BLACKSBURG, Va. — Clemson will have a new look when it kicks off today against Virginia Tech.
The Clemson Insider has learned the Tigers will start freshman Sammy Brown at middle linebacker today. With Brown starting, the Tigers are likely to employ three linebackers in the lineup, which means Barrett Carter will play the weakside position and Wade Woodaz will be the strongside backer.
The changes come a week after the Tigers (6-2, 5-1 ACC) were hammered for 7.9 yards per carry in their loss to Louisville. Clemson gave up 210 rushing yards overall to the Cardinals.
Clemson’s run defense comes into this crucial ACC matchup ranked 59th nationally in run defense (140.0 yds/gm) and 95th nationally in yards allowed per carry (4.61).
Virginia Tech (5-4, 3-2 ACC) is averaging 201.4 yards per game and are led by running back Bhayshul Tuten, who is second in the ACC with 951 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns and is averaging 6.70 yards per carry.
The Hokies and Tigers kick off at 3:30 p.m. and the game will be televised by ESPN.