Clemson football a touchdown favorite over Virginia Tech

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 03: Mike Williams
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 03: Mike Williams /
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The Clemson football program enters the week as a touchdown favorite over Virginia Tech. Justin Fuente’s Hokies are looking to avenge their loss in the 2016 ACC Championship game.

Clemson and Virginia Tech are in eerily similar positions entering their week five showdown. The Tigers were forced to replace Deshaun Watson – the best quarterback in program history – and a bevy of other productive starters on both sides of the ball.

Virginia Tech was shocked to find out starting quarterback, Jerod Evans would forgo his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL Draft, after just one year with the program. The Hokies were also tasked with replacing star wideout, Isaiah Ford and tight-end, Bucky Hodges.

Despite their losses over the offseason, both programs have thrived during the early portion of the 2017 season. It appears that Clemson has been more impressive in the eyes of odds-makers as they sit as 7-point favorites according to SportsBookReview.com.

Thoughts

Given Clemson’s poor performance at home against Boston College, they are lucky to be favored over the Hokies. Virginia Tech has been playing lights out under second year head coach, Justin Fuente.

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The Hokies’ offensive in particular has surprised many. Redshirt freshman quarterback, Josh Jackson has executed with the poise and confidence of a player two years his senior. He has completed 65 percent of his passes for 1127 yards and 11 touchdowns to just one interception. Tech enters week five averaging 40 points per game.

There has been no surprises from Bud Foster’s defense. Virginia Tech has smothered opponents, allowing just over 10 points per game thus far. Foster’s exotic blitz packages will test this Tigers’ offense come Saturday night.

Clemson lacked focus against Boston College, which could have been because of their looming matchup with the Hokies. Regardless what the reason, the Tigers must execute better if they hope of walking out of Blacksburg with a victory.

Next: Tavien Feaster officially named starting RB

We will continue to update the odds for Clemson’s matchup with Virginia Tech as the week progresses. What is your take on the current spread?