The matchup: Clemson Tigers at Virginia Tech Hokies
The line: Clemson -4 ½, total set at 42 ½
The quarterback shuffle
Virginia Tech will use both sophomore Sean Glennon and freshman Ike Whitaker at quarterback when they host Clemson.
Glennon has been the team’s starting quarterback since fall camp, but last week against Southern Mississippi Whitaker played a series in the second quarter and went 2-for-5 for 14 yards while picking up 26 rushing yards on five carries.
Hokies coach Frank Beamer told reporters this week that Whitaker will get similar playing time against Clemson.
“We’re trying to figure out whether we can get Ike in there … to keep (opposing defenses) honest,” Beamer told the Washington Post.
Glennon is considered a pocket passer, while Whitaker is a mobile quarterback capable of gaining yards with his legs.
Tigers lose starter on O-line
Clemson offensive lineman Roman Fry is done for the season after tearing his ACL Saturday against Georgia Tech.
Fry was considered one of the nation’s top guards and is expected to be an NFL draft pick this spring. Recently he was named to Sports Illustrated’s midseason All-American first team.
So far this year, Fry leads the Tigers with 62 knockdown blocks.
“When you look at our high national rankings in rushing, scoring and total offense, Roman had a lot to do with it,” Clemson coach Tommy Bowden told reporters.
Chris McDuffie, a junior, will make his first college start in place of Fry tonight.
Ore a busy man
Virginia Tech tailback Branden Ore has done nearly all the running for the Hokies this year, literally.
Ore is responsible for 88 percent of the Hokies running yards this season, and last week against Southern Mississippi had possibly the best game of his college career when he ran for a personal best 207 yards on 23 carries.
“He has a good knack of running . . . a good knack of knowing when to go, when to hold'em, when to fold'em,” Beamer told reporters of Ore.
Tonight Ore faces a Clemson run defense that has allowed only 72 yards per game on the ground, seventh best in the nation.
Will he play or will he sit?
Bowden told reporters on Tuesday that tailback James Davis had a “50-50” chance of starting against Virginia Tech, adding that Davis would probably be a game time decision.
But when Davis was approached by reporters, he seemed surprised by his coach’s comments.
“No question, I’m playing, I’ll be starting,” Davis told reporters.
Davis missed Monday’s practice with a sore shoulder, but looked good in Tuesday’s workout, according to Bowden. The Tigers coach later upgraded Davis to probable and indicated Davis will likely play against Virginia Tech.
“Is (ESPN reporter) Erin Andrews doing the game? She is? Well, there’s a good chance (Davis) will play,” Bowden joked with reporters.
Thunder and Lightning
Davis has combined with C.J. Spiller to give Clemson the nation’s No. 4 ranked running game.
The pair, dubbed Thunder and Lightning, is largely responsible for Clemson’s 259.4 yards-per-game average this year. Last week against Georgia Tech they combined to run for 332 yards (216 for Davis, 116 for Spiller), leading the Tigers to a 31-7 win as 7-point favorites.
Virginia Tech has the country’s No. 22 ranked run defense, allowing opponents 98.6 yards per game on the ground. The Hokies say that even if Davis can’t play Thursday, they’ll have their hands full with Spiller, the "Lighting" of the duo.
“He’s probably the closest thing to (Reggie Bush) that I’ve seen lately,” Beamer told reporters of Spiller.
Hunter out, Stuckey in
Clemson senior tight end Thomas Hunter is unlikely to play tonight due to an undisclosed upper body injury, but the Tigers expect senior receiver Chansi Stuckey to return to the lineup.
Stuckey broke a bone in his foot during an Oct. 3 practice, and has missed the Tigers last three games. He was an All-ACC wideout last season.
If Stuckey does return tonight, he’ll face a Virginia Tech secondary that has helped give the Hokies the No. 6 ranked pass defense in the nation. So far Virginia Teach is allowing just 144.1 yards-per-game through the air.
Weather watch
Forecasts are calling for partly cloudy skies in Blacksburg, Va. tonight, but there is just a 20 percent chance of precipitation at game time. There is a slight chance showers could fall late in the game, however.
Game time temperature is expected to be in the mid-40s, with maximum humidity at 64 percent. Winds are expected to be light and variable.
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