Boston College will host the Clemson Tigers on Saturday in hopes of keeping their momentum going after beating NC State on the road last week. Currently they have a record of 4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. With difficult opponents left on their schedule, beating the Tigers will be critical in their efforts for a bowl berth. Here are some reasons they have a legit opportunity to bring down #22 rank Clemson.

Style of play:

Although the Eagles may seem like a vanilla team, by pounding the ground, they have the ability to help a Quarterback back establishing the pass through its running game, which is averaging over 300 yards per game. BC’s believes if they win the trenches, they win the game. There’s nothing fancy about it, this is just good ole fashioned “smash mouth” football.

Revenge:

Revenge, will be a key factor in this match-up. Last year the Eagles almost beat the Tigers in Death Valley, having the lead in the 4th quarter it took a fumble return for a touchdown to finally give Clemson the win. Expect Boston College to be ready and put up a similar fight for a different result.

Key Injuries:

Clemson Quarterback, Deshaun Watson will be out for several weeks with a broken hand. Before he was hurt, he had a 186 QB rating that ranked second in the FBS and was throwing 10.5 yards per attempt with a 12-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. This goes without saying, it’s a huge setback for the Tigers, especially when back-up QB Cole Stoudt has been playing injured as well, with a shoulder separation requiring pain injections to play. Expect Boston College’s defense to pressure him often. Speaking of defense…

Defense:

Sometimes the numbers speak for themselves…

Total Yards: 289 yards per game 8th overall
Passing Yards: 190 yards per game 19th overall
Rushing Yards 99 yards per game 9th overall
Points allowed: 19 per game 22nd overall

Boston College is one of those teams that if not taken seriously, can cost you dearly…just ask USC. I like the Eagles getting points at home, with a possibility for a small upset.

Consider: Boston College +5

Greg Smith is a sports handicapper at Only Best Bets and writer for The Saturday Edge. You can follow Greg on Twitter throughout the college football season @onlybestbets.