Though Clemson fans are focused on the Tigers' banged-up defense, this week's opponent, Virginia Tech, is dealing with some major injury concerns of its own. In fact, the two most impactful members of the Hokies' offense might not play on Saturday.
Meeting with the media on Wednesday, Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry said that starting quarterback Kyron Drones and star running back Bhayshul Tuten are "questionable" to play against Clemson.
"They're both questionable right now," Pry said. "They're obviously better than they were. Kyron, better than he was last week at this time. Bhayshul, probably yet to be determined.
"Today, we find out a lot. Hopefully, by the end of tomorrow, we feel good about both of those guys."
In last week's loss to Syracuse, Drones did not play due to a lower-body injury. This year, he's thrown for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 323 yards and 6 more scores.
Playing for him against the Orange was backup Collin Schlee who was himself banged up during last Saturday's game. Schlee completed 16-of-24 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown in place of Drones, while also rushing for 54 yards and another score on 19 attempts. He also had two fumbles, one of which he lost.
Pry did say that Schlee should be ready to play this week if Drones can't give it a go. But as for Tuten, who was seen in a walking boot this week, there is no determination of his status yet.
However, Monday, in an appearance on the ACC Network, Pry seemed optimistic about having his running back this week after he also missed the Syracuse game with an ankle injury.
“So, I think Bhayshul is probable right now,” Pry said. “Again, I won’t know much more until today and tomorrow to feel better about it. He is tough. I think we all know that. It was a decent injury that, obviously, you know, we’re concerned about...If he’s got an opportunity to play, he will.”
This year, Tuten has been a workhorse for the Hokies. Carrying the ball 142 times, he's run for 951 yards and 12 TDs. He's averaging 118.9 yards per game.
Certainly, Clemson fans will need to keep an eye on the Virginia Tech injury news as well as news from their own program. Saturday's game could be a war of attrition with the healthiest team having a decided advantage.