On Saturday afternoon, the No. 23 Clemson Tigers (6-2) will head to Blacksburg to battle the Virginia Tech Hokies (5-4) at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Clemson is still alive in the ACC race, while Virginia Tech hasn't had the season it wanted, starting with a season-opening 34-27 loss to Vanderbilt.
The Tigers are 6.5-point favorites and are -240 on the moneyline.
The total checks in at 53 points.
Clemson Tigers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Prediction
My Virginia Tech vs. Clemson best bet is on the over, with the best line currently available at bet365, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
- Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Pick: Over 53
Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Odds, Spread, Line
| Clemson Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -105 | 54.5 -110 / -110 | -225 |
| Virginia Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -115 | 54.5 -110 / -110 | +185 |
- Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Point Spread: Clemson -6.5, Virginia Tech +6.5
- Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Over/Under: 53 Points
- Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Moneyline: Clemson ML -225, Virginia Tech ML +185
Clemson Football vs. Virginia Tech Football Preview
Clemson Tigers Betting Preview
Behind Cam Ward, there is a strong argument to be made that Cade Klubnik has been the second-best quarterback in the ACC this season. Since the Georgia game, the junior has a 21/2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He has completed 65% of his passes for 2,064 yards while adding 270 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Clemson ranks 35th in Passing Success Rate and fifth in Rushing Success Rate. While Klubnik's legs gives the offense an added dimension, the feature back has been senior Phil Mafah.
After nearly missing 1,000 rushing yards last season, Mafah is on pace this season with 853 yards and eight touchdowns on 6.3 yards.
With advantages in Rushing Success Rate, Line Yards and Havoc, Clemson's offense should find a lot of success this week. It also may be necessary with the Tigers a bit banged up defensively.
Defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart and cornerback Shelton Lewis will both be out this week with head coach Dabo Swinney saying Lewis is likely out for the season.
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Peter Woods is questionable this week. If he is unable to go, the Tigers will be thin on the defensive line. Considering that Clemson is already 95th in Rushing Success Rate Allowed and 101st in Defensive Line Yards, stopping the run may be an issue this week.
Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Preview
Clemson is not alone among teams dealing with injuries as most teams are at this point of the season.
Last week, Virginia Tech played without starting quarterback Kyron Drones and starting running back Bhaysul Tuten. However, head coach Brent Pry considers both good to go this week.
Drone has thrown for 1,447 yards and ran for 323 yards while accounting for 15 touchdowns against five interceptions while Tuten has ran for 951 yards and 12 touchdowns on 6.7 yards per carry.
Despite having that level of production the sidelines, Virginia Tech did not have much problem moving the ball. It had over 200 passing yards and rushing yards against Syracuse with quarterback Collin Schlee and running backs Jeremiah Coney and Malachi Thomas filling in.
While I would consider Clemson having a stronger defense than Syracuse due to personnel, their defensive numbers are pretty similar.
Last week, Louisville ran for 210 yards at nearly eight yards per carry against Clemson. Virginia Tech has ran for 200 yards in five of nine games this season and is 26th in the FBS at 201.4 rushing yards per game. Its offense will have advantages in Rushing Success Rate, Line Yards, and Finishing Drives against the Tigers.
Virginia Tech is also expected to have top corner Mansoor Delane available this week. The junior has 41 tackles, three interceptions, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles this week.
Clemson is averaging over 280 passing yards per game and Virginia Tech is already 99th in Coverage grade per PFF, so that makes Delane's presence significant this week.
One Hokies defender who will look to make his presence felt is defensive end Antuan Powell-Ryland. The senior leads the nation with 12 sacks after getting to the quarterback once again last week.
Virginia Tech vs. Clemson Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Virginia Tech and Clemson match up statistically:
Clemson Offense vs. Virginia Tech Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 5 | 73 | |
| Line Yards | 6 | 63 | |
| Pass Success | 35 | 38 |  |
| Havoc | 12 | 37 | |
| Finishing Drives | 16 | 7 | |
| Quality Drives | 8 | 32 | |
Virginia Tech Offense vs. Clemson Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 75 | 95 | |
| Line Yards | 67 | 101 | |
| Pass Success | 87 | 37 | |
| Havoc | 111 | 9 | |
| Finishing Drives | 24 | 108 | |
| Quality Drives | 94 | 58 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 44 | 4 |
| PFF Coverage | 32 | 99 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 124 | 24 |
| Middle 8 | 77 | 20 |
| Seconds per Play | 25.7 (38) | 27.2 (65) |
| Rush Rate | 48% (96) | 60% (31) |
Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Picks and Best Bet
Even without Drones and Tuten, Virginia Tech found itself in a high-scoring game at Syracuse. While that game was in a dome, Saturday's forecast in Blacksburg looks clear. That should be ideal conditions for a matchup featuring Clemson's passing attack, which is 22nd in the FBS in yards, and the ACC's top two rushing teams.
While you could make the argument all the running will drain the clock, neither team plays all that slow with Clemson ranking in the top 40 in seconds per play. Additionally, Clemson's defense has been dreadful in Finishing Drives, so expect more touchdowns than field goals when the Hokies cross the 40-yard line.
Six of Clemson's eight games have featured 54 points while six of Virginia Tech's nine games have reached that number. Considering these offenses, we may have some value on this total and I would feel comfortable if it moved up a couple of points.
Pick: Over 53
Virginia Tech vs. Clemson Channel, Streaming, How to Watch
| Location: | Lane Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Nov. 9 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN |
Clemson takes on Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Betting Trends
- 83% of bets and 93% of the money are on Clemson to cover the spread
- 94% of bets and 100% of the money on the moneyline are on Clemson to win outright
Betting trends via our live, updating NCAAF public betting & money percentages page.
Clemson vs. Virginia Tech Weather
