Clemson holds off Virginia Tech, playoffs likely next

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson is a Heisman Trophy finalist for the second consecutive season, joining Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers and Oklahoma teammates Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook.

The Clemson Tigers want another chance at the NCAA Championship, and a victory over Virginia Tech in the ACC title game December 3 could put them one step closer to it.

The No. 3 Tigers survived a tough Virginia Tech team 42-35 Saturday night in front of 50,628 fans at Camping World Stadium and appear to be headed back to the College Football Playoff.

Except the team never lost another game, holding on in the ACC championship against Virginia Tech to complete the 12-1 year. And we know we have to play extremely well in order to get it close there at the end. “So we were confident we could come back”. “So they’re just living off the national championship game, and all the success I had in that”. He then connected with Jordan Leggett for a 21-yard touchdown pass to continue the early dominance at 14-0.

His effort Saturday, earning him game MVP honors for the second season in a row, certainly warranted an encore.

Clemson would take their largest lead of the night later in the quarter. He’s scored 34 touchdowns this season combined. They still had a fine first season under ACC Coach of the Year Justin Fuente, with nine wins and a likely solid bowl bid forthcoming. Running back Travon McMillian (129 carries, 600 yards, 4 TDs) has carried the ball 10 times or fewer in each of Tech’s last three games.

Watson gives the Tigers every reason to feel confident entering football’s final four.

Will it continue to be the case that Virginia Tech and Wisconsin continue to be important players in the College Football Playoff. We’re all one big happy family.

That slowed Clemson’s attack, and Evan got the Hokies within 21-14 on an 11-yard TD run about four minutes before the half.

But Evans started heating up in the middle of the second quarter. The 238-pound QB threw for 81 more yards in the second quarter than he did in the first.

Clemson is seeking its 15th ACC title, and third in the current format. He engineered touchdown drives on each of the Tigers’ first three possessions. The Hokies drove to the Clemson 23, but on third-and-6, Evans was held to no gain, setting up a fourth-down situation in the Hokies were forced to go for it. Months later, Alabama coach Nick Saban called Watson the best player in college football since Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton played for Auburn.

Last years’ successful season brought in even more fans than usual according the the store’s President.

Evans bounced back to lead Virginia Tech on back-to- back touchdown drives that cut the lead to 35-28 with 11:35 left in the game. “And it was on display tonight in big time, big time plays in crucial moments”.

Jerod Evans leads the Hokies in rushing as well as passing, logging better than 3,700 yards from scrimmage. He added another 46 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Virginia Tech also has an impressive defense that is allowing just 21.1 points and 332.2 yards per game this season.

The Tigers will be the fake home team in Arizona when they face the Buckeyes in the national semifinal.

“This team is incredibly deserving”.