ACC Championship: 5 Keys for Hokies vs. Clemson

I feel like I have written this article before. It has been a great year for Virginia Tech. The Hokies began the season slowly, culminating in a 23-3 loss to Clemson October 1^st, but since that day the Hokies have been perfect. The play on the field wasn’t always perfect (see Duke) but the record is.

Frank Beamer and Virginia Tech haven’t lost since that night in Blacksburg. The Tigers have gone in the other direction. Clemson has lost three of their last four games. The Hokies are out for blood to avenge their only loss. Frank Beamer’s players now appear to be poised to win the Hokies fifth championship since joining the ACC in 2004.

Clemson may be struggling as of late, but assuming the Hokies will win isn’t a good idea. Clemson destroyed the Hokies in Lane Stadium. Both Clemson and Virginia Tech are different teams now, but the Hokies still need to bring their A-game.

The Hokies need to do five things in order defeat the Tigers and win the ACC again.

5. Take Dabo Swinney’s Action as an Insult

If you didn’t see this, then I suggest you take a look. No your eyes aren’t deceiving you; the Clemson Coach is wearing an Orange Bowl polo shirt. That may have been one of the most arrogant and stupid things anyone involved with football has ever seen—exclude anything that has to do with Rex Ryan.

The Hokies need to take full advantage of this display. Frank Beamer’s teams always play better with a chip on their shoulder. The 23-3 loss was a big chip already, but this wardrobe choice puts it over the top.

4. Win the Third Down Battle

Converting third downs is the best way to win a game. It keeps your offense on the field and keeps the opponents offense off of it. The third down conversion statistic will be a good indicator of who wins the game.

Virginia Tech is at its best when it controls the clock, Clemson is a quick strike offense when it is going well. Clemson’s offense isn’t firing on all cylinders, but keeping the Tigers off the field is the best way make sure that they don’t get the offense humming.

The Hokies were only able to convert four of 16 third downs against Clemson in October. Clemson leads the ACC when defending third downs. The Tigers only allow conversions on 31.52 percent of third downs. The Hokies have to stay on the field if they are going to win this game.

3. The Defense Must Avoid the Big Play

Bud Foster’s defense had a bad year last season, but they have returned to normalcy this season. The Hokie defense is in the top 10 again this season. It is a big reason why the Hokies are a Top 5 team.

The only problem Foster’s squad has had this year is giving up the big play. Clemson’s offense depends on the big play. Something has to give on Saturday. Either Clemson makes the big plays and wins, or the defense makes the big play giving the Hokies the edge.

A lot of this will fall on cornerback Jayron Hosley. Hosley will be covering Sammy Watkins for most of the game. Watkins may be the most impressive freshmen in the nation, and it is up to Hosley to shut him down. This is the key matchup in this game; the winner of this matchup will have a huge leg up towards winning this game.

2. The ACC Player of the Year Must Play Like It

David Wilson has been named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year and the overall Player of the Year. This is the second straight year that a Hokie has received this award. Tyrod Taylor was the Player of the Year last season. Taylor was also the biggest reason why Virginia Tech beat Florida State last year in the ACC Championship Game.

Wilson has rushed for 1,595 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He has a very good chance of surpassing Ryan Williams' school record for most rushing yards in a season on Saturday. He only needs 61 yards, something that seems quite possible considering he has 10, 100-yard rushing games this season—the Clemson game is one of them.

David Wilson has been the best player in the ACC this year, and he needs to play like it on Saturday.

1. Logan Thomas Has to Shake Off the First Clemson Game

Thomas has been a great quarterback this season, but he went through a transformation this year. He was an average quarterback through the Clemson game, but after Clemson he has been brilliant. The Hokies couldn’t score a touchdown in the first game against the Tigers (Thomas was a big reason for that).

Thomas has accounted for 23 touchdowns since that game in October and he has only turned the ball over twice. The young quarterback has proven himself to be one of the best players in the ACC this year, despite the fact that he is a first year starter.

When Thomas is on, the Hokies are unbeatable, so Thomas must continue his excellent play if the Hokies are to win this game.