CLEMSON, S.C. — One long drive in the final minutes undid a strong defensive night for Clemson, as Virginia Tech left Memorial Stadium on Saturday with a 20-16 win that handed the Hokies their first victory over the Tigers since 2007.
A Clemson field goal put the Tigers up 16-10 as the third quarter wound down. The Tigers offense then managed only two short possessions that both ended in punts, and the Hokies answered with an 11-play, 69-yard march for the go-ahead touchdown. Clemson turned the ball over on downs near midfield on its last try.
The defense under coordinator Tom Allen kept Virginia Tech to 234 total yards and just 70 on the ground, and no Hokies play went longer than 27 yards. Head coach Dabo Swinney said afterward that his defense and special teams played well enough to win, and he blamed missed chances on offense.
The defeat drops Clemson to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in ACC play, likely knocking the Tigers out of a spot in the league title game. Virginia Tech improved to 6-2 and 3-2 in the conference.
Section: More Clemson SC sports news
Clemson sports business profiles
Filed under: Clemson SC Sports News
