Clemson football punched their ticket to their sixth straight ACC championship game.
As we have pointed out over the weekend, there are several reasons to be concerned about Clemson football moving forward. However, what matters most is that this program is 9-1 and headed to their sixth straight ACC championship game.
The Tigers are the only Power 5 program in the country playing for their sixth straight conference title. Oklahoma will play in their fifth straight but remember the Big 12 didn’t have a title game between 2011-2016. If Oklahoma beats Iowa State, they will have won the Big 12 for the sixth straight year.
There are five positives to take away from the Saturday night game against Virginia Tech.
Clemson football has the ability to win games in different ways
Following an offensive blitzkrieg, last week against Pitt Clemson relied on its defense to jump-start an offense that only had 4 possessions in the first half Saturday night. We have arrived at the time of the year where it doesn’t matter what it looks like you just have to win.
Virginia Tech’s offensive game plan was to shorten the game and to keep Trevor Lawrence on the bench as long as possible.
The Clemson defense stepped up and forced 3 turnovers including a scoop and score. It does not matter where the spark comes from at this stage of the season offense, defense, or special teams, you need it to come from somewhere.
Saturday night the Clemson defense answered the call.
Darien Rencher caps off a memorable week with a 50-yard touchdown run
Clemson football running back Darien Rencher was named the recipient of the Disney Spirit Award given to the most inspirational person in college sports. Rencher was recognized for his leadership in organizing a Clemson community demonstration and speaking out on social issues.
He was also involved with the #WeWantToPlay movement that helped bring back the return of college football in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
As a former walk-on from Anderson, he took advantage of his one and only carry of the night with a 50-yard run to put the Tigers up 45-10.
Trevor Lawrence becomes the winningest quarterback in Clemson football history
Trevor Lawrence has led the Tigers to 33 wins as a starting quarterback. It is remarkable what Trevor has accomplished during his time at Clemson.
The overlooked part about what Trevor has done at Clemson is how he has done it. He often goes out and performs at a high level and you don’t realize that he has thrown for 300 plus yards and multiple touchdowns while rushing for above 50 yards.
He is not flashy in the way he goes about his business but there is not a more fierce competitor on the field.
What a privilege it has been to watch Lawrence perform on the field but also represent Clemson University in a first-class manner.
Clemson football won its 120th game in the last 10 seasons
Going back to the 2011 season when Clemson won its first ACC Championship since 1991, the Tigers earned win 120. What a ride it has been for Clemson fans.
In the same time period, Clemson trails only Alabama who has 123 wins. This compares to blueblood programs like Ohio State and Oklahoma who have 100 and 104 wins respectively.
Detractors will say well anyone could do it in the ACC, yet few programs in the country have been able to demonstrate the consistency and character of Clemson football during the same time period.
Dabo Swinney deserves his due for what he has built at Clemson
LaVanta Bentley is a name you need to know.
Redshirt Freshman middle linebacker LaVanta Bentley is starting to make a name for himself. In the last two games, he has come in and made plays for the Clemson defense.
Last night he had a key sack to thwart a Virginia Tech scoring opportunity. He has gotten his opportunity as injuries take a toll on the Clemson linebacker room. The young man out of Birmingham, AL has flashed speed and physicality in his limited opportunities.
It is well known how difficult it is to master Coach Venables’ defense but it is apparent the game is beginning to slow down for this young athlete.
Depending on the health of the other linebackers Bentley could be a name we hear as the Tigers make another run towards the College Football Playoff.