Clemson's Offense vs Boston College's Defense
The Clemson offense will have to make a few adjustments this weekend with Deshaun Watson out and to overcome last week’s struggles. While Boston College's defense isn't quit the caliber of Louisville, they're still really good. The BC Dline is strong and consistent. They will bring pressure against a Tiger Oline that has struggled much of the season. Linebacker Josh Keyes is among the ACC leaders in tackles for loss will look to take advantage of their weaknesses.
Chad Morris has to call quick passing plays Saturday to take the pressure off of the line. Look for Cole Stoudt to get in rhythm early with a few quick passes. Last week he wasn’t able to connect much with Mike Williams. Stoudt needs to get Williams involved early and trust him to go after jump balls down field. If the run game can get going like it did late in the 4th quarter against Louisville with Adam Choice, BC will have trouble stopping Clemson.
Boston College’s Offense vs Clemson’s Defense
Boston College runs out of the shotgun but there offense will resemble Georgia Tech most of the game. QB Tyler Murphy has shredded opposing offenses running the ball. He has used the zone read and the traditional option to break down opposing defenses. At over 100 yards rushing per game the Tigers’ game plan will be tailored to slowing Murphy down. Running back Jon Hilliman has been used heavily in the run game as well
The Tigers need their front 7 to be very good against the run. Grady Jarrett will be key as BC’s offense is the kind that take makes like Vic Beasley ineffective. Clemson will be challenged by the Eagles’ Oline with 5 starting seniors. Stopping the run will be vital to being successful for the Tigers. BC isn’t very good through the air. Murphy has 3 passing TDs while throwing 6 interceptions.
Special Teams
Clemson’s special teams looked strong last weekend against Louisville. They hope to have that carry over this week as the Eagles aren’t very good on special teams. Ammon Lakip is growing into a dependable kicker. BC on the other hand has struggled with their kickers. They hope freshman Mike Knoll can be the solution to their kicking woes. Look for the Tigers to be strong on special teams again. Clemson has a chance to have 2 consecutive games with a special teams touchdown.
X-Factor
Who will win the battle at the line of scrimmage? Offensively it will be a tough task for the Tigers. It has been a challenge each week. Defensively, they will have their hands full with a veteran Oline. The Tiger Dline is on the verge of being elite. A successful game against BC will go a long way to proving they are one of the best in the country.
Prediction
This will be a challenging game for the Tigers. Stoudt’s lack of mobility and the absence of a good run game will hinder the Tigers. How effective Clemson can be offensively will go a long way in the outcome of the game. The Tiger D will look to take away the run from a BC team that has trouble throwing the ball. If Clemson can force the Eagles to pass the ball often they will be hard for BC to score. Boston College will hang around but the Tigers should win. Clemson wins 31-20.
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