Box Score | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Virginia Tech | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
Clemson | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
Tech escapes Tiger trap
The 6-0 Virginia Tech Hokies narrowly squeeked by the Clemson Tigers 28-20 Saturday afternoon. For the first time this season, Tech was trailing at half time 17-14 to Clemson after two consecutive touchdowns by Clemson to give them a 17-7 lead. Running back Branden Ore kept it close, though, rushing for a five yard touchdown as the half dwindled down.
Clemson gave the Hokies one final scare in the fourth quarter, after Clemson kicker Jackson kicked a 50 yard field goal to bring the Tigers within one, 21-20. A one yard run by Tech running back Jahre Cheeseman settled that dispute, though, after a one yard tumble into the endzone.
"It was a close call," Cheeseman said on the touchdown. "But I knew I had it from the beginning. There was no way [Clemson] were denying me a touchdown."
For the second time this season, Tech defeated a ranked opponent, as Clemson was ranked number 18 coming into the game. Earlier in the season, the Hokies beat a number three-ranked LSU Tiger team.
Rumblings throughout the media have noted that these notable victories are perfect stepping stones for them to get into the national championship, but once again, Hokies head coach Justin Jett refused to talk about their chances.
"You know, we face an improved Duke team next week. Let's focus on them," Jett said.
Players of the Game
Game Statistics | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Virginia Tech | Clemson |
First Downs | 22 | 11 |
Total Offense | 427 | 245 |
Rushes-YDS | 33-223 | 22-72 |
Passing YDS | 204 | 173 |
Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
Total Yards | 590 | 457 |
T.O.P. | 33:18 | 26:42 |