Virginia Tech Beats Clemson 20-16 on Late Touchdown, Forces Turnover on Downs

Virginia Tech defeated Clemson 20-16 on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.

The game was attended by 80,510 spectators.

Virginia Tech improved to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in ACC play, while Clemson fell to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in ACC play.

Virginia Tech scored a go‑ahead touchdown with 1:44 remaining, giving them the lead.

Clemson’s subsequent drive ended on fourth down when freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds was sacked, resulting in a turnover on downs.

Earlier in the fourth quarter, Clemson appeared to convert a third‑and‑9 to Bryant Wesco Jr., but the call was overturned after review.

Tait Reynolds finished with 153 passing yards on 20-of-26 attempts and added 63 rushing yards on 18 carries, including a 16‑yard touchdown run in the third quarter that gave Clemson its first lead.

Wide receiver Tyler Brown led Clemson with eight receptions for 62 yards.

Kicker Nolan Hauser was perfect on field goals, converting three of three attempts.

Clemson’s defense limited Virginia Tech to 234 total yards, including only 70 rushing yards on 37 carries.

The Tigers recorded six sacks and ten tackles for loss, with safety Corey Myrick posting nine tackles (six solo) and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Defensive end Will Heldt contributed four tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss.

Clemson opened the game by forcing consecutive Virginia Tech three‑and‑outs, allowing just 12 yards on those two drives.

In the third quarter, Clemson controlled the ball for 10 minutes and 29 seconds, earned seven first downs and outscored Virginia Tech 13‑0 after a modest first‑half offensive output of 94 yards.

The third‑quarter surge included a 16‑yard touchdown run by Reynolds and a 26‑yard run by Gideon Davidson.