Clemson Miscues Result in 37-0 Loss to Virginia Tech.

September 12, 1998

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) – Al Clark threw a 56-yard touchdown pass and ran for two scores to lead Virginia Tech’s 37-0 manhandling of Clemson in Death Valley on Saturday.

The Hokies’ 31-point second quarter barrage was the most ever allowed by Clemson in its 102-year history.

Clark scrambled for touchdown runs of 1 and 10 yards, then found split end Ricky Hall wide open on the next series. Clark finished 7-of-26 for 171 yards.

Kicker Shayne Graham added insult to injury with a 53-yard field goal with no time left in the first half to give Virginia Tech (2-0) a 34-0 lead. He also hit a 20-yard field goal in the first quarter to open the scoring and added a 20-yarder in the third quarter to end the scoring. Graham missed a 52-yarder and had a 38-yard try blocked by Antwan Edwards.

Lamont Pegues, a former Clemson runner, also had a 1-yard touchdown plunge. The Hokies ran 50 times for 176 yards and gained 347 yards overall.

Clemson contributed to its own downfall with quarterback Brandon Streeter throwing four interceptions, Edwards fumbling a punt return and the Tigers taking 11 penalties for 101 yards in the first half alone.

Hokies linebacker Lorenzo Ferguson made three of Virginia Tech’s interceptions, including one off a near sack and another that ricocheted off the hands of Tigers receiver Wesley Ellis.

Clemson’s second series was typical. A 17-yard pass from Streeter to Mal Lawyer was called back because of a personal foul penalty and the Tigers were backed up by penalties for a chop block and a false start. Streeter, who was 6-of-23 for 64 yards, then had a pass intercepted by Frguson.

With the passing game ineffective, Virginia Tech was able to cut off the Clemson rushing attack, limiting the Tigers to 31 yards in 31 carries.

By JESSE J. HOLLAND Associated Press Writer