This Saturday's game between Clemson and Boston College will feature 2 teams that are completely different. The Tigers like to go up-tempo and the Eagles want to slow the game down. If either team is able to impose its style, it will be a long day for the opposing defense.
Clemson's Offense vs Boston College's Defense
Clemson will try to do what Clemson does. Go as fast as possible and look for the big play. The Tigers won't look to do it by the air alone. BC is last in the conference in rush defense. Not only do they struggle stopping the run but they have shown weakness in their secondary. Quality passing teams have been able to easily move the ball down the field through the air against BC. Linebackers Kevin Pierre-Louis and Steel Divitto will have to have monster games for BC to compensate for their weakness. Both have put up ridiculous tackle numbers. Clemson will look to have a balanced attack. Rod McDowell and Zac Brooks have proven to be effective running backs. Sammy Watkins and the receiving corps should be able to get open for big plays. Tahj Boyd could tie his single game touchdown record for Clemson QBs for a second straight week.
Clemson's Defense vs Boston College's Offense
[caption id="attachment_789" align="alignright" width="274" caption="Can Grady Jarrett Slow Down the BC Run Game?"]
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The Boston College offense may not put up huge number but they cannot be overlooked. BC has weapons to have a balanced attack. Running back Andre Williams leads the ACC in rushing. He gets most of his yardage by grinding out yards between the tackles. With five 300 pound plus linemen leading the way for him it's not difficult for him to get positive yardage. Look for Clemson to rotate defensive linemen often. Grady Jarrett, DeShawn Williams, and Josh Watson will need to get good penetration for Clemson to slow the run. The passing game will feature a lot of QB, Chase Rettig, throws to Alex Amidon. Rettig and Amidon have built a chemistry that many receivers and quarterbacks wish they had. The Tiger secondary will look to disrupt this combination. If they can do that, BC will struggle to do anything.
Special Teams
On Saturday, we could see a touchdown on special teams. Unfortunately for Clemson fans, it could come from BC. Miles Williams and Spiffy Evans are capable returners that can score anytime they touch the ball in the return game. Clemson finally showed some ability to return punts with Adam Humphries against Syracuse. They haven't been able to do that all year. Germone Hopper has done a fair job returning kicks and could be set for a long return soon.
X-Factor
Who will impose their style of play. If BC is able to get the Clemson O off the field consistently, it will be a huge deal. A big part of that will be on the Eagles offense to have long sustained drives that take a lot of time off the clock. The Tigers want to score quickly. If they turn this game into a score fest, BC won't be able to keep up.
Prediction
This could be a track game. Clemson could overlook BC to the Florida State showdown. That's not going to happen though. Coach Swinney and his team will be ready and prepared because they are taking this season one game at a time. BC can put up a fight but Clemson just has too much firepower on offense. Furthermore, their defense has been much improved and can be relied upon in a game like this if need be. Prediction: Clemson 44-27.
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