Boston College Reflections: Does Clemson have Enough to Keep Winning?

The Tigers looked great against Boston College on Saturday night. The last two weeks have measured up to the Clemson standard. They got up early and could afford to take their foot off the brake in the second half. Like the UNC game, the Tigers’ defense gave up some points on an early drive and then locked in.

Most games in the NCAA aren’t won in the first half, though. With some tougher opponents coming up, it remains to be seen if Clemson can put four solid quarters together against stiffer competition.

Cade Klubnik looked comfortable, and Bryant Wesco was stellar with a 38-yard touchdown catch. Peter Woods finally got a touchdown in the signature Fridge Package, and Nolan Hauser hit two long field goals. The defense had 5 sacks, and the tackling overall looked better than it has so far this season.

While these last two wins have come against a historically bad UNC team and a Boston College team whose only win is against Fordham, fans will remember that Clemson’s only other win is against Troy—and that game was a nail-biter in all the worst ways. This team has certainly improved.

Klubnik exited the game in the third quarter after his ankle was rolled up on. Dabo Swinney said postgame, “He was trying to come back in there. It’s his ankle. So we just held him….We were just going to see how it went...” So it seems that Klubnik will be available moving forward, which is reassuring. Although backup quarterback, Christopher Vizzina, has gotten some valuable snaps in the last two games, his performance has not inspired a ton of confidence.

The Tigers have three challenging home games to put everything together before traveling to Louisville, which is looking like the toughest game on the schedule. Clemson need some more energy to match their improved play to get through the remaining schedule and finish the season on a positive note.