Vegas Betting Preview: Clemson vs Virginia Tech Prediction and Pick

In the premiere matchup of the week, the #2 ranked Clemson Tigers travel to Blacksburg to take on the #12 ranked Virginia Tech Hokies. This game is a rematch of last year’s ACC Championship game, and it will definitely be just as exciting. Can Clemson continue their winning streak against Va-Tech or will the Hokies pull off the upset? Kickoff inside Lane Stadium is at 8 P.M. ET.

Clemson Tigers vs Virginia Tech Hokies Preview and Betting Lines

Clemson has won 4 straight against the Hokies including the ACC Title game. The Tigers (4-0, 2-0 ACC) are coming off a weird game against the Boston College Eagles where they were sleep walking through 3 quarters before waking up in the 4th quarter and routing BC. Heading into the 4th quarter, the game was tied 7-7. But, Clemson exploded for 4 touchdowns in the final 15 minutes to blow out BC 34-7.

The Virginia Tech Hokies (4-0, 0-0 ACC) have yet to play an ACC conference game and they really haven’t played any tough opponents this season except for their Week 1 matchup against West Virginia that they won 31-24. Other than that, they’ve routed teams like Delaware, ECU and Old Dominion. We’ll see how good this Hokies team is by the results they produce on the field this week against Clemson.

The spread opened with Clemson favored by 5.5 points. It has since gone up to 7.5 points. The Over/Under opened at 51 points and has gone up slightly to 51.5 total points.

Vegas Spread Pick and Prediction: Clemson Tigers -7.5 points

Virginia Tech has some nice numbers on paper, but they’re cupcake schedule has really inflated how good they are. Yes, the team is talented on both sides of the ball and quarterback Josh Jackson will be a handful, but the team hasn’t proven anything so far. Winning a rivalry game in Week 1 against WVU doesn’t mean they’re on the same level as Clemson.

If you look at the Tigers schedule, they’ve already beaten two Top 15 teams this season. They held #13 ranked Auburn to just 6 points in their matchup and then followed that up with an absolute beat down of the then #14 ranked Louisville Cardinals. Then they spot BC 3 quarters before destroying them. This Tigers team is impressive on both sides of the ball. If they had Watson still quarterbacking, I would say they’re the odds on favorite to win the National Title. As of now, you have to give the slight edge to Alabama, but I wouldn’t dismiss Penn State who has a solid QB, above average defense and the best player in the country.

Virginia Tech will do their best to pressure Clemson’s Kelly Bryant and they might have some success with it. But, can they keep up the necessary defensive effort for all 4 quarters?  This is remains unknown since VT hasn’t played any real opponents the last 3 weeks.

Offensively, look for Hokies quarterback Jackson to try and make plays with his arms and legs. He will also try to connect with wide receiver Cam Phillips who has 523 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns on 34 receptions for the season. However, if Clemson can shut down Louisville’s Lamar Jackson, then they can definitely contain, pressure and shut down VT’s Josh Jackson.

Clemson is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games and they are holding opponents to 9 points per game through 4 games so far. They’ve outscored their opponents 151-37 on the season and have the most dominant defense in the ACC.

Ultimately, I expect Clemson to win this game. I can see it being a defensive battle before Clemson wears down the VT defense late in the game and scores some 4th quarter TDs. Look for Clemson to hold VT to their lowest offensive output of the season and remain undefeated: Clemson 24 – VT 10.

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