OFFENSE: EDGE TIGERS

Virginia actually moved up a spot in the total-offense, from 119th to 118th among 120 Division I-A teams on the basis of its 298-yard afternoon in a 14-10 loss to Boston College. Clemson has had four consecutive games with 400 yards or more and has rushed for at least 240 yards in the last three. The Tigers boast one of the most dynamic players in the country in multi-purpose senior tailback C.J. Spiller, a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.

DEFENSE: EDGE TIGERS

Clemson is one of two ACC teams, along with North Carolina, that has held its opponents to fewer than 300 yards per game in total offense. The Tigers lead the ACC in sacks with 26 and face a Virginia team that ranks last in the ACC in sack avoidance, with 32 allowed. Clemson defensive backs DeAndre McDaniel and Rashard Hall, the latter a freshman, are ranked first and second in the ACC in interceptions.

SPECIAL TEAMS: EDGE TIGERS

Spiller ranks No. 1 in the ACC in kickoff returns, three of which he has returned for touchdown, and the Tigers rank first in the ACC in kickoff coverage. Richard Jackson has given some stability to Clemson's placements and has a 53-yard field goal to his credit. Virginia is 94th in the country in punt returns and 114th in kickoff return. Both teams' punters have been erratic, although UVa seems to have settled on Jimmy Howell.

INTANGIBLES: EDGE TIGERS

Clemson has its sets sight on a spot in the ACC title game as Atlantic Division champion. Virginia, on the other hand, no longer can enjoy a winning season and is seeking only to avoid its fifth loss in a row. The Cavaliers have lost 11 of their past 14 games dating back to last season. At least they're not at Scott Stadium, where they haven't won a conference game in more than a year, but Death Valley won't be any more welcoming.

PREDICTION: CLEMSON 31, VIRGINIA 10