The
Clemson Tigers will head to
Boston College to take on the Eagles in a top-25 showdown on Saturday night.
Clemson comes into this game as the second-ranked team by the College Football Playoff Committee, while Boston College checks in at number 17. Clemson has beaten Boston College seven straight times, including a 34-7 victory a season ago.
The winner of this game will take control over the Atlantic Division in the ACC with just two weeks to play. Clemson comes in with a perfect 9-0 record and are 6-0 in ACC play so far this season. Boston College brings a 4-1 conference record into this matchup with Clemson, having lost to North Carolina State in October. The Boston College Eagles are a 20-point underdog in this game.
Eagles Need To Control Tempo
The Boston College Eagles will need to lean heavily on their ground game if they are going to keep this game close. The Eagles are averaging over 225 rushing yards per game so far this season, and they will need to match that total on Saturday. Sophomore running back
AJ Dillon is averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has found the end zone eight times this season. Dillon will need a big game against the Tigers.
Boston College will also need their defense to show up and limit the big play ability of Clemson in this game. The Eagles are giving up just 24.1 points per game this season, which is way below what Clemson is averaging. Boston College is giving up just 6.1 yards per passing attempt to their opponents this season, which could play a huge role in this game.
Clemson Solid On Both Sides
While Boston College has been solid on both sides of the ball, the
Clemson Tigers have been one of the top teams in the country. Clemson is ranked 4th in college football in both points per game and points allowed per game. The Tigers have held five of their opponents to 10 points or fewer so far this season, and they will be ready for the
Eagles‘ running attack. Clemson has a defense filled with future pros, and they have been playing like it of late.
Offensively, Clemson has the ability to score on nearly every play that they run from scrimmage. Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence has completed over 65 percent of his passes this season and has thrown a whopping 18 touchdowns. Running back Travis Etienne is just two rushing yards away from 1,000 on the season and has scored 15 touchdowns. The Clemson offense is legit.
B.C. Loses Tight Game
College Gameday will be in attendance for this game, and the Boston College faithful will be amped up. The Eagles will have to play a near-perfect game to knock off Clemson, but they can keep this game close. The Tigers have escaped two different games earlier this season, and they will do the same on Saturday. Clemson will get the win, but Boston College keeps this game tight. Bet the Boston College Eagles +20.0 over Clemson in this ACC showdown.