Clemson and Virginia Tech had two of the top defensive linemen in the nation in the 1984 season. William Perry was Clemson's senior middle guard who was completing the only three-time All-America career in school history.
Virginia Tech's Bruce Smith was just as impressive and on his way to being a top NFL draft pick.
Both giants were at their best at Clemson on this November afternoon. The Tigers won the contest by a score of 17-10, as Clemson held Virginia Tech to only 79 yards on 44 carries.
Perry finished the game with six tackles along with two tackles for loss. Smith registered nine tackles and four tackles for loss, still tied for the most tackles for loss in a game at Clemson.
But a look to the stats tells us that another defensive lineman actually had a better day, Clemson freshman Michael Dean Perry. The younger Perry had 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks.
While William Perry and Smith were both first-round draft picks the following spring, Michael Dean would go on to a six-time Pro Bowl career with Denver and Cleveland.