Virginia Tech holds Clemson scoreless at halftime for the second time this season

Georgia Tech gave Clemson hope earlier today, but none of it matters if the Tigers don't take care of business against Virginia Tech.

In nearly every category on the stat chart, Clemson is beating Virginia Tech. Well, it's beating the Hokies in every stat except the one that matters: the score. Virginia Tech leads 7-0 going into halftime.

Defensively, Clemson is starting a third linebacker, former five-star freshman Sammy Bown, to slow down Tech's rushing attack. So far, it's working, with the Hokies only gaining 20 yards on the ground in the first half. Tech's QB, Kyron Drones, is only completing 46 percent of his passes for 76 yards.

On the other hand, Clemson has 152 yards, with a balanced rushing (71 yards) and passing (81 yards) attack. The Tigers have only punted on half of their possessions, but back-to-back-to-back momentum-swinging affecting played ended the first three, giving Virginia Tech all it needed to go into halftime with the lead.

The only score Virginia made in the first half was on a blocked field goal. Yes, it's the third blocked field goal in two games and the fifth this season. All five came from the left side. You'd think after that many times, Dabo Swinney and Mike Reed would've figured out the problem, but nothing's worked so far.

The good news is that Clemson has effectively beat themselves. They still have a full 30 minutes to find a win.