Clemson will be without a pair of key defensive starters Saturday against Virginia Tech, according to a report.

Defensive lineman Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart are confirmed to be unavailable this week, according to Chapel Fowler. Three other key players have also been ruled out for this week’s game against the Hokies: defensive back Shelton Lewis, receiver Tyler Brown and offensive lineman Collin Sadler.

Among the previously known and now confirmed absences, Clemson will miss these players against VT:

Starting DE Peter Woods
Starting coach DeMonte Capehart
DB Shelton Lewis
WR Tyler Brown
OL Collin Sadler

– Fowler Chapel (@chapelfowler) November 9, 2024

Woods is a big loss for a Clemson team that may struggle to stop the run Saturday against Virginia Tech. Woods is widely considered one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the ACC.

Stopping the run is a big goal for this week’s game against Virginia Tech. The Tigers are supposedly moving to a 3 linebacker formation Saturday in an effort to stop a strong Virginia Tech rushing attack.

With Woods out, Clemson’s defensive end rotation is exceptionally thin. In addition to standout TJ Parker, Clemson will have a group that includes Jaheim Lawson, Cade Denhoff, AJ Hoffler and Caden Story on Saturday against Virginia Tech. Excluding Parker, that group has combined for just 3.5 tackles for loss so far. It’s about the season.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 pm ET on Saturday afternoon.