RTR staff predict Clemson comes out of trap game versus Virginia unscathed

It feels like a year since Clemson's opening game against Georgia, and that probably pertains to how much the team has grown in that period.

The Tigers are 5-1, averaging 48.6 points a game since only putting three on the board against the Bulldogs in week one. Now, with Louisville in two weeks, Clemson is set to host Virginia. Is this a trap game for Cade Klubnik and the Tigers? Or will the Cavs receive the same treatment as Wake Forest, Stanford, and NC State? Here are RTR's staff predictions:

RTR staff predictions: Clemson football vs Virginia

Matthew

No. 9 Clemson continues to show that it is the class of the ACC. Now, the Tigers must avoid a potential trap game at home against Virginia before Louisville comes to town next week. QB Cade Klubnik has grown into one of the best statistical passers in the nation since a rough season opener against Georgia, and he has thrown for 21 TDs with only one pick in his last five games. Virginia has a decent defense that is allowing on 22 points per game but it hasn’t faced an attack like Clemson’s yet this year.

Clemson 35 – Virginia 17

Austin

The Tigers are coming off a lopsided victory against Wake Forest and now face a much better team in Virginia. Anthony Colandrea gave a glimpse of his rushing capabilities against Louisville. On top of that, Virginia is tied for 37th in passing yards per game, so Colandrea has a decent arm. The Cavaliers are statistically one of the better rush defenses in the country, but they're not very good at defending the pass.

The problem is the Cavs haven't played a team near the caliber Clemson is. Phil Mafah has been hot lately, and I don't see Virginia stopping him. The running game will open up an already leaky pass defense, giving Clemson's receivers free rein.

Clemson 42 – Virginia 14