After an impressive win over the Louisville Cardinals, the Clemson football program enters the week heavily favored over the Boston College Eagles.
Under Dabo Swinney, Clemson has dominated the series with Boston College. The Tigers are 8-1 versus the Eagles during Swinney’s tenure, currently holding a six game winning streak dating back to 2011. The average margin of victory in those games is 17 points, far from close.
Boston College enters this week on a two-game losing skid. The Eagles opened up ACC play with a 34-10 loss against Wake Forest; followed by a 49-20 loss to Notre Dame. Clemson on the other hand, has coasted through the first three weeks of the season, sitting a perfect 3-0. After impressive victories versus Auburn and Louisville, the Tigers have moved up to No. 2 in the AP Poll.
The odds-makers aren’t giving Boston College much of a chance in this one as Clemson currently sits as 32 point favorites according to SportsBookReview.com.
Thoughts
Given the way that Clemson has looked during the early parts of the season, the current point spread is warranted. The Tigers have dominated two consecutive top 15 opponents. Boston College isn’t even sniffing the top 25, let alone the top 15.
The Eagles have serious issues on the offensive side of the ball. It all starts with ball security, Boston College is currently -5 in turnover margin. When the Eagles do hold on to the football, they aren’t very productive, averaging just 348 total yards and 17.7 points per game.
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The Tigers come into the week ranked in the top 10 in both scoring defense and total defense. With Boston College trotting out a true freshman at quarterback in Clemson’s deafening home environment, points will be hard to come by. Brent Venables’ aggressive play-calling will also test the Eagles’ young signal caller.
On the offensive side of the ball, Clemson must account for Harold Landry. The Eagles’ senior edge rusher can single-handedly ruin a game plan. In 2016, Landry led the nation with 16.5 sacks, to go along with his 51 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles.
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Outside of Landry, Clemson has little to worry about. Kelly Bryant and his bevy of weapons should have no problem moving the football against this Boston College defense.