Clemson vs Boston College: Our Take

Each week on Friday evening, we give our three keys to the game and our predictions. Here is a look at this week's opponent Boston College.

The Match Up

#2 Clemson (3-0, 1-0) vs Boston College 1-2 (0-1)

All-Time Series

Clemson Leads 15-9-2
at Clemson: Clemson leads 6-3-1
at Boston: Clemson leads 8-6-1
at Fenway Park: 1-1-1
at Alumni Stadium: 4-4
First Meeting: Clemson 6-3 in 1939 (Cotton Bowl)
Last Meeting: Clemson 56-10 in 2016
Streak: Clemson has won 6 in a row in the series
Last Boston College Win: 16-10 in 2010 at Boston College
Last Boston College win at Clemson: 20-17 in 2007

Key 1: Put Boston College to Bed Early

This one seems like a no brainer, given how these two teams have played this season. In fact, looking back to last year, Clemson jumped on Boston College 21-3 after the Eagles scored to open things up in Chestnut Hill.

This one seems like it has all the right ingredients to become another Clemson rout. The Tigers brought home a 56-10 win last season, and that might be close to accurate again this year. By the way, that 56-10 win was the largest margin of victory in the series. That record may not last through Saturday's finish.

Key 2: Make Gains at Running Back

Last week we talked about Clemson finding a lead running back. We felt that Clemson needed to find a guy they could trust. Instead, Clemson's "Four Horsemen" brought a combination of power, agility, and speed to the Louisville contest. ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit, during Travis Etienne's 81-yard touchdown run, summarized Clemson's talent calling it, "An embarrassment of riches." We agree.

Last weekend, Boston College allowed two Notre Dame players to rush for over 200 yards each, including quarterback Brandon Wimbush. Wimbush rushed for 207 yards and four touchdowns. If Kelly Bryant has that kind of day, we might title our post game article "The Five Horsemen".

Key 3: Stay Healthy

This key to the game took a bit of a turn this week as Clemson lost Logan Rudolph and Greg Huegel to season ending injuries. Rudolph's loss deals a bit of a blow to Clemson's depth on the defensive line, but is certainly one that Clemson should be able to absorb. 

Huegel's injury could end up being huge. Clemson's not a team that is content with putting three on the board that often. This is a team that scores points in bunches and rarely has needed a clutch kick to decide a game. 

That being said, if Clemson gets in a tight game down the road and needs a field goal, I'm not sure how comfortable fans will be with Alex Spence. I'd expect to see Clemson "settle" for some kicks this Saturday with 80,000 people in attendance to give Spence some goal post looks with eyeballs on him.

One other point should be made about Huegel's loss, it could factor into kickoffs and field position. Clemson could look to punter Will Speirs or even linebacker Jamie Skalski which would be interesting. If Clemson has an opportunity, the coaching staff might let all of those guys have a go. 

Prediction:

If you haven't picked up what we have been putting down, this one shouldn't be close. Clemson's been the better team at the skill positions for the majority of the games since Boston College joined the ACC. Unlike those years, Clemson now wins this match up in the trenches as well.

Clemson controls the line of scrimmage all day and the Tigers put lots of points on the board in Death Valley. It's not going to be close.

Best Prediction = 3 Points        Correct Prediction = 1 Point 

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