Virginia Tech goes to Clemson one win from bowl eligibility as the Tigers' passing game sputters

Virginia Tech can become bowl eligible Saturday night at Clemson. The Hokies bring one of the ACC's most productive offenses into Memorial Stadium, where the home team has had trouble throwing the ball all season. Virginia Tech Hokies On SI built its preview around three questions: can the Hokies take advantage of Clemson's passing game, can quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer keep up his pace, and can James Franklin's first Tech team play a full four quarters.

The passing numbers stand out most. Clemson averages 187.5 passing yards per game, the lowest mark in the ACC, and has two touchdown passes in six games. True freshman Tait Reynolds took over after starter Christopher Vizzina hurt his elbow, and he has thrown for 943 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Virginia Tech allows 87.4 rushing yards per game. If it shuts down the run, Reynolds will face long-yardage downs. The weak spot is Tech's pass defense, which gives up 227.3 yards per game and allowed 335 to Georgia Tech's Alberto Mendoza last week.

On the other side, Grunkemeyer has completed 167 of 229 passes for 1,984 yards, 15 touchdowns and two interceptions since transferring from Penn State. Tech averages 37.1 points and 451.3 yards per game. Clemson allows 189.3 passing yards per game, and defensive coordinator Tom Allen coached under Franklin at Penn State, so he knows the system. Receiver Que'Sean Brown had six catches for a career-high 182 yards against Georgia Tech. The same outlet's earlier report noted that only one of those catches, a 2-yard grab, came after halftime. Grunkemeyer threw for 215 yards in the first half of that game and 35 in the second.

That second-half fade is the core of the third question. Tech's two losses add up to three points. Pitt erased a 14-0 Hokies lead and won 35-33 when John Love missed a 36-yard field goal at the end. At California, Tech gave up the winning touchdown with 18 seconds left and lost 25-20. Against Georgia Tech, the Hokies led 24-3 at halftime and won by 10. This is Tech's first trip to Clemson since 2012, and its last win there came in 2007.

What it means for Saturday

Virginia Tech is 5-2 and 2-2 in the ACC. Clemson is 4-2 and coming off a 37-0 win over Charleston Southern. Both of its losses were lopsided: 51-10 at LSU and 41-13 against Miami. Its FBS wins came 28-20 over North Carolina and 24-10 at California. The Tigers score 22.3 points per game and allow 21.5, and they have held three opponents to 10 points or fewer.

The point spread has moved toward Clemson. According to the On SI report, the Hokies opened as 1.5-point favorites. Across the 11 venues on this site's board, Clemson is now favored by 2.5. Novig prices Clemson -2.5 at -104 and Virginia Tech +2.5 at -100. The best Hokies number anywhere is +3 at BetMGM, at -112. On the moneyline, Novig has Clemson at -130 and Virginia Tech at +127. Novig's total is 48.5, with the over at -106 and the under at -100. BetMGM's under is 49.5 at -110. Sportsbook hold runs from 2.9% to 6.4% on the moneyline and 3.5% to 6.6% on the spread.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. After a bye week, Virginia Tech plays at SMU on Nov. 6.