Boston College Eagles vs. Clemson Tigers Complete Game Preview

Although it wasn’t the prettiest win of the season, the Clemson Tigers were able to come away victorious against the Louisville Cardinals. After three straight home games, the Tigers will pack their bags and head up north to take on Boston College.

The Eagles—who upset Southern California earlier this season—are fresh off a 30-14 rout of North Carolina State this past Saturday.

This series has featured some great games over the last decade, so expect another great finish Saturday.

Boston College's Keys to Victory

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Tyler Murphy Has to Make Plays

Murphy is far from being an elite passer, but he has to find a way to get production through the air in this game. The Tigers front seven isn’t going to allow a ton of production on the ground, but Boston College can help the run game by completing passes early on.

Load the Box

Clemson’s offensive line is thin and doesn’t have much depth right now, so one thing Boston College can do is load the box. This will open up things down the field, but the best shot for the Eagles is to stop the run and get pressure on Cole Stoudt.

Besides the runs by Adam Choice late in the game, the Tigers were unable to get any kind of running game started against Louisville. The Cardinals pressured Stoudt, and most of his completions were short passes.

Clemson's Keys to Victory

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Contain the Run Game

Boston College is averaging 315.7 yards per game on the ground this season, good for fifth in the nation. In the upset win against USC, the Eagles gained 452 yards on the ground, so it’s no secret what their identity is offensively.

Luckily for the Tigers, stopping the run is what they do best. Led by one of the best defensive lines in the nation, the Tigers have only allowed over 90 yards rushing in a game two times this season.

Ben Boulware's 12 tackles were a big factor in stopping the run last week. Although the Tigers have experience and talent up front, the Eagles will likely still try to run the ball in this game.

Make Boston College’s Offense One-Dimensional

We know the Eagles can run the ball, but can they pass it? Murphy has only three passing touchdowns this season compared to six interceptions. His completion percentage is a measly 55.8 percent, and he has almost as many rushing yards as he does through the air.

The Tigers might be smart to bring an extra defender up close to help contain the run. If I’m Brent Venables, I am going to dare Murphy to beat me with his arm.

Boston College Players to Watch

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Tyler Murphy

He may not be the best passing quarterback, but Murphy can make big plays happen with his legs. The first-year starter for Boston College has 711 yards on the ground and eight rushing touchdowns this season.

Josh Bordner

The senior wide receiver has a huge frame at 6’4” and 230 pounds and can make plays. He only has 16 catches on the season, but he has 242 yards, which is an average of 15.8 yards per reception.

If the Eagles want to make plays through the air, this is the guy they are going to.

Clemson Players to Watch

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Cole Stoudt

Stoudt didn’t play his best game Saturday against Louisville, but after a full week of practice, he should play with more consistency. He is an important player because it all starts with him offensively.

The Tigers, who average only 141.2 yards per game on the ground, will likely have to rely on their passing game this Saturday. Stoudt needs to play well.

Ammon Lakip

Boston College has played Clemson tough over the years—they beat the Tigers in Chestnut Hill in 2006 and 2010—so this game could also come down to the final quarter.

Lakip has missed some important kicks this season but made all three of his attempts against Louisville. It will be crucial that he comes through in the clutch Saturday.

Adam Choice

Choice leads the Tigers in rushing this season, and he could very well see the most carries Saturday. He was the only running back that was able to get any kind of production against Louisville, and his tough running style is becoming more impressive every week.

What They're Saying

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Clemson

Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris on game-planning for different quarterbacks:

Per David Hood of TigerNet.com, Morris said, “Do we have to gameplan a little different for some other than what we do for others? Yes. But I expect us to be one of the most explosive offenses in the country.”

Morris' thoughts about Clemson’s struggles versus Louisville:

Per Hood, Morris stated, “I was disappointed we didn’t get the ball in the end zone last week and I was frustrated with our ability to pick up short-yardage.”

Boston College

Boston College head coach Steve Addazio on Clemson’s defense:

Per Hood, Addazio said, “I’m sitting here saying, ‘How are we going to move the ball against these guys?’ That’s how good they are.”

Addazio also said, “This is the most dominant defense I have seen. Period. I’m just amazed watching them.”

Predicted Outcome

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The Tigers defense will ultimately be the deciding factor in this one. Boston College has also played well defensively, only giving up 19.3 points per game, so it probably won't be a shootout.

It won’t necessarily be low-scoring, but there won’t be the offensive fireworks we are accustomed to seeing from Clemson. The Eagles know they want to run the football and make plays with their quarterback out of the pocket.

That philosophy will not work out great for them Saturday, though, as the Tigers front seven is among the best in the nation. Like we mentioned earlier, four teams have been held to less than 90 yards rushing by the Tigers defense.

Don’t expect a blowout in this game, but expect the Tigers to pull away in the second half.

Prediction: Clemson 27, Boston College 17