And I'm finally going to do what I should have done back in the '80's - go to a Tech/Clemson game at Death Valley.

Here's my quick view on the game:

• Tech has the slight advantage at QB, due primarily to the fact that we have experience, and Clemson's Brandon Streeter doesn't.

• The kicking game will probably be a wash, because Clemson also has good kickers.   We may have a slight edge here, but not like we did in the ECU game.   Warning:  Clemson is great at blocking punts.

• Clemson's offensive skill players are all inexperienced, but their offensive line is a senior-laden bunch that returns three starters from last year.  I think Tech will be able to keep the reins on Clemson's offense (I see Clemson scoring 21 points max), but don't be surprised if the Tigers post a few TD's by taking advantage of their opportunities the way ECU didn't.

• Clemson has a couple of talented DB's and a decent linebacking corps, but they only return one starter on the DL.

I think the key matchup is Tech's offensive line versus Clemson's defensive line.   The Hokies probably won't be able to pass with much success (I hope I'm wrong), so the running game is key.  If we can wear them down and control the line like we did against ECU, then we're in good shape.  If they shut down our running game, points could be tough to come by.

My prediction:  Tech 21, Clemson 13.

I forgot to mention that Randy King of The Roanoke Times now has an on-line exclusive column, just like Doug Doughty's "Notebook Plus," but Randy's column features Tech notes and commentary.

The name of the column is Virginia Tech Insider, and it gets posted every Thursday by 5:00, so look for it.   Randy has done two columns so far, and he seems to be growing into it as he goes along.  One thing about Randy, he knows who's likely to read his new column - he has good-naturedly busted on HokieCentral in both of his columns, knowing full well that most of the people who read it will be HC regulars.

Kudos to The Roanoke Times for catering to the on-line Tech community with Randy's column.  I have added the VT Insider link to my Links Page, so you can catch it there.  And hey, Randy, did they let you give up your day job as copy editor yet?

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