[8:11 PM] #3 Clemson v. #23 Virginia Tech

Who will WIN the championship?

#3 Clemson Tigers (11-1)

#23 Virginia Tech Hokies (9-3)

 

• The line for this game is Clemson by 10.5 points.

• Third-ranked Clemson’s goal of making it to the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive year is within reach if it can take care of No. 18 Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game in Orlando, Fla on Saturday. The Tigers are trying to win back-to-back ACC titles for the first time since 1987-88, while the Hokies are looking for their first conference crown since 2010 and first 10-win season since 2011.

• Star quarterback Deshaun Watson got off to a somewhat sluggish start this season but has returned to form recently and threw six touchdown passes against South Carolina, including three to Mike Williams. Running back Wayne Gallman also has come to life of late, racking up 273 yards and three scores over the last two games after failing to reach the 100-yard plateau in his previous four contests. The Tigers’ strong defense thrives on getting into the backfield, ranking second nationally in tackles for loss (8.7) and fourth in sacks (3.5).

• The Hokies’ resurgence has been built on a hard-nosed defense, much like the Virginia Tech teams that enjoyed success under long-time coach Frank Beamer. The Hokies are especially tough against the pass and have produced 17 takeaways in their nine wins. The offense is fueled by junior-college transfer quarterback Jerod Evans, who quietly has put up Heisman-like numbers, completing 63.8 percent of his passes for 3,045 yards with 26 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 713 yards and eight TDs on the ground.

• Over the last four games, Watson has completed 75.5 percent of his passes for 1,298 yards and 12 touchdowns, setting the ACC record with 580 passing yards in a loss to Pittsburgh and tying the conference mark with his six touchdown tosses against South Carolina.

• Virginia Tech ranks third among Power Five teams in third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert just 26.8 percent.

• Clemson has won four straight and five of its last six games in the state of Florida, including a 37-34 triumph at Florida State earlier this season.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Clemson Tigers

Confidence: 7/10

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