Keys to Victory: No. 5 Clemson at Boston College

Each week we review the game’s history, three keys to success, and Swanny’s prediction.

The Match-Up:

No. 5 Clemson (5-0, 3-0 ACC) at Boston College (2-3, 1-2 ACC)

Clemson and Boston College are meeting in Chestnut Hill for the first time since 2018. From 2019-21, the teams met in Death Valley for three consecutive years for the first time in series history, as the Eagles joined Duke (1986- 88), Virginia (1972-74), and Wake Forest (1957-59 and 1983-85) as the only ACC programs ever to face Clemson in Death Valley in three consecutive seasons.

Clemson vs. Boston College (2021)

Series History:

• OVERALL: Clemson leads series, 20-9-2
• HOME: Clemson leads series, 10-3-1
• ROAD: Clemson leads series, 9-6-1
• NEUTRAL: Clemson leads series, 1-0
• LAST MEETING: Oct. 2, 2021 (19-13, W)
• STREAK: Clemson, Won 11

Travel Roster:

Clemson’s travel roster will be released two hours before kickoff. We will have it here for you around 5:30 PM.

Stat of the Week:

Clemson is attempting to open a season 6-0 for the 17th time in program history (1900, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1948, 1981, 1987, 2000, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020).

Chasing History:

On special teams, Lou Groza Award candidate B.T. Potter — a fifth-year senior in the midst of No. 5 Clemson's 5-0 start — has steadily continued to ascend Clemson and ACC record books. With four points this week, Potter can become the 10th kicker — and 11th player overall, including running back Travis Etienne — in ACC history to reach 400 career points.

Potter (396) is also nine points shy of surpassing Chandler Catanzaro (404 from 2010-13) to become the highest-scoring kicker in Clemson history. Potter's 63 career field goals have covered 2,338 yards, 32 yards shy of the Clemson career record for yards on field goals set by Nelson Welch from 1991-94 (2,370).

Key 1: Keep things Tight

Since Jordan Leggett left Clemson to go to the NFL, the Tigers' tight ends have been underwhelming to say the least. There has been plenty of promise but few results. This year, the tight ends have become a strength of the offense, and one thing is for sure, they’ve weaponized the attack for D.J. Uiagalelei.

If Davis Allen and Jake Briningstool continue to be an outlet for Uiagalelei, great things could be in store for this group on offense. So far, the duo has combined for 27 receptions for 297 yards and five touchdowns. 

Keep your eyes on those two, as Clemson’s offensive staff has found creative ways to get both tight ends involved through the first five games of the season.

Key 2: Win the LOS

The difference between Clemson and Boston College has always come between the trenches. Even when the Tigers were on the short end of the matchups, it all came down to the play up front. In recent years, Clemson has been dominant on both sides of the ball against the Eagles-- and that should be the same today.

I’ll give Coach Jeff Hafley credit, he tends to have a good game plan in place, but if the Tigers are winning the LOS, I don’t see how this one ends up in BC’s favor. 

Clemson’s offensive line is coming together, and last weekend, the highlight of freshman Blake Miller manhandling an NC State defender showcased what the future could hold for the Strongsville, OH, native.

As for the defense, less hasn’t necessarily been more, but less has been effective, and more, once these guys all get on the field together, could be CFB Playoff worthy. 

Key 3: Eye in the Sky

Clemson’s offensive power has yet to hit a level that I believe showcases a team that can win a national championship. Given the schedule, I think they are good enough to win the ACC and play in the playoffs. 

Are they infallible? No. Could they fall on any given Saturday? Perhaps. But if the offense begins to click at an even higher level, I would expect this group can compete with anyone. 

This evening, I’ll continue to be interested to see how D.J.’s legs impact the game, but more importantly, can this group begin to take the top off of defenses? If that’s the case, I expect the Tigers to push into the 40s tonight against Boston College.

Prediction:

Clemson has been elite for nearly a decade, but last season was a humbling experience for everyone involved in the program. Incredible, this group has now won 11 consecutive games and could push that number to the second longest in Clemson history by the end of the regular season.

Looking ahead to tonight’s game, the Tigers are supremely talented, and a loss would be a shocking result, given the focused intensity Swinney has instilled in this group. The weather should be crisp, and if Clemson is as well, it will be a long night in Chestnut Hill for the home team.

Clemson 42, Boston College 17

Swanny’s Predictions: 

*Correct predictions in bold