Clemson vs. Boston College: Postgame Notes

After watching the Clemson and Boston College matchup, things are looking good for the Tigers. Having said that, there are still many areas of improvement to be made. I've collected my thoughts in five succinct notes.

1. The defense is one area that needs no improvement. Kevin Steele's unit had a plan, and they dominated the game with that plan. By overwhelming the BC offensive line and throwing in some delayed blitz packages, the front line of the Clemson defense was dependable, consistent, and overbearing.

2. The defensive ends are starting to make some noise. Ricky Sapp and Da'Quan Bowers continually disrupted plays in the backfield. Steele even got creative by putting Bowers at middle linebacker, and having him blow past BC's guard.

3. Kyle Parker can, in fact, play like a freshman. Luckily, he did it in a game that Clemson won with ease. He was 13 of 27 with two interceptions: not exactly the performance fans were expecting. The film should tell the tale, though. Parker rarely, if ever, scanned the field or looked off a safety.

4. Clemson has one heck of a kicker in Richard Jackson. He was 6/6 against Boston College, included a 52 yard beauty. He also kicked a 58 yarder while warming up at the end of the half, and had the distance for 5-10 more yards. His six field goals tie the all time Clemson single game field goal record.

5. Andre Ellington is the future of Clemson football. I've been skeptical about Ellington, and very reluctant to call him the "next C.J. Spiller." I don't want to jump the gun, but watching him run truly is like turning back the clock 4 years and watching a freshman C.J. Spiller run. Ellington has great speed, balance, and vision and averaged an easy five yards a carry against BC. He's averaging nearly 8 yards a touch on the year, and may beat out Jamie Harper to be the premier back next season.