Clemson @ Duke preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 15, 2008 ) Duke 7, Clemson 31

Clemson continues to build its resume for a BCS bowl bid, led by a high-octane offense. The ninth-ranked Tigers, averaging 41 points, go for their fifth consecutive victory at upstart Duke on Saturday. Clemson has been especially productive since its lone loss at Florida State, capped by record-setting days from quarterback Tajh Boyd and wide receiver Sammy Watkins in a 42-13 victory at Wake Forest on Oct. 25. The Tigers are determined to avoid what happened last year when they finished 2-4 after an 8-0 start. The Blue Devils have won all five games at home, two in the ACC, with an experienced offense taking the lead. However, Duke could be without efficient senior quarterback Sean Renfree, who suffered concussion-like symptoms in a 48-7 loss at Florida State last Saturday and is questionable.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: Clemson -13

ABOUT CLEMSON (7-1, 4-1 ACC): Watkins, who missed three games with injuries and illness, showed he was back to form with eight catches for a school-record 202 yards at Wake. That gives Boyd, who set a school mark with 428 yards passing, one of the best one-two punches at receiver in the nation. DeAndre Hopkins has 909 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns, ranking among the nation’s leader in both. Boyd has completed 67.7 percent of his passes after finishing last season at 59.7 and has recorded 20 touchdown passes. Andre Ellington is also second in the ACC in rushing. However, Clemson’s defense is ranked 82nd in yards against per contest.

ABOUT DUKE (6-3, 3-2): The Blue Devils have played better at home, but this will be their toughest test. Renfree is completing 68.6 percent of his passes and if he can’t go sophomore Anthony Boone takes over. Boone did step in for Renfree against Virginia, throwing for 212 yards in a 42-17 victory on Oct. 6. Whoever is under center will be looking for senior Conner Vernon, the only player in ACC history with at least 50 catches and 700 yards in four seasons. Vernon needs 83 to become the ACC’s all-time leader in receiving yards. Duke is ranked 100th in the nation in rushing and has only 20 touchdowns in 40 red-zone chances.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Clemson is ranked eighth in the nation at 53 percent in third-down conversions and Duke is 104th at 33.8 percent.

2. Duke is averaging 42.6 points at home and 18.5 on the road.

3. Clemson has won eight of the last nine games and leads the all-time series 35-16-1.

PREDICTION: Clemson 31, Duke 10