Despite being banged up at linebacker and struggling in the first half of Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech, Clemson’s defense stepped up in the final 30 minutes and caused a couple of game-changing turnovers in the third quarter to help the third-ranked Tigers pull away from the Hokies for a 45-10 victory at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va.
After Trevor Lawrence was intercepted in the end zone by Virginia Tech defensive back Divine Deablo at the 5:30 mark of the third quarter with the Tigers ahead by just a touchdown, Clemson’s defense wasted no time getting the ball back to Lawrence and the offense.