INSIDE THE GAME

Here’s a look at what might make the difference when No. 17 Clemson plays at Boston College today:

Secondary will be tested

Clemson’s secondary was picked apart by Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel for 380 yards last week. Cornerbacks Darius Robinson and Bashaud Breeland were routinely beaten. Xavier Brewer and the Clemson safeties missed tackles. The group will get another test today against Boston College quarterback Chase Rettig, who is leading the ACC in passing yards per game (317).

More Ellington

Clemson went to more misdirection and less straight-ahead running at Florida State because of the Seminoles’ exceptionally talented defensive front. But Clemson needs to get back to feeding Andre Ellington the ball and attacking defenses between the tackles. Florida State went from trailing 31-28 to building a 49-31 lead last Saturday in a stretch that saw Clemson run just 12 plays on offense, and Ellington wasn’t involved in one of them.

Life without Sammy

The good news for Clemson is the Tigers have won three games with Sammy Watkins having caught only 10 passes for 76 yards this season. The bad news for the Tigers is they will be without Watkins (stomach virus) and Martavis Bryant (groin injury) today. Clemson must again lean on DeAndre Hopkins and hope for production from receivers Charone Peake and Adam Humphries.

Outlook

Clemson is 5-6-1 at Boston College. The Tigers want to prove this is a different program with a different mentality.

Prediction

CLEMSON 34, BOSTON COLLEGE 27