Banged-up Clemson D ‘bowed up’ against Hokies

Virginia Tech moved the ball effectively against Clemson’s defense in the first half of Saturday night’s game, controlling the clock on offense and keeping the score close by keeping the Tigers’ offense off the field for all but about 10 of the first 30 minutes.

But the Tigers made some defensive adjustments in the second half and forced a couple of game-changing turnovers, and after leading by only seven points at the break, No. 3 Clemson pulled away from the Hokies for a 45-10 victory at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va.

After allowing 214 yards of total offense, 11 first downs and 10 points in the first half, Clemson’s defense yielded only 119 yards in the final two frames while holding…