10/18 12:30 PM CF (375) CLEMSON at (376) BOSTON COLLEGE
FREE PICK: (376) BOSTON COLLEGE +5
This opinion certainly can’t be classified as a value play, as the line has already been hit thanks to the Clemson injury information. But I’m still of the belief Boston College is worth taking a long look at in this battle at Chestnut Hill.
BC is making some real noise in Steve Addazio’s second year the helm of the Eagles. This is definitely a program that’s back on the rise. Addazio, who previously did some good work at Temple, is starting to earn some notice nationally thanks to the recent play of the Eagles, and a win here would be huge for Boston College.
BC has not yet mastered the art of consistency, but I think it’s now a virtual given that they can play. No doubt the Eagles would love a couple of mulligans for the losses to Pittsburgh and Colorado State. But that hammering of USC was mighty impressive and the Eagles absolutely crushed North Carolina State last week. The one thing that was really noticeable in each of those wins was the physicality of this football team. They have not shown any tendency to pull back when they get a lead. Make no mistake, I’m very biased when it comes to the style of play we get from Boston College. I like teams that pound it on the ground and won’t allow their opponents to do the same. BC’s whole mindset is to win in the trenches, and that formula is working very well for them so far this season.
Clemson is likely going to be determined to show they can function at a high level without injured QB Deshaun Watson. But I’ve got substantial doubts that’s possible, as there’s a major difference in the talent level between Watson and Cole Stoudt. I can see the latter as a reasonable game manager, but he’s simply not nearly as explosive as Watson.
The key to this game is likely going to be the Clemson defense. The Tigers got run over by Georgis in the season opener, but have since really toughened up against the run. If they can force Boston College QB Tyler Murphy to throw the ball more often than is desired, the Tigers will be in great shape here. But if that BC overland attack gets cranked up, Clemson’s offense will be spending more time than they want on the sidelines.
Clemson is saying all the right things as they approach this battle. But I’m not sold that’s really the case. It’s not that the Tigers have nothing to play for, but it’s also true that there’s now a ceiling on what they can accomplish this season, particularly with Watson now merely a spectator.
Don’t overlook the revenge motive here. A much stronger Clemson entry was given fits last season by a considerably lesser BC squad. The Tigers came perilously close to getting stunned by the Eagles in Death Valley last year, with BC actually leading onto the fourth quarter of that affair. Clemson eventually prevailed on a fairly short drive followed by a fumble return for six that put the game away. But Boston College have what at the time was the $3 rated team in the polls a huge scare and the Eagles will not be short on confidence here.
This game appeals to me on some key stats as well as what I believe will be the mental aspect of the game. The betting line is no longer ideal, but it’s not terrible either. I’ll opt for Boston College to give the Tigers all they want and more, and I’ll side with the Eagles in the home dog role.
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