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October 26, 2006
One-loss wonder: Clemson visits the Hokies
Tigers’ dynamic running game faces stiff road test
It was a blocked extra point in overtime against Boston College back on September 9. That slim margin is the difference between Clemson being 8-0 and possibly in the race for the BCS title game. Nonetheless, the Tigers are 7-1 and could be the best one-loss team in the country. This Thursday, Clemson continues its ACC schedule by traveling to Blacksburg to face 5-2 Virginia Tech.
Last Saturday, Clemson’s offense made short work of an exceptional Georgia Tech defense, scoring 31 against the Rambling Wreck. Led by its dynamic duo of underclassmen tailbacks, Clemson is tops in the nation in scoring at over 42 points per contest. Super sophomore James Davis is the ACC’s top rusher and has already accumulated over 950 yards and 16 touchdowns. However, it is the terrific play of true freshman C.J. Spiller and his explosive first step out of the backfield that has left observers with their jaws on the floor. The likely newcomer-of-the-year throughout all of college football has racked up over 500 yards and seven scores this season.
Virginia Tech plays the role of host on Thursday and will look to slow down their opponent’s high-powered offense. The No. 10 Tigers are tied for first place in the Atlantic division with Boston College, but the Eagles hold the tiebreaker thanks to that head-to-head win back in September.
The Hokies, meanwhile, are just 2-2 in conference play and suffered their own loss to Boston College several weeks back, and because of their loss to Georgia Tech in September, VT is one game back in the Coastal division compounded by that head-to-head loss.
First-year starter Sean Glennon has had his share of ups and downs in ’06, throwing for eight touchdowns and six interceptions. Just a sophomore, Glennon’s inexperience has got the better of him at times as he has forced some throws and made some poor decisions with the ball.
Frank Beamer’s team still has games at Miami and against No. 24 Wake Forest, so if the Hokies are to make a run in the conference and make it to a decent bowl game, a more consistent effort is a must.
Clemson will collide with arguably their toughest defensive test. Virginia Tech is allowing just 12.7 points per game and has only allowed 20 or more points twice this year.
Oddsmakers at BetJamaica have made Clemson 4-point road favorites with the total sitting at 42.5. Coverage begins at 7:30 pm ET on ESPN.
25025 - Copyright 2006, BetJamaica.com, The Player's Paradise
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