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Clemson Football 2017 Opponent Preview: Virginia Tech

By Anthony Messenger

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers and head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies shake hands during the ACC Championship on December 3, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers and head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies shake hands during the ACC Championship on December 3, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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As the summer comes to a close and we enter fall camp, Rubbing The Rock will be taking a look at the Clemson Football program’s 2017 schedule. This edition features, the Tigers’ week 5 opponent, Virginia Tech.

The Clemson football program squared off with Virginia Tech in last years ACC Championship. The Hokies made a quick turn around under new head coach, Justin Fuente, whom brought with him a high-octane offensive attack. Coming into the 2017 season the Hokies are tasked with replacing star-quarterback Jerrod Evans and star-wideout Isaiah Ford.

Current Head Coach: Justin Fuente (2nd year)

Overall Record in 2016:

It’s hard to believe that Fuente is entering his second year as head coach in Blacksburg as the Hokies came within a touchdown of winning the ACC Championship in 2016. Saying things are ahead of schedule would be an extreme understatement. With the talent that the Hokies’ return in 2017, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see them back in the conference title game.

Statistical leaders in 2016:

Passing – Jerrod Evans (NFL), 63.5 completion percentage, 3,552 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Rushing – Jerrod Evans (NFL), 204 attempts, 846 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Receiving – Isaiah Ford (NFL), 79 receptions, 1094 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Tackles – Andrew Motuapuaka (Jr), 114 total, 52 solo.

Interceptions – Terrell Edmunds (So), 4.

Sacks – Ken Ekanem (Grad), 7.5.

Key players in 2017:

Offensively –

The most important player for Virginia Tech on the offensive side of the ball is Cam Phillips. The Hokies have yet to name a starter at quarterback, however, that is not due to a lack of talent at the position. Fuente has intriguing options in Hendon Hooker, AJ Bush and Josh Jackson. Regardless of who is named the starter, their No. 1 target will be Phillips. Last season Phillips was just behind Isaiah Ford in receiving with 76 receptions for 983 yards and 5 touchdowns. He is sure to see an uptick in targets with Ford and Bucky Hodges gone to the NFL.

Defensively – 

Due to the talent that the Hokies have all over the field on defense, this was a tough choice. At the end of the day I couldn’t pick against a 6-foot-3 corner back with elite range. Adonis Alexander is a shut down corner in every sense of the word. With his blend of rare size and cat-like reflexes it’s hard for any offense to complete anything towards his side of the field. Be that as it may, I coulnd’t select just one player from this gritty defense. The Hokies also have a versatile linebacker by the name of Terrell Edmunds. After racking up 114 total tackles in 2016, Edmunds is among the best linebackers in the conference entering this season.

Clemson 2017 Opponent Preview: Boston College

Virginia Tech catches Clemson at a good time in the year. The Tigers will be coming off of a brutal four game stretch including the likes of Auburn, Louisville and a physical Boston College team. This game may be a trap for the Tigers, not only will they be tired from that tough slate of games but they will also have to travel to Blacksburg and play infront of that defaning crowd.

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