---
title: "Tigers Passing Game Faces Test as Clemson Opens ACC Stretch"
url: https://www.hereclemson.com/2026/10/22/tigers-passing-game-faces-test-acc-stretch-opener/
date: 2026-10-22T05:24:16-04:00
modified: 2026-10-22T05:24:16-04:00
author: "Allen M. Hopkins"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Clemson"
attribution: "HERE Clemson"
---

# Tigers Passing Game Faces Test as Clemson Opens ACC Stretch

> CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson football returns to league play Saturday night when the Tigers welcome Virginia Tech to Memorial Stadium for Homecoming, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. The Tigers sit at 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the ACC, while the Hokies arrive at 5-2 and 2-2 in conference games. The matchup starts a run

*Source: [HERE Clemson](https://www.hereclemson.com/2026/10/22/tigers-passing-game-faces-test-acc-stretch-opener/) — October 22, 2026 by Allen M. Hopkins*

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson football returns to league play Saturday night when the Tigers welcome Virginia Tech to Memorial Stadium for Homecoming, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Tigers sit at 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the ACC, while the Hokies arrive at 5-2 and 2-2 in conference games. The matchup starts a run of five straight ACC games for Clemson, which is chasing a spot in the league title game.

The biggest worry for the home side is a passing game that ranks last in the conference at 187.5 yards per game. Head coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday that Christopher Vizzina, who started the opener before hurting his non-throwing elbow, looked ready to play again.

Virginia Tech brings the opposite profile. Hokies quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer has 15 touchdown passes against two interceptions, and the offense ranks third in the ACC through the air.

History favors Clemson, which has won seven straight in the series dating to 2011. This will be only the third Hokies visit to Death Valley since they joined the ACC, and the first since a 38-17 Clemson win in 2012. Homecoming weekend opens with Tigerama on Friday at 8 p.m. inside the stadium.