BLACKSBURG, Va. — Behind Kelly Bryant and a dominant defensive performance, second-ranked Clemson defeated No. 12 Virginia Tech 31-17 on Saturday night at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va.

Bryant accounted for 280 total yards and a touchdown, while the Tigers’ defense held the Hokies to just three points through three quarters and forced three turnovers.

After the game, The Clemson Insider reached out to a number of Clemson commits and prospects for their reactions to the Tiger victory:

Clemson commit Xavier Thomas, 2018 DE, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy: “SUPER excited. I was keeping track of the score while I was playing in my own game (Saturday night). Man seeing the boys make plays, I can just imagine myself when I get there!”

Clemson commit Jake Venables, 2018 LB, Central (S.C.) Daniel High: “I thought it was a great TEAM win. Everybody played together and we looked very sharp.”

Clemson commit Darnell Jefferies, 2018 DT, Covington (Ga.) Newton High: “It was a great team win! I am proud that they are the first team to accomplish the three wins over top-15 teams before October. My favorite part of the game was when the backups came in, that CW (Christian Wilkins), Dexter (Lawrence), Austin (Bryant) and Clelin (Ferrell) were so hype for them and really happy they were in the game making plays. That reassured me that I made the best choice possible in my decision to play at Clemson. I know the support system I need to succeed on the next level will be in place.”

Clemson commit B.T. Potter, 2018 K, Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe High: “Just like every week, they go out there and continue to prove people wrong. Huge win for Clemson, but I really believed that they would win. I heard they’re the first team to ever beat three top-14 ranked teams before October 1st so that’s a huge accomplishment!”

Alabama commit Pierce Quick, 2019 OL, Trussville (Ala.) Hewitt-Trussville High: “That win was awesome. Clemson looked like a top team for sure.”

Brannon Spector, 2019 DB, Calhoun (Ga.) High: “It was another great win for Clemson! It was a great road victory. Both sides of the ball continue to dominate the line of scrimmage.”

Ramel Keyton, 2019 WR, Marietta (Ga.) High: “I expect them to win every game. Nothing shocking.”

Drake Thomas, 2019 LB, Wake Forest (N.C.) Heritage High: “I thought they looked really good and played fast on defense.”

Shammond Cooper, 2019 LB, Saint Louis (Mo.) Trinity Catholic High: “I feel like they should be the No. 1 team after another huge win against another ranked opponent.”

Harry Miller, 2019 OL, Buford (Ga.) High: “Very impressive to win against a great Virginia Tech team on the road.”

Jalyn Phillips, 2019 DB, Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer High: “It was a great game. Clemson was rolling on both sides of the ball. Great team win, I’m proud!”

Michael Tarquin, 2019 OL, Belleview (Fla.) High: “They controlled the game all night. They played great.”

Ryland Goede, 2019 TE, Acworth (Ga.) Kennesaw Mountain High: “Thought it was huge. They played well and it just allowed them to gain more confidence going forward.”