Dan Scott: Clemson vs. Boston College Prediction

by Dan Scott - Correspondent - Fri Sep 08 12:17:51 GMT-04:00 2006

Dan Scott interview with Tommy BowdenWindows Media

Well, 1-0 out of the box and the Tigers performed even better than I thought they would. So well that I can keep Becky on the shelf for another week. Much to the chagrin of many of you, I know.

Anyway, on to this week's matchup, Clemson (1-0) at Boston College (1-0):

When Clemson Has The Ball

This is very simple. Clemson's offensive line was poor, to say the least, against the Eagles a year ago. Tommy Bowden himself has said so. How bad? Clemson was 0-for-11 converting third downs in the overtime loss. So needless to say, the front five have something to prove in this game. Central Michigan had success running the ball against BC in last week's season-opener, and if the Tigers can duplicate - and surpass - that performance it will do wonder's for Will Proctor. Passing when you want, as opposed to being forced into throwing the ball, is much easier on a quarterback's psyche. And his backside. With BC's top defensive lineman suspended for the first half, watch for Rob Spence to put the onus on his line and attack with the running game. If they have success running the ball, the sky is the limit.

ADVANTAGE - Clemson

When BC Has The Ball

Despite being nearly broken in half by David Dunham a year ago, BC quarterback Matt Ryan had great success throwing the ball vs. Clemson last season. The Eagles' big, strong offensive line made it easy for Ryan, and with a good running game to boot BC ran almost 40 more offensive plays than Clemson. So again, this is a battle of the trenches. The Tiger defense must get itself off the field with much more regularity than it did a year ago. And while the BC offensive line is younger and less proven than last season, the Eagles are still big and strong. Plus, Clemson's loss of Anthony Waters as a run stuffer in the middle could be exposed here. Bottom line, Gaines Adams and his teammates on the defensive line must elevate their game if the Clemson defense is to be successful.

ADVANTAGE - Boston College

Special Teams

Clemson wins the speed advantage here, hands down. The only remaining question centers around the new punt protection formation, which we didn't see a week ago because the Tigers never punted. Until we see that, it's hard to make a call in favor Clemson.

ADVANTAGE - Even

Coaching

Tom O'Brien's teams historically make very few major mistakes. Bowden's Tigers, especially the young ones, seem to be more disciplined and mature than other teams in the recent past. This could come down to a battle of coordinators. After being criticized for being ultra-conservative in this game a year ago, let's see what Clemson's Rob Spence has up his sleeve Saturday.

ADVANTAGE - Clemson

Bottom Line

With a trip to Tallahassee looming next week, the Tigers can ill afford a poor performance against the Eagles. The Magic Helmet sees vindication for Clemson's big boys in the trenches.

THE PICK

Clemson 21, Boston College 17