Clemson vs. Virginia Tech: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Tigers Must Make

What a half so far as the No. 13 Clemson Tigers take on the No. 11 Virginia Tech Hokies. The Tigers look to continue their season’s hot start with an upset today in Blacksburg. Clemson is coming off of two high-profile wins over Auburn and Florida State and are hoping to leave Lane Stadium with a big win.

Here are 5 halftime adjustments the Tigers must make if they want to complete today’s upset.

1. Stop David Wilson

The Hokies have one of the most explosive RBs in the nation in David Wilson. The Tigers need to focus on stuffing the run between the tackles and not allowing Wilson to break off big gains in the second half.

2. Capitalize on Turnovers

The Tigers need to take advantage of turnovers. In the first quarter Clemson recorded two takeaways and only three points. The Tigers must take advantage of the Hokies mistakes and put points on the board.

3. Physical Play on D

The Tigers' defense has been worn down playing two tough games against Auburn and Florida State. If Clemson wants to continue their Top 25 winning streak they need to play physical D. The Tigers' tough tackling has already caused a turnover with a punishing hit on Va. Tech RB David Wilson. This type of physical play will help them finish today’s game on top.

4. Get Boyd Out of the Pocket

Clemson QB Tahj Boyd has had a decent game so far. The Tigers should look to take advantage of his speed in the second half and continue to get him out of the pocket. Boyd has been playing well when rolling out and using this athleticism to make plays and we should see more of this as the game continues. 

5. Gains on Early Downs

The Tigers have not been performing exceptionally well on third down. They need to focus on getting good gains on early downs that will leave them will short conversion attempts. Although on the Tigers' last TD drive they did convert on two long third downs, they cannot depend on clutch big plays.