| Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Tony Siracusa, CFB Managing Editor Shawn King Sun, October 25, 2026 at 9:05 PM UTC · 5 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clemson's loss to Virginia Tech puts the program in flux heading into November. The Tigers now find themselves on the outside looking in on the ACC Championship race after being defeated 20-16 by the Hokies.
Dabo Swinney's team played well in many spots, especially in the third quarter. The complementary football Clemson displayed to start the second half did not continue into the fourth quarter, though. Penalties and the inability to execute any fourth-quarter offense led to the Tigers dropping their second conference game of the season.
The Clemson defense played well for much of the game against Virginia Tech's high-powered offense. This was specifically true in the third quarter. The Tigers held the Hokies to -14 yards of total offense in the quarter before a screen pass to Que'Sean Brown went for 27 yards to end the quarter.
The defensive front was able to generate a ton of pressure on Ethan Grunkemeyer, sacking him six times throughout the game. Clemson was able to rattle Grunkemeyer, until the fourth quarter.
Grunkemeyer was able to complete a couple of passes downfield to start moving the chains for the Hokies' offense in the final 15 minutes. On his final drive, he was aided by three Tiger penalties that put Virginia Tech inside the red zone. In the end Grunkemeyer was able to find his star tight end, Luke Reynolds, in the back of the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown pass. That score gave the Hokies their four-point lead with less than two minutes to go in the game.
Grunkemyer finished his night completing 62.5% of his passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns went to Reynolds, who had seven receptions for 44 yards and the two touchdowns on the night.
The defense showed up most of the game. However, the penalties and miscommunication in covering the opponent's best weapon can't happen late in the game when you need to close.
While the defense was playing lights out in the third quarter, the Clemson offense moved the ball the best it has all season. The Tigers started with a nine-play, 44-yard drive that ended with a field goal to start the second half. Following that possession was a six-play 65-yard drive that was capped with a 16-yard touchdown run by Tait Reynolds . That drive was a great mix of quarterback-designed run, traditional run game, and quick passing that the Tigers' offense must rely on for success.
The inexperience in the unit in certain position groups, however, showed up late in the game. Clemson could not execute any fourth-quarter offense to put the game away when it had the lead. The offensive line continued to show its inefficiencies. Reynolds made too many "freshman mistakes" in understanding situational football as well as how the defense was trying to manipulate him. Also, for the second week in a row, one of the top playmakers on the perimeter just couldn't finish a big play.
The offense has found its strengths. But Chad Morris has got to get his unit to execute the things it does well consistently, and build on it. On top of that, the players on the field have to make the plays that come to them.
With the struggles Reynolds continues to have, many fans believe it might be time to turn back to Christopher Vizzina. The veteran quarterback was originally named the starter to begin the year, but was pulled early in the LSU game due to injury. When Swinney announced Reynolds as the starter the following week, however, he mentioned that the decision was not based on Vizzina's health.
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Vizzina is cleared to play now, so some are wondering if it's to give him another shot at the helm. There are problems that come with making that decision, though. These include the long-term effects that it would have on Reynolds, and the unproven state of Vizzina.
As of now, there is still not enough proof to say Vizzina would be much better than Reynolds as the starter, especially behind a questionable offensive line. Vizzina is the better passer, but he's not the athlete Reynolds is. That athleticism Reynolds has displayed has been a great tool and a main reason he has the job currently. There is not enough of a proven sample size of high-level quarterback play from Vizzina to say he'd be the answer. Not to mention what that choice could do to Reynolds.
Moving on from a first-year quarterback in this fashion could be detrimental to his development. It's also the kind of move that tends to drive players into the transfer portal these days. It was expected that Reynolds would have lots of growing pains this season.
Reynolds has also shown flashes that he's fully capable of becoming a great playmaker at this level, though. He was the team's leading rusher in the game with 18 carries for 63 yards and the only touchdown scored. Reynolds also completed 77% of his passes. He just could not put the ball in the end zone through the air.
Trusting the process at this moment is likely the best course of action. Although it wouldn't hurt to keep Vizzina ready next week at Florida State.
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