Game Prediction - Clemson vs. Boston College

The Habitat House is built. The floats are nearing completion. And, Clemson alumni are converging on Tiger Town from near and far.

All of those things can only mean one thing…it’s Homecoming in Clemson.

The Tigers have a stern test in Boston College for the primetime Homecoming matchup. Which defense will reign supreme?

Boston College (3-3, 0-3 ACC) AT NO. 5 CLEMSON (5-0, 2-0 ACC)
WHEN: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2015
WHERE: Memorial Stadium (81,500)
KICKOFF: 7:02 p.m.

BOSTON COLLEGE OFFENSE VS. CLEMSON DEFENSE: There’s not a lot to say about Boston College’s offense….they’ve only scored nine points in three ACC games, all nine coming in a 9-7 win over Duke. The Eagles fumbled in the redzone and let the clock expire on the one-yard line last week against Wake Forest. Who will be the quarterback – Jeff Smith or Troy Flutie? Flutie is the better passer – he’s 20-of-37 for 336 yards – while Smith is just 9-of-30 for 86 yards. However, Smith is the team’s leading rusher with 38 carries for 257 yards and runs the read-option better. If Boston College is only relying on the running game because they can’t throw the ball, it could be a long game for whoever is under center.

CLEMSON OFFENSE VS. BOSTON COLLEGE DEFENSE: The Tigers faced a pretty good defense in week three of the season when they traveled to Louisville, but Boston College’s defensive unit is an even bigger challenge than the Cardinals. The Eagles defense ranks in the Top 5 in seven categories: total defense (first), pass defense (first), rush defense (first), opponent first downs (first), opponent third down conversions (first), scoring defense (second), tackles for loss (fourth) and opponent red zone conversions (fifth). Boston College has allowed just one offensive touchdown in ACC play and that was against FSU, a game the ‘Noles one 14-0.

Last week against Georgia Tech, Clemson’s offense finally found some momentum in the passing game as Jordan Leggett showed flashes of the tight end we’ve been waiting to see for three years. He was physical blocking on the edge and consistent catching the ball. Wayne Gallman has been a force to be reckoned with in the running game, but what kind of success will he have against the nation’s number one defense?

SPECIAL TEAMS: Clemson has the advantage in the return game with Artavis Scott and Ray-Ray McCloud, but don’t over look Boston College’s Sherman Alson and Michael Walker who are more than capable of returning kicks. If this game comes down to a field goal, you’ve got to like Clemson’s Greg Huegel who as proven to be more than serviceable. BC’s field goal kickers are just 2-for-8 on the season.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: It’s extremely difficult to pitch a shutout in today’s college football landscape, but Boston College’s offense has been abysmal as of late. The Eagles have yet to score a touchdown in ACC play, and haven’t come close to facing a defense as good as Clemson’s.

BC’s defense will keep the game close for three quarters, but in the end Clemson’s firepower is too much for the Eagles.

FINAL SCORE: CLEMSON 29 – BOSTON COLLEGE 0

Post written by Clemson Girl Sports Bloggess Nikki Hood