The Virginia Tech Hokies (5-4, 3-2 ACC) host the No. 23 Clemson Tigers (6-2, 5-1) in what is still a massive showdown of two of the ACC's biggest football brands. Both teams are looking to bounce back after suffering conference losses in Week 10.
The Tigers fell from glory last week after falling short 33-21 to No. 22 Louisville in Death Valley and recording their first in-conference loss of the year. The Hokies have a similar story after being outplayed by Syracuse in the JMA Wireless Dome, dropping their second ACC game of the season 38-31 in overtime against the Orange.
In what many hoped would be a critical game in the ACC Championship Game race, the Hokies now look to spoil the Tigers' season by handing them their second ACC loss of the year. While Tech may no longer be fighting for a spot in Charlotte, the Hokies can become bowl-eligible with a win over the Tigers and capture its fourth victory at Lane Stadium this season.
With that said, here are three keys to the game for Virginia Tech against No. 23 Clemson.
Protect the Football
The Hokies have struggled to protect the the football this season, both on the ground and trough the air. Tech is ranked in the bottom 100 in all of FBS for fumbles lost this season with six, and are tied for 42nd with eight interceptions thrown on the season.
Turnovers are always a gigantic momentum shifter in any game, and while the Hokies have been able to create a good amount of turnovers this season, the one's they've allowed have also hurt them dearly.
