GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Clemson’s linebackers and secondary vs. Boston College’s deep and talented corps of tight ends is expected to provide an intriguing matchup on Saturday. Clemson’s defense has been burned by tight ends in the past, and the Eagles’ group — led by Tommy Sweeney and his team-leading 24 receptions — could inflict some damage. Boston College’s tight ends have a combined 52 catches for 634 yards this season, which concerns Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables. “We’re going to have to amp up our physicality,” Venables said. “Our back seven is going to have to play the most physical game they’ve played all year. We have to match their physicality to have a chance. These are NFL-type tight ends. We haven’t seen as good of blocking and receiving combo all season. This will be a great test for our edge players.”
DRAFT SLANT
–DL Christian Wilkins continues to impress NFL personnel with his versatility. One week after scoring the first rushing touchdown of his career, Clemson’s 6-foot-4, 315-pound tackle focused on the defensive side of the ball and turned in one of his best all-around performances of the season against Louisville. Wilkins had five tackles, including 2 1/2 tackles for loss, half a sack, a quarterback hurry and a blocked PAT for good measure. Now he gets to return to his home state for a game at Boston College, where he had eight tackles, including a sack, in 2016.
ROSTER REPORT:
–CB Mark Fields is expected to return to the lineup after missing last week’s game against Louisville with a pulled groin.
–OL Sean Pollard will play Saturday night after sitting out the Louisville game with back spasms.
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