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No. 24 Clemson Tigers at Boston College Eagles
Line: Clemson by 5
Here’s a game between two young teams that are now on a roll. Clemson’s 4-2 record includes losses to Florida State and Georgia, nothing to be ashamed of. Now, they’re back with their original starter at quarterback: Cole Stoudt. And make no mistake, with the Tigers having an inconsistent rush defense going up against a dominant rushing Boston College team, Stoudt has to be more than a game manager to win this game. He has to be a star and give his playmakers chances to be stars. This is his chance to solidify himself in the starting lineup and prove he belongs, because he still hasn’t lived up to the hype he appeared to get in the offseason. This game rests on his shoulders.
Boston College, meanwhile, needs to simply play Steve Addazio, Eagles-style football. Tyler Murphy and the rushing attack should have no trouble moving the ball against a Clemson defense that has looked good against the run recently but still can’t ignore what it allowed to Todd Gurley at the beginning of the season. If Boston College can do that, keep the Clemson offense off the field, and then force the offense to make plays when it is on the field, they have a great chance. It will then come down to the Eagles defense. Can they force Stoudt into making mistake? Or will they allow Stoudt to torch them?
Prediction
The Eagles will move the ball on the Clemson defense and put up points, but it won’t matter. This is Stoudt’s official breakout game. He will lead the Tigers to victory in a moderately high-scoring affair, and Clemson will continue the roll it has gotten on.
Clemson: 34 Boston College: 27