Clemson vs Virginia NCAA Football Handicapping
The eight-ranked Clemson Tigers look to keep the redemption train rolling when they roll into Charlottesville to take on the Virginia Cavaliers.
8 Clemson Tigers (7-1) at Virginia Cavaliers (2-6)
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2013
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Venue: Scott Stadium
City: Charlottesville, Virginia
O/U Odds: 54.5
Spread: Clemson -17
Money Line: Clemson -780, Virginia +600
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The Tigers will need to work hard to live down a thumping at the hands of the Seminoles. The team began that pursuit last weekend when they lit up a good Maryland defense in a 40-27 win.
Tajh Boyd was a big part of the offense as usual, completing 28 of 41 passes for 304 yards and a score with an interception. His favorite target was of course, Sammy Watkins, who caught 14 passes for 163 yards. Running back Roderick McDowell was asked to take on a larger role and responded in a big way turning 30 carries into 161 yards and a pair of scores. As a team, the Tigers churned out 540 yards of offense.
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The team’s defense didn’t have an effort worth writing home about, but it is worth noting that 14 of Maryland’s points came in the fourth quarter, including a touchdown with just nine seconds left in the game. The Terrapins were held to just 82 rushing yards in the game, but they also threw for 287 yards. The saving grace for Clemson was that they were able to force four turnovers. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Virginia had a ton of trouble stopping Georgia Tech’s rushing attack in a 35-25 loss a week ago, but the team was able to generate plenty of yardage of their own, with most of it coming through the air.
Quarterback David Watford completed 43 of 61 passes for 376 yards with a pair of touchdowns and an interception. He was leaned on heavily because the team’s rushing game was grounded, churning out just 68 yards. The big passing day meant big games from a pair of receivers. Darius Jennings caught 13 balls for 119 yards and a pair of scores, while Tim Smith hauled in 10 passes for 151 yards.
The team’s defense could do nothing to stop Georgia Tech on the ground, with the Yellow Jackets churning out 394 yards on the ground. Yellow Jackets running back Zach Laskey gave them the most trouble, turning 16 carries into 133 yards and a pair of scores. Fellow running back Robert Godhigh was also a thorn in the Cavaliers’ side, turning six touches into 149 yards and a score.
Clemson needs some statement wins to get back in the good books with voters and their second step in that task comes on Saturday against a 2-6 Virginia team. The Cavalier defense isn’t as good as people remember it being a year ago, so don’t be surprised if the Tigers light them up, even though they’re in unfriendly surroundings. With that being said, the Cavaliers should get their points in their own building. The team’s offense has stepped up their game in recent weeks.
The play: Over 54.5
