CLEMSON FOOTBALL

CLEMSON - VIRGINIA TECH MATCHUP CAPSULE

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No. 3 Clemson (11-1; No. 3 CFP) vs. No. 19 Virginia Tech (9-3; No. 23 CFP) at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Saturday, 8 p.m. (ABC)

Line: Clemson by 10 ½.

Series Record: Clemson leads 20-12-1.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

The Tigers need to win to ensure they will be one of the four teams in the College Football Playoff, and Tigers QB Deshaun Watson can improve his Heisman Trophy hopes with a big performance. The Hokies are not playoff contenders, but they could earn an Orange Bowl bid and their first conference title since 2010. Clemson is trying to make it back-to-back conference championships.

KEY MATCHUP

Watson against the Virginia Tech defense. The junior quarterback has had another dazzling season with 34 touchdown passes and four rushing touchdowns, but he's also thrown 14 interceptions. The Hokies tout themselves as Defensive Back U, and a few plays to live up to that moniker would greatly aid their chances.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Clemson: RB Wayne Gallman and WR Mike Williams. Gallman has run for 943 yards and 14 touchdowns and Williams has 79 receptions for 1,114 yards and 10 TDs. If the Hokies focus too much defensively on containing Watson, who has run for 441 yards, they risk allowing the Tigers' other prolific performers to have big days.

Virginia Tech: QB Jerod Evans. The first-year starter has set school single-season record for touchdown passes with 26 and total yards with 3,752 yards, and he's thrown just five interceptions. If he can play turnover-free, the Hokies chances of winning will be greatly enhanced.

FACTS & FIGURES

Clemson is seeking its 15th ACC title, and third in the current format. The Hokies and Florida State lead with four titles each in the division setup. ... The Tigers have won at least 10 games six years in a row. ... Clemson beat the Hokies in the 2011 championship game, 38-10. ... Watson completed 75.5 percent of his passes in November. ... WR Isaiah Ford has 69 receptions and accounts for three of the six most prolific pass-catching seasons in Hokies history. ... Hokies PK Joey Slye has made all 24 of his field goal attempts inside 30 yards and is 20 for 26 overall. Clemson's Greg Huegel is 13 of 17 overall. Both have a long of 47 yards ... The Tigers have won the last three meetings after losing five straight against Virginia Tech.