard line. He then broke one tackle and ran into the end zone for a 41-yard TD with 7:34 to play in the third quarter.

Clemson extend its lead to 21-7 with 13:08 to play in the game. Klubnik threw his third touchdown pass of the night, this time a 12-yard screen pass to Briningstool, who got a block from Bryant Wesco and then fought his way into the end zone.

Tigers own Hokies

Clemson won its seventh straight game over the Hokies, dating back to 2011. The Tigers also improved to 9-2 all-time at Lane Stadium.

First half woes

After being held to seven first-half points last week by Louisville, Clemson did even worse against the Hokies. The Tigers did not score and were held to 152 total yards.

It was the first time Virginia Tech shut a Clemson team out in the opening half since 1998.

Five times

That is how many times Clemson has allowed a blocked field goal this year, including one on Saturday. This time, Virginia Tech’s Keyshawn Burgos blocked the kick, and Quentin Reddish caught it out of the air and raced 77 yards for a TD that gave them a 7-0 lead with 12:46 to play in the second quarter.

Nolan Hauser did bounce back in the fourth quarter and make a 34-yard field goal with 5:10 to play in the game to seal the Tigers’ victory.

Injuries

Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods did not make the trip (head injury). Left guard Marcus Tate dressed but did not play (lower leg). Left tackle Tristan Leigh was injured in the first quarter (lower leg).

Cornerback Jeadyn Lucas was banged up in the second quarter on a long pass and did not return.

Up Next

Clemson travels to Pittsburgh to take on Pitt next Saturday. Kickoff is set for Noon on ESPN.