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

The 2011 ACC Championship Game between the fifth-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies and No. 20 Clemson Tigers is still up for grabs as the second half approaches.

A bid to the BCS Orange Bowl is on the line, so don't expect either team to surrender until the game clock expires.

To complete the season sweep of Virginia Tech, however, the Tigers will need to make the following adjustments.

Enough of the 5-Step Drops, Tajh Boyd

Quarterback Tajh Boyd was hesitant to throw in the first half.

His number of pass attempts are fine, but he consistently holds onto the ball for too long.

Pressure from the Virginia Tech Hokies is forcing him to deliver on the run.

He needs to make his throws before the pass-rushers get in his face.

Less Rushing Attempts Up the Middle

Overall, the offense has sputtered because Clemson's rushers can't get through the Virginia Tech secondary.

Attempts up the middle have been pointless, but the Tigers must still try to develop this second dimension to complement Tajh Boyd.

Running back Andre Ellington and Co. ought to fight to get to the outside.

More Sammy Watkins

Superstar freshman wideout Sammy Watkins has had great success when given the ball in space.

No offensive player in this matchup has comparable speed.

Whether via hand-off, screen pass, curl route or streak, he must get touches because big gains are inevitable.

Add Defenders Across the Middle

Opposing quarterback Logan Thomas hasn't completed a high percentage of his passes, but he has thus far been very productive against the Clemson Tigers defense.

Another 122 passing yards in the second half will likely result in more than 10 points.

So, the Tigers need to focus more on preventing his pass attack.

Playing more bodies across the middle of the field is the answer. 

Get Creative

I'm hoping to see more creativity out of the Clemson coaching staff.

The offense has racked up nearly 200 yards of offense, but with a few big plays, they would have had the lead at halftime.

The defense has done a respectable job, too.

To secure a win, though, the Tigers will need tackles for loss, takeaways, a few moments to really swing the momentum in their favor.