Boston College Football: Welcome To Clemson Week!
The Boston College Eagles got back into the win column on Saturday with a huge 45-24 victory over the NC State Wolfpack. But Steve Addazio's crew can't celebrate for too long, as their next opponent the defending champion Clemson Tigers bring challenges unlike anything Boston College has faced all year.
Led by one of the best coaches in the country, Dabo Swinney, Clemson is strong on both sides of the ball. Even though they lost a ton of talent due to graduation and the NFL Draft, this is a program that doesn't rebuild they reload with blue chip recruits. Even with talent leaving they still have quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who's historic rise last year culminated in a dominant performance against Alabama in the National Championship game. He will be far superior to any quarterback the Eagles have faced up to this point, with otherwordly gifts and vision. Though Lawrence hasn't looked as polished as he did last year throwing 8 interceptions already this year, he still is elite, and can fluctuate from a bad pass to a brilliant game changing pass in a matter of plays.
Surrounding Lawrence are some of the best weapons in the ACC. Travis Etienne may be the best running back in the ACC (sorry AJ Dillon), and he can easily turn a 10 yard gain into a long touchdown run with his incredible vision and speed. On top of having one of the best backs, Clemson has two NFL caliber receivers in Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross who have combined for 53 catches and close to 900 yards. If Boston College's defense reverts to the level of play they showed against Wake/Louisville/Kansas, the Eagles could be in big trouble early in Death Valley.
On the defensive side of the ball, Brent Venables has put together another elite defense. Even with four defensive linemen graduating, he has put together a unit that has allowed only 256 yards per game, good for 5th in the country. Last week against Louisville, an offense that lit up BC for over 600 yards, Clemson was able to hold them to 263. Tanner Muse at safety and Isaiah Simmons are going to be household names by the end of this season.
Storylines Going Into This Game
Boston College has the best offensive line in the ACC, can they continue their elite play against a Clemson defense that is loaded? Can the Eagles drag Clemson into a slog fest and try to avoid a shoot out that they probably have no chance of winning? Can the defense continue to improve, or was last week's game more of an indictment on NC State? How will Dennis Grosel handle a night game in arguably one of the hardest places to play?
Vegas Line
Clemson (-34.5)
Random Clemson Fact: The Tigers have a "Graveyard" near their practice field that they use to commemorate big wins over nationally ranked opponents.
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