Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
Line: Clemson -21, O/U 57.5
The Matchup:
The Clemson Tigers host the Virginia Cavaliers in a critical ACC matchup. Clemson enters the game as heavy favorites, boasting one of the most efficient offenses in the nation, averaging 41.0 points per game (10th in FBS) and 482.3 yards per game (8th). The Tigers' balanced attack will be facing a Virginia defense that has struggled to limit opponents, giving up 409.2 yards per game (92nd) and 23.8 points per game (51st).
Virginia, on the other hand, is coming off a mixed start to the season. The Cavaliers are averaging 26.2 points per game (66th), led by a respectable passing attack that puts up 252.8 yards per game (43rd). However, they have yet to face a defense like Clemson’s, which excels in creating pressure and turnovers. Clemson’s defense allows just 21.7 points per game (40th) and is particularly strong against the pass, holding opponents to 208.0 yards through the air (47th).
Key Factors:
Clemson’s Offense vs. Virginia’s Defense:
Clemson’s explosive offense, led by a dynamic passing game (281.5 yards per game, 23rd) and a potent ground attack (200.8 yards per game, 26th), will test Virginia’s defense. The Cavaliers have struggled against both the run and the pass, allowing 290.6 passing yards (120th) and 118.6 rushing yards per game (35th). Look for Clemson to capitalize on Virginia’s weaknesses, particularly through the air where Tigers quarterback has excelled with an 8.0 yards per pass average (33rd).
Clemson’s offensive line has also protected its quarterback well, with a sack rate of just 2.76% (21st), while Virginia’s pass rush (6.74% sack rate, 49th) will need to apply pressure early to disrupt the Tigers’ rhythm. If Clemson’s offensive line holds up, this game could get out of hand quickly.
Virginia’s Offense vs. Clemson’s Defense:
Virginia’s success on offense has been driven by balance, with 169.8 rushing yards per game (54th) and 252.8 passing yards. However, Clemson’s defense has proven tough, allowing only 140.3 rushing yards per game (57th) and forcing turnovers at a high rate (2.0 takeaways per game, 10th).
Virginia quarterback will need to take care of the ball, as Clemson ranks 6th nationally in turnover margin (+1.5). The Cavaliers have been solid in the red zone, scoring on 77.27% of trips, but they will need to be even more efficient against a Clemson defense that stiffens near the goal line (80.0% red-zone scoring defense, 35th).
Prediction:
Zach:
Clemson is simply too strong in all phases for Virginia to keep pace. The Tigers’ ability to control the game on both sides of the ball should overwhelm a Cavaliers team that has shown flashes but lacks the consistency to challenge elite teams. While Virginia may keep it close early, Clemson’s depth, offensive firepower, and opportunistic defense should break the game open by the second half.
Clemson 45, Virginia 17
Jeremy:
In this weekend’s matchup between Clemson and Virginia, all eyes will be on Tony Elliott as he makes his first return to Death Valley since leaving his role as Clemson’s offensive coordinator to take over as Virginia’s head coach. Despite the emotional backdrop, Clemson is expected to dominate. The Tigers, led by their strong defense and explosive offense, are poised to overwhelm Virginia’s struggling team.Clemson will likely control the tempo from start to finish, with the offense firing on all cylinders. Expect the Tigers to build a significant lead early, allowing the defense to clamp down on Virginia’s attack.
Clemson 45, Virginia 10
Evan:
This weekend the Clemson Tigers enter their matchup against the Virginia Cavaliers as a -21 point favorite. The Tigers have dominated each opponent since their loss to Georgia in the first game of the season. However, Virginia is the first opponent since Georgia that has a winning record. The Cavaliers are sitting at 4-2, and their defense has played a large part in keeping them in games. However, against a Clemson offense averaging 41.0 point per game, the Cavaliers defense is going to have a long day and Clemson is going to come away with yet another dominant victory.
Clemson 38, Virginia 14