3 Key Matchups Boston College Eagles vs Clemson Tigers
BC O-Line vs Clemson D line
Boston College knows its identity on offense is a tough physical running team, and Coach Steve Addazio does not plan on changing that with this marque matchup with the Tigers in Death Valley Saturday. “You don’t go to an Italian restaurant and order tacos.” he told the Pack and Dunham radio show earlier this week. The one-two punch of A.J. Dillon and David Bailey are the catalysts for this team's offense, so the expectation for the number 1 ranked rushing offense in the ACC is to continue the course with a heavy run offense.
Make no mistake about it, Clemson's defense is very good. Ranking 8th in the country, and allowing 3.94 yards per play. If that isn't impressive enough then the 12 points per game allowed should be cause of plenty concern. Led by star line backer Isaiah Simmons, who leads the Tigers with 59 tackles, Clemson is loaded on defense with blue chip stars and should be ready for the BC rushing attack.
Dennis Grosel vs The Clemson Crowd
Playing in Death Valley is tough for any opposing quarterback. For Dennis Grosel, a quarterback making his first road start, it has the chance to be especially challenging. With that said, Coach Addazio has a lot of faith his QB will be up for the challenge. “No, he's a pretty sharp guy. That stuff, I think he handles all that really well. I think with Dennis it's just game experience, just being in those games and all the unique things that come up in a game, and managing all of that. I thought he did a good job managing on Saturday.” After an impressive first collegiate start last Saturday against N.C. State, the hope is that the solid play can continue into this week regardless of the venue. Grosel did a fine job of protecting the football, and managing the game for the Eagles, and he will need that trend to continue this Saturday against Clemson.
John Lamot vs Travis Etienne
As of press time, it does not look like BC’s defense will get a jolt from line backer Isaiah McDuffie. With that said, John Lamot has been a dependable defensive force all season long. In order to complete with Clemson, John will need to get pressure on quarterback Trevor Lawrence as well as keep Travis Etienne’s big play capabilities to a minimum. That’s a tall task in itself as the junior running back is averaging 8 yards a carry. Etienne has also eclipsed his previous season high of 12 receptions adding another wrinkle to his game making him that much more dangerous. John Lamot is certainly BC’s best option at looking to contain the running back from popping off one of his home run dashes and keeping the game within reach