Boston College Eagles vs Clemson Tigers: What to watch for

Boston College Eagles

A huge factor in this game is going to be how well Boston College plays on offense.

The play of quarterback Anthony Brown has already been discussed so its time to focus on what is central to the Eagles offense: the running game.

AJ Dillon is one of the best in the nation, though he has been hampered by injury and dinged up as of late. Dillon had 96 yards in last week’s victory over Virginia Tech. These numbers came despite sitting out much of the fourth quarter.

Dillon has 897 yards and eight touchdowns in 2018 and has been complemented nicely by players such as Ben Glines, David Bailey, and Travis Levy. Levy had his best running game of the season last week, rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns.

Whatever combo of players is used in the backfield need to help control the clock while also being productive. This also means the offensive line will be in the spotlight not only opening holes for the backs but for keeping Brown clean in the pocket as well.

The Eagles have allowed 14 sacks in 2018 and are averaging 225 yards per game on the ground.

Boston College’s front seven and its run defense are in for a battle. The defense allows 151.8 rushing yards per game and are facing a Clemson team averaging 265 rushing yards.

In last season’s loss to the Tigers, the defense ran out of gas by the fourth quarter. When the game was all said and done, the Eagles had allowed 342 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

One player who didn’t play in last season’s game was Connor Strachan. The quiet leader of the defense, Strachan has 74 tackles and 3 sacks in 2018.