Overview
- Clemson lost 20-16 at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 24 when Virginia Tech drove 69 yards on 11 plays and converted a fourth-and-1 with a touchdown that gave the Hokies the lead late in the fourth quarter.
- Head coach Dabo Swinney called the offensive performance “disturbing” and said he would have conversations with offensive coordinator Chad Morris about how to fix the unit.
- Clemson managed one touchdown and 288 yards of offense with true freshman Tait Reynolds completing 20 of 26 passes for 153 yards and rushing for 63 yards, and Clemson’s final possession ended when a long catch was overturned and Reynolds was sacked on fourth-and-nine.
- The defense generated six sacks and limited Virginia Tech most of the night but costly penalties and pass-interference calls on Elliot Washington II and Jerome Carter III produced 39 free yards that helped extend the game-winning drive.
- The loss dropped Clemson to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in ACC play and raises immediate questions about quarterback development, protection and staff direction as the Tigers prepare to visit Florida State next week.