College Football Pick: #2 Clemson Tigers at #12 Virginia Tech Hokies
In ACC Can Hokies Prove They're for Real Against Clemson?
It’s a big ACC matchup as the #2 Clemson Tigers (4-0 Overall, 2-0 ACC) are at the #12 Virginia Tech Hokies (4-0 Overall, 0-0 ACC). In this young season, the Tigers have already beaten two nationally ranked teams, #13 Auburn 14-6 and #14 Louisville 47-21. In their first game of the 2017 season, the Hokies beat #22 West Virginia 31-24. Since that game, they have beaten Delaware 27-0, East Carolina 64-17, and Old Dominion 38-0. This meeting with Clemson is their first major test they’ve faced since week one. Our Clemson plays Virginia Tech 2017 college football pick has Clemson ay -7.0 and the over/under at 49.0.
Clemson Offense vs. Hokies Defense
Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (67.9 COMP%, 2 TDs, 3 INTs), a junior, is an avid running QB who can also pass. Most of the Tiger’s offense will be churned out on the ground. Bryant has 66 carries for 268 yards and seven rushing score while averaging 4.1 YPA. Freshman RB Travis Etienne, who has carried the ball 23 times, is averaging 12.7 YPA and has four TDs. Three other players have crossed the goal line six times running the ball. Ray-Ray McCloud and Hunter Renfrow are the two top pass catchers on the team. Renfrow is oit with a torn ACL. They’ll help to keep the VT defense off-balance. They’re averaging over 270 yards per game on the ground and are scoring 37.8 PPG.
The Hokies are allowing opponents just 10.3 PPG and holding them to 108 YPG in ground gains. Overall, they are giving up 311.3 YPG to opponent offenses. This is a defense that has forced four fumbles and made four picks. They also have 32 TFL and nine sacks. LB Tremaine Edmunds (33 TCKLs, 1.5 SCKs, 3.5 TFL. 2 FF) leads team in tackles and forced fumbles. Along with three other players, LB Terrell Edmunds (20 TCKLs, 1.0 SCKs, 1.5 TFL) has notched three PD. He also has a pick. Corner Greg Stroman tops the team with five passes defended, while he also has one interception. LB Andrew Motuapuaka (29 TCKLs, 2.5 SCKs, 4 TFL) is highly production and effective.
Virginia Tech Offense vs. Tigers Defense
Virginia Tech is accumulating 507.3 yard of offense per game with 289.0 in the air. They’re scoring 40.0 PPG. QB Josh Jackson (65.2 COMP%, 11 TDs, 1 INT) runs an offense that revolves around the pass. Senior WR Cam Phillips (34 REC, 15.4 YPC, 5 TDs) is his go-to pass catcher. Four other players have caught at least one TD pass. The ground attack features Travon McMillian who is averaging 5.1 YPA and has one rushing score and two scores on TD passes.
The Tigers are giving up just 9.3 PPG. They’re allowing below 100 YPG on the ground and 134.5 in the air. Clemson has four picks and 11 PD. They have also posted 17 sacks and 32 TFL. DE Austin Bryant (17 TCKLs, 5 SCKs, 6 TFL) is a top performer, while LB Dorian O’Daniel (28 TCKLs, 1.5 SCKs, 4 TFL), who can be a game-changer, has notched one pick and scored one TD. DT Christian Wilkins (18 TCKLs, 3.0 SCKs, 3.5 TFL) is another premium player.
Clemson Plays Virginia Tech 2017 College Football Pick
This will be a very tough defensive game. We do like the Tigers in this matchup, as well as the under. Note that both teams are 3-1 against the spread. Our Clemson plays Virginia Tech 2017 college football pick will be the Tigers at -7.0 and the under at 49.0.
Clemson Plays Virginia Tech 2017 College Football Pick: Clemson at -7.0 and under 49.0
