Saturday, Oct. 3, Memorial Stadium, Clemson, S.C., 8 p.m. ET
Virginia Cavaliers
In his first career start, sophomore Brennan Armstrong rallied the Cavaliers from a 20-17 fourth-quarter deficit and finished with 269 yards on 24-of-45 passing in Virginia’s 38-20 win over Duke in their delayed season-opener last week. He did throw two interceptions however.
Freshman Lavel Davis Jr., made the first game of his career a memorable one with two highlight-reel plays for touchdowns on an afternoon that saw him catch four passes for 101 yards. Wayne Taulapapa rushed for 95 yards on his 16 carries, and Billy Kemp IV had seven receptions for 70 yards. Safety Brenton Nelson came up with two interceptions for the Cavaliers, who held the Blue Devils to just 56 yards rushing.
Clemson Tigers
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has looked in Heisman form in completing 81.1 percent of his passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns in romps past Wake Forest (37-13) and The Citadel (49-0). He passed for 302 yards in last year’s win over Virginia in the ACC title game.
A total of 16 different players have come up with at least one catch for the Tigers in the early going wth Amari Rodgers leading the way with six receptions for 134 yards. Travis Etienne has rushed for 170 yards in limited duty while averaging 6.8 yards per carry. The Tigers have allowed opponents only 123 rushing yards combined the first two games and 369 passing. Myles Murphy and Regan Upshaw have 10 tackles apiece to lead the Tigers in that category. They have combined for 3.5 sacks.
Virginia Cavaliers at Clemson Tigers Betting Pick
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said the Cavaliers looked “like the team that went to the ACC Championship game last year” in its domination of Duke last week. You need to remember, however, that Clemson won that matchup 62-17 and was ahead 31-17 at the half.
Virginia Cavaliers at Clemson Tigers Betting Pick: Cavalier, Tigers (-28.5) 49, Cavaliers (+28.5) 20
Virginia Cavaliers at Clemson Tigers Best Bet
The Tigers are coming off an open date and likely won’t want to take any chances with injuries to key players with a suddenly resurgent Miami coming to town a week later. This could give the Cavaliers the opportunity to add some late scores. It’s worth noting that the Cavaliers scored 10 of their 17 points in last season’s ACC title game in the second half.
Virginia Cavaliers at Clemson Tigers Best Bet: OVER 55
