The Clemson Tigers (10-3) righted the ship Saturday night in Charlotte, defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2) for the second time this season, in the process claiming their first ACC title in 20 years.
Clemson's 38-10 victory secured their first Orange Bowl birth since 1981, the only year the Tigers have won the national championship. Sophomore quarterback Tahj Boyd snapped out of his season-ending slump, completing 20 of 29 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns. Boyd also rushed for 34 yards and a score, earning game most valuable player honors in the process.
Clemson broke the game open in the third quarter, scoring three touchdowns in just over four minutes to break a 10-10 halftime score. Freshman Sammy Watkins set the single-season receiving record in the game, totaling 1,153 yards on the year, topping Rod Gardner's 1999 season.
For more news and notes on the Tigers, be sure to follow SB Nation's Clemson blog Shakin the Southland. For all your Hokies needs, visit SB Nation's Virginia Tech blog Gobbler Country.