Clemson extended its home win streak to 31 games by downing BC 19-13 on Saturday night. The nation's longest active home win streak was in doubt, as Boston College was able to hang around all game long. Clemson wasn't necessarily aesthetically pleasing but with continued limitations in the passing game, it looks as if Clemson is embracing this approach out of necessity. The Tigers were plus thee in turnover margin and controlled the ground game rushing for 231 yards and holding BC to 46.
Clemson struck first when they hit on a big play, Kobe Pace took a handoff 59 yards to the house to put Clemson up 7-0. The early success for Clemson's offense mirrored last week in Raleigh. That shows more evidence that Clemson's pre-scripted play calling is well ahead, of its in game or "on the fly" play calling, as the games goes. BC answered with a field goal after a 10 play, 70 yard drive that took over 5 minutes. Boston College answered with a FG after a 10 play, 7- yard drive that took over 5 minutes.
To open the 2nd quarter, Clemson had a methodical five minute drive of their own. They were unable to punch it in, but did get a FG after going 94 yards. Clemson added another FG to take a double digit lead at 13-3. Boston College then drove for nearly 7 minutes and got another Connor Lytton FG with 19 seconds left in the 1st half. Clemson took a 13-6 lead to the locker room.
On their opening drive of the 2nd half, BC would score after hitting on two long pass plays to set up 1st and goal. RB Pat Garwo III punched it in from 3 yards out to tie the game at 13. The Clemson defense stood tall after that not allowing another point. The Tigers got a FG late in the 3rd to carry a 16-13 lead into the 4th.
B.T. Potter would hit his 4th FG of the game in the 4th to put Clemson up 19-13. The Tigers would finish it out and they are nearly automatic when leading after three, they are now 111-2 since 2011 in that situation.
The Clemson run game was paced by Kobe as he had his best college game thus far, Pace went for 125 rushing yards and a score on 19 carries. He also added 2 catches for 41 yards. Freshman RB Phil Mafah was impressive in his first action, he averaged on 8 yards per tote on 7 carries. QB D.J. Uigalelei was improved but still lackluster going 13 of 28 for 207. D.J. did value the ball as he and the Clemson offense were turnover free. Clemson picked off BC QB Dennis Grossel twice, he threw for over 300 yards on 23 of 40 passing.
Clemson moves to 3-2 with the win and they avoid back to back losses for the first time since 2011. The Tigers have a bye this week, then travel to Syracuse for a rare Friday night game on Oc. 15th.
