Clemson vs Boston College Match Up Preview
The Clemson Tigers foray into Chestnut Hill to play Boston College is the schools first visit to the Eagles home venue since BC’s entrance into the ACC and the their only trip to Boston since 1983. This will be the 16th meeting between Clemson and Boston College also set for regional telecast on ABC. Only Miami (Fl) has played BC more among ACC teams entering this year. In 2005 Boston College ran 90 plays and dominated time of possession and sophomore quarterback Matt Ryan recorded the second start of his career and completed 24-of-42 passing attempts for a career high 221 yards to lead the Eagles in their first victory in the ACC, defeating Clemson in overtime, 16-13 at Memorial Stadium (Death Valley) in Clemson, SC.
The Tigers are making the trip already hampered by injuries in the young 2006 campaign. Clemson senior linebacker Anthony Waters, the Tigers top tackler in 2005 and the ACC’s top returning tackler in 2006 suffered a torn ACL during Clemson’s 54-6 victory over Florida Atlantic and will be out for the season. “This is certainly a major loss for our football team,” said Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden. “We have now lost two starting linebackers. (Tramaine Billie is the other) This leaves Clemson with a very young defense. Clemson’s probable starting lineup on defense will have just two seniors, Gaines Adams and Duane Coleman and just three returning starters from last year, Adams, Watkins and safety Michael Hamlin. Despite the youth, Clemson had a strong performance on defense to open the season. The Tigers did not allow a touchdown, held Florida Atlantic to 263 yards and just 47 yards rushing. The defense also forced four turnovers.
On offense, Clemson Quarterback Will Proctor got off to a solid start for the Tigers throwing for 166 yards and three touchdowns against Florida Atlantic. Proctor waited four seasons behind Charlie Whitehurst for his chance to be Clemson’s starter. And while Proctor stumbled at first, he and the Tigers settled down to put up their highest point total since a 63-17 win over South Carolina in 2003.
Boston College has had an extra day to prepare for Clemson since they opened their season on Thursday August 31st on the road at Central Michigan. Eagle QB Matt Ryan threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns and Brian Toal ended Central Michigan’s final scoring threat with a late interception as Boston College held on for a 31-24 victory.
Ryan completed 32-of-48 passes for a career best 323 of the teams 408 total net yards with no interceptions in BC’s win. For his performance in the win over Central Michigan, Quarterback Matt Ryan was named ACC Co-Offensive Back of the Week (along with Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson). The injury bug has also touched BC as QB Matt Ryan sprained an ankle in the game with Central Michigan. Ryan is listed as day-to-day as the Eagles prepare for their home opener in BC’s Alumni Stadium.
Clemson vs. Boston College
Sat Sept 9th, 3:30 pm EDT
Line Clem –2.5
TV ABC (regional coverage)
