Don't be fooled by Clemson's record to date. Despite entering tonight's nationally televised matchup at Virginia (4-0, 1-0 ACC) riding a three-game losing streak, there is no evidence from recent head-to-head meetings between the two to believe that the Tigers won't put up a fight.
Clemson (1-3, 1-2) will try to relocate that missing ingredient from a year ago that enabled it to close out the season winning five of its final six games, with practically the same exact team. Junior quarterback Charlie Whitehurst is a perfect example.
After having one of the best season's among ACC quarterbacks a year ago, Whitehurst has seemingly lost something in his junior year. After playing only four games, Whitehurst has already amassed 10 interceptions.
Despite the picks, he is still averaging over 200 yards through the air per game and his go-to receiver, senior Airese Curry, is currently leading the ACC in receiving yards per game with 81.25. Whitehurst's real problem stems from the weak play of his offensive line.
"When the integrity of the pocket isn't as sound, then usually they [quarterbacks] make more mistakes," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "And, that's been the case here in the early games."
Clemson has also had its fair share of befuddling results as a whole this season. The same team that was picked fourth in the pre-season ACC football poll is now anchoring the bottom of the ACC leader board.
Virginia comes into tonight's game first in the ACC in total offense, averaging 500.5 yards per game. The Tiger's conversely are 10th with 256.8 yards per game.
The same story goes for total defense. Virginia is third among ACC schools in total defense, allowing only 258 yards per game. Clemson will try to improve from its ninth place ranking tonight as they come into Charlottesville allowing 411.2 yards per game.
One statistic that Clemson doesn't need to improve, however, is special teams. Junior cornerback Justin Miller is leading all ACC kickoff return men with 36.4 yards a return. Just last game against Florida State, Miller set an NCAA single-game record with 282 total kickoff return yards and two touchdowns.
"There are not very many guys that are both punt and kickoff guys as he is," Groh said. "That's a good indication of his skills with it. But, that certainly is a concern. It can change the game in a hurry. He's one of the focal points of our preparation for the game."
Clemson will have to ride the coattails of its special teams units early in the game in hopes of resurrecting the rest of the Tiger team on both sides of the ball. If Clemson can't get anything going early on, the game could be over quickly.
This season, Virginia has allowed its four opponents a combined 13 first-half points. And as a wounded Clemson team takes the field tonight, it is imperative for Virginia to continue to set that early tone.
"The stakes are a little more higher in this game," senior guard Elton Brown said. "It's a big game. Those guys are coming in here and trying to get a win and we're trying to get a win. You want to set the tone against any team. As the offensive line and defensive line, we want to control the line of scrimmage."
All things considered, Groh is trying to ignore Clemson's early season struggles and get his ball club to focus on the difficult task at hand.
"The team is very cognizant of the challenge Clemson gives us and what we have to do if we're going to win," Groh said. "I think collectively they have a pretty good sense of blinders on"
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