Clemson returns home to Death Valley this weekend as the No. 10 Tigers will play host to upstart Virginia (4-2, 2-1).
This will be the first matchup between the two teams since 2020 with Clemson (5-1, 4-0) looking for its sixth straight win in a series that the Tigers lead 41-8-1 all-time. Clemson is also 22-3-1 at home against the Cavaliers.
5 Things to Watch For
1. It’s a Homecoming Affair: Two former Tigers are set to make their return to Clemson this weekend. First and foremost, Tony Elliott is back for the first time as the Virginia head coach. Elliott was a central figure in the two national title teams and the run of six consecutive trips to the College Football Playoff, serving as a co-offensive coordinator in charge of calling the plays. This will mark the first time that Dabo Swinney faces off against a head coach that was at one time a member of his coaching staff.
Former running back Kobe Pace also returns this weekend. Pace signed with Clemson out of high school as a member of the 2020 class, but transferred to Virginia following the 2022 season. He leads a two-back attack for the Cavaliers with 342 rushing yards this season. He averages 4.7 yards per carry and has two touchdowns.
2. Keep That Offense Rolling: Cade Klubnik and that Clemson offense have been chugging right along since the blowout loss to Georgia. The junior quarterback continues to play at an extremely high level, sporting a QBR of 88.4, good for fifth-best in the country. He has 17 touchdown passes to just two interceptions, evidence of just how well Klubnik has protected the ball through the first half of the season.
While the Cavaliers certainly aren’t looked at as one of the nation’s juggernauts, this will provide another good test for a Tigers’ offense that continues to show signs of growth. Only once has Virginia allowed more than 27 points this season. That came in a 31-30 win over Wake Forest in Week 2.
3. Where Are the Sacks: Halfway through the regular season and the Clemson defense has just 13 sacks. That’s not to say Wes Goodwin’s unit isn’t affecting the quarterback, because they are, but even Swinney himself said he wanted to see this defense start finishing more often when they have the opportunity to get to the quarterback. With Peter Woods a full-go at practice this week for the first time since Week 2, maybe this defense amps it up a little more going forward.
4. Keep the Quarterback Contained: Cavaliers QB Anthony Colandrea is a guy that can cause some problems with his legs, and that has been an issue at times for the Clemson defense. Colandrea certainly isn’t afraid to tuck it and run. He has just seven less rushing attempts than Pace and his 321 rushing yards are just 20 less than what Pace has. Each week we stress the importance of getting the edge set and once again it needs to be a point of emphasis. Clemson must keep Colandrea contained in the pocket and not leave lanes open that will allow him to escape and pick up chunk yardage.
5. Don’t Get Caught Looking Ahead to Bye Week: Last, but certainly not least, this Clemson team can not afford to get caught looking ahead to the off week. Over the years, there have been examples of the Tigers not playing their best ball in games leading into a bye.
Having said that, this team did not have that issue against App State earlier in the season as the offense came out on fire, scoring touchdowns on the first eight possessions. However, this Virginia team is better than that App State squad and there is no doubt Elliot will have the Cavaliers up for this one. This is a big opportunity for Virginia. Winning this one would not only give Elliott a signature win, but he would have done against the school where he had so much success.
Getting off to another fast start would be beneficial. It’s something the Tigers have been fairly good at, as evidenced by the 90 first quarter points through the first six games.
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
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