Boston College @ Clemson preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 30, 2010 ) Clemson 10, Boston College 16

THE STORY: After a brutal stretch in which it became the first ACC team to beat Top 25 teams in three consecutive weeks, eighth-ranked Clemson hopes to avoid a major letdown when struggling Boston College visits Death Valley. The Tigers are one of the nation’s biggest surprises, off to their best start since 2000 and boosted by wins over then-No. 19 Auburn, then-No. 11 Florida State and then-No. 10 Virginia Tech the past three weeks. The Tigers rolled 23-3 at Virginia Tech. The early going has been more frustrating for the Eagles, who have three losses of 10 points or less. Last week, Boston College rallied with 10 points in the fourth quarter but could not convert on their final drive and lost at home to Wake Forest, 27-19. Running back Montel Harris became the school’s all-time leading rusher in the game, finishing with 108 yards.

The alltime series is tied at 9-9-2. The Eagles won 16-10 at home last year, snapping a two-game Clemson win streak in the series.

TV: RSN. LINE: Clemson -21

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (1-4, 0-2 ACC): Junior linebacker Luke Kuechly leads the nation in tackles per game at 16.6, and recorded 14 last week against Wake Forest. But the Eagles are struggling overall on both sides of the ball (99th in the nation in scoring offense; 85th in total defense). One big worry in facing Boyd is the Eagles’ secondary; Boston College has allowed 250.2 yards passing per game. Harris, who missed the first three games of the season recovering from offseason knee surgery, aggravated his knee injury and will not dress Saturday.

ABOUT CLEMSON (5-0, 2-0 ACC): Quarterback Tajh Boyd passed for a season low in yards (204) and touchdowns (one) against the Hokies, but the sophomore still is tied for fifth in the nation with 14 TD passes. Boyd has thrown just two interceptions. Another underclassman, freshman Sammy Watkins, leads all freshmen in the nation with six TD receptions.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The ACC honored two Tigers who led Clemson’s strong showing at Virginia Tech. Defensive end Andre Branch (11 tackles, three sacks, both career highs) earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week, while linebacker Tig Willard (nine tackles) won Linebacker of the Week.

2. Boston College kicker Nate Freese kicked four field goals last week, including a career-best 52-yarder.

3. The Tigers started 8-0 in 2000, and are 5-0 for just the second time since the 1981 national championship season.

PREDICTION: Clemson 31, Boston College 13 – The Tigers continue their surge as Boyd picks apart the Eagles’ secondary.