3 Biggest X-Factors for Clemson to Take Down Virginia Tech

The Clemson Tigers are getting ready for a big matchup against the Virginia Tech Hokies this weekend, with the team looking to grab another win.

Clemson's 2026 season has been very up and down, but the Tigers have battled back from a slow start. The Tigers come into this game with a record of 4-2 on the season, going 2-1 on ACC play so far.

Virginia Tech will enter the game with a record of 5-2 on the year, going 2-2 in conference play so far. Both teams understand the stakes of this game, with each still alive in the ACC race.

Kickoff for this game between Clemson and Virginia Tech is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. ET.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for Clemson to take down Virginia Tech at home this week:

1. Tait Reynolds Has to Get Going

So far this season, the Clemson offense hasn't been able to generate much of anything, with quarterback Tait Reynolds not looking the part. For the year, Reynolds has thrown for 943 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions, limiting what the Tigers can do on the field.

Against Virginia Tech, Reynolds is going to have to push the ball down the field, which is something he hasn't been able to prove yet. If this offensive attack can finally get going

2. Red Zone Efficiency

One reason for the struggles on offense has been the lack of efficiency in the red zone for the Tigers. Clemson has only turned eight out of 20 trips to the red zone into touchdowns, forcing them to take a lot of field goals.

Against a high offensive attack like Virginia Tech, the Tigers are going to have to finish drives, getting into the endzone. Field goals likely won't win this game, and Clemson needs to see an improvement in this for the upcoming game.

3. Pressure Ethan Grunkemeyer

Grunkemeyer, the Virginia Tech quarterback, leads the ACC in passing this season, and he could be a problem for the Tigers. The Hokies signal-caller has thrown for 1,984 yards with 15 touchdowns and two interceptions so far this season.

The Tigers defense is going to have to find a way to contain him, pressuring him from the defensive front to limit has passing game. Clemson has a strong secondary, but this unut could be severely tested this week against Virginia Tech's offensive attack.