Third-ranked Clemson’s defense struggled at times in the first half of Saturday night’s game against Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va.
The Tigers allowed 214 yards of total offense and 11 first downs in the opening two quarters, and the Hokies controlled the ball for nearly 20 of 30 minutes while playing keep-away from Clemson’s offense and keeping the score close as VT trailed by only a touchdown, 17-10, at halftime.
Injuries did not help Clemson’s cause on defense, as starting linebacker James Skalski, the heart and soul of the unit who returned against Pittsburgh last week following a three-game absence due to a groin injury, watched much of the first half from the sideline after getting in on the game’s first tackle.