Despite a rough start to the season, Clemson is still one of the ACC’s most dangerous squads. Last week’s 38-10 throttling of North Carolina was a perfect example of how talented these Tigers are. Now, Dabo Swinney’s crew will head up north to Boston College. Can the undermanned Eagles pull off a massive upset?
Below is my prediction, preview and pick for College Football Week 7’s game between the Clemson Tigers and the Boston College Eagles.
Clemson enters this contest as 14-point favorites (-115) over Boston College, with the over/under set at 54.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Clemson vs. Boston College prediction, preview
Last week’s bloodbath was a nice reminder of how good this Clemson team was supposed to be. One-possession losses to LSU and Georgia Tech set the Tigers back prior to a devastating 34-21 loss to Syracuse at home. Still, even with their postseason hopes all but finished, this program is still playing hard. It all starts at quarterback, where Cade Klubnik remains one of the nation’s most talented passers. Through five games, the senior has thrown for 1,250 yards and ten touchdowns to four interceptions. Last weekend’s four-TD performance vs. UNC should help the star signal caller get back on track.
Running back was a bit of a mystery for the Tigers this offseason. At this point, Adam Randall has put those concerns to rest. The converted wide receiver has accumulated 522 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns so far. He could be in store for a big game tonight vs. the Eagles. Boston College has surrendered 133.6 rushing yards per game, the ACC’s fourth-worst mark. BC has allowed an average of 37.0 points per game over its previous four contests.
One thing the Eagles can do is put up points. Quarterback Dylan Lonergan has been solid, recording 1,277 passing yards and nine touchdowns to three interceptions. Wide receiver Lewis Bond has been busy through the air, leading the ACC with 38 receptions. On the ground, Turbo Richard has led the way with 331 yards on 64 attempts (5.2 YPC).
Still, BC has yet to play a defense of this caliber. Clemson boasts future first-rounders Peter Woods and T.J. Parker along its defensive line. That’s not to say this secondary is a walk in the park, either. The Tigers have allowed just five passing touchdowns and 6.5 yards per attempt this season. This isn’t an ideal opponent to face at any point in the season. That’s especially true for an Eagles squad fresh off of a 48-7 embarrassment vs. Pitt.
Clemson vs. Boston College pick, best bet
Despite BC’s lackluster 1-4 start, they should offer more fight than North Carolina did. Regardless, Clemson is the superior team in nearly every aspect of the game. It doesn’t help that the Eagles have a laundry list of contributors currently sidelined with injuries. Expect the Tigers to pull away late tonight in Boston.
