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Virginia Aims to Make Waves at No. 10 Clemson

Clemson | QB Cade Klubnik — © Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The No. 10 Clemson Tigers (5-1, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) welcome the Virginia Cavaliers (4-2, 2-1 ACC), a fiery conference opponent, to Memorial Stadium at noon EST on Oct. 19. The Tigers are on cruise control to an ACC Championship appearance. But Virginia is looking to be a roadblock. Can head coach Dabo Swinney keep Clemson from the dreaded trap game? Will head coach Tony Elliott and the Cavaliers shift the leverage in the ACC?

Clemson Offense On the Go

The Clemson Tigers have shaken off their Week 1 performance issues and become one of the nation’s most potent, efficient offenses. The Tigers have outscored their last five opponents 169-48 in the first half. They are coasting into relatively easy victories behind the surgical precision of quarterback Cade Klubnik. Klubnik is spinning the ball with the best QBs in college football with 17 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Clemson has only turned the ball over three times this season.

While secondaries have had their hands full with Klubnik and the Tigers' wide receiver corps, defensive lines and linebackers have had the pleasure of dealing with running back Phil Mafa. Mafa has rushed for 100 yards in all but two games this season. His bruising style lends well to the Clemson passing attack. Limiting the Tigers' backfield duo will be a difficult task for the Cavaliers' defense.

Clemson’s Key Player

Cade Klubnik — Klubnik must continue his stellar play for Clemson to continue their hot starts early in games. Klubnik’s success opens up the running game for Mafa and the offensive line.

Colandrea Leads Cavaliers

Virginia is a young, exciting team in the ACC, led by second-year QB Anthony Colandrea. Colandrea has been electric for the Cavaliers. The young gunslinger is ready to make a play with his arms or feet. Colandrea has thrown for 1,490 yards and 9 TDs this season while adding two more TDs on the ground.

Virginia’s offense has benefitted this season from an extremely balanced attack. While Colandrea has been exciting, running backs Xavier Brown and Kobe Pace have added a strong running game. Add in the deceptive speed of Calandrea and the Cavaliers have a three-headed monster in their backfield. The Cavaliers' offense will need to be ready to go score for score with Clemson to give themselves a chance for the upset.

Virginia’s Key Player

Xavier Brown — Brown is one-third of a dynamic backfield and is always one missed tackle away from making a huge play. He is averaging 7.3 yards per carry but has yet to find the end zone. The Cavaliers hope to change that in this game.

Virginia Cavaliers RB Xavier Brown — © Amber Searls - Imagn Images

Clemson vs. Virginia Prediction

Virginia is facing its toughest opponent this season and the Clemson defense will prove to be a formidable foe. The Cavaliers will need to control the clock with their running game and capitalize on passing opportunities when they present themselves. Keeping the hot Clemson offense off the field also keeps the inconsistent Virginia defense off the field, too.

Clemson needs to continue its early-game dominance, especially against a talented, hungry program like Virginia. The Tigers' offense must capitalize on its opportunities and continue to play mistake-free football. Clemson is the better team and must avoid beating themselves.

Expect Clemson to win in a well-played game. Final score: Clemson 49, Virginia 28.