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Clemson looks for answers vs. Virginia Tech

Oct 6, 2007 - 10:46 AM No. 15 Virginia Tech (4-1) at No. 22 Clemson (4-1) 6:00 pm EDT

CLEMSON, South Carolina (Ticker) -- Once again, Clemson coach Tommy Bowden is searching for answers.

Bowden's 22nd-ranked Tigers try to bounce back from a disappointing defeat when they host No. 15 Virginia Tech in an Atlantic Coast Conference interdivision matchup Saturday.

Ranked 13th last week, the Tigers (4-1, 2-1 ACC Atlantic) were shut down in a 13-3 setback at Georgia Tech, which had been reeling after back-to-back defeats.

The Yellow Jackets especially stymied star running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller, limiting them to a combined 62 yards on 21 carries. Spiller truly got nothing going, gaining just two yards on nine rushes.

Cullen Harper, who had been having a fine first year as a starter, completed just 17-of-39 passes for 194 yards and an interception in the defeat.

Losses of this nature to seemingly inferior opponents have been all too common for Clemson during Bowden's tenure. Last year, Clemson started 7-1 before absorbing a 24-7 loss at unranked Virginia Tech, and the team sputtered to an 8-5 finish.

The Hokies (4-1, 1-0 Coastal) have won three straight games since a 48-7 beatdown at Louisiana State on September 8, although last week they struggled to defeat lowly North Carolina in Blacksburg, 17-10.

Freshman quarterback Tyrod Taylor, named the starter after the blowout loss at LSU, threw for just 66 yards with an interception against the Tar Heels and was sacked four times. He did, however, rush for a five-yard TD in the first quarter to open the scoring and give Virginia Tech the lead for good.