Two weeks, two quarterbacks, 656 passing yards.

That’s what Virginia Tech’s pass defense has given up since Oct. 10: 321 yards to Cal backup Jackson Brousseau in his first start, then a career-high 335 yards to Georgia Tech’s Alberto Mendoza. Against most offenses, that’s the story of the week.

Clemson isn’t most offenses. True freshman Tait Reynolds has one touchdown pass this season; the Tigers have two as a team (last in FBS), and they rank 132nd nationally in pass efficiency.

Something gives Saturday at 7 p.m. on ESPN. A win at Clemson (4–2, 2–1 ACC) would make Virginia Tech (5–2, 2–2) bowl eligible in coach James Franklin’s first season.

Here are three players to watch on the Hokies' defense.

Aycen Stevens, defensive end

Stevens didn’t record a sack in 2025. He finished with 14 tackles and half a tackle for loss.

Seven games into this season, the senior has eight sacks, tied for second in the country.…