CLEMSON — Clemson dropped a heartbreaker to Virginia Tech on Saturday, with the Hokies getting a late score on a fourth down to take down the Tigers 20-16.
Clemson was hit with multiple penalties on the Hokies’ final go-ahead drive, including a late hit out of bounds and a pass interference in the end zone. The second one was a little questionable, but nevertheless, it set the Hokies up inside the red zone.
Clemson couldn’t execute a forward pass in the first two quarters, managing just three points. However, that changed after halftime, as the Tigers put together three straight scoring drives. While only one of those resulted in a touchdown, they did still put themselves into position to win this game.
There were just two problems. The offense went back into a shell in the fourth quarter, and the defense was not able to get off the field on the Hokies’ game-winning possession. Too many self-inflicted mistakes on that drive.
ACC Hopes Take Massive Hit
Clemson now has two losses in ACC play. The Tigers probably needed to win out to have any shot at making it to Charlotte. With a third loss this season, and this one coming to an unranked team, the Dabo Swinney critics are fixing to get about as loud as they’ve ever been.
Reynolds Keeps Growing Up
There wasn’t a whole lot of positive from Tait Reynolds in the first half, seeing as the passing game was non-existent in the opening half. The same can’t be said for what transpired over the final two quarters. It found some life after the break.
The Tigers put together two scoring drives, one that resulted in a long field goal and another that resulted in the team’s first touchdown of the contest. Tait Reynolds actually attacked the middle of the field twice during that touchdown drive, something rarely seen this season.
The freshman came out of the half looking like a different guy. He immediately to attacking the middle of the field, something this offense hasn’t done much of this season. He also was a factor with his legs, rushing for 69 yards, with a lot of those coming in the third quarter. He also rushed for his first career touchdown, a 16-yard run about midway through the third quarter.
After passing for only 27 yards in the first half, Reynolds finished the game 20-of-26 for 153 yards. Those are not eye-popping numbers by any stretch, but they are much better than what was seen in the opening half. He also did not turn it over. Still has not added to his one-and-only touchdown pass, though.
What Happened to Gideon?
Gideon Davidson had one carry in the fourth quarter. That is after having 33 in the third quarter. Nursing a small lead, the Tigers maybe should have leaned on their featured back a little more in the final quarter when they ran just five plays on their first two possessions in the final stanza. The result was the offense picking up just 23 yards across the first two fourth-quarter possessions. Davidson finished with 14 carries for 62 yards.
Dialing Up Pressure
The Tigers absolutely got after Hokies’ quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer. Clemson finished the night with six sacks, with Will Heldt accounting for two of those. The defensive front was able to get pressure rushing just four, which allowed the Tigers more in coverage. The Tigers were also credited with two more hurries and 10 tackles for loss. Unfortunately, they were not able to get to Grunkemeyer on that final drive to help get a stop.
The defense allowed only 234 yards to the Hokies.
Hauser Does Some Punting
Jack Smith punted the first two times for the Tigers, with both of those being downed inside the Virginia Tech 2-yard line. After that, Hauser took over those duties, with his first one going 63 yards. The second one went 36 yards.
Smith was back out for the fifth punt midway through the fourth quarter, hitting a 54-yard rugby-style punt.