Clemson Report Card

Offense

Three interceptions by Cullen Harper helped keep Boston College in it, but the Tigers still moved the ball and cashed in when they had to. C.J. Spiller and James Davis combined for 107 rushing yards, which is a lot more than most folks expected coming in. Clemson's two first-quarter touchdown drives - totaling seven plays and 151 yards - set the tone and gave the Tigers confidence that lasted throughout the game. The patchwork offensive line played surprisingly well.

Grade: B

Defense

Boston College totaled 236 yards and converted just three of 18 third downs. The defense allowed just one drive of longer than 35 yards, and eight of the Eagles' possessions were four plays or less. What's more, the Tigers maintained their mettle and resolve despite being put in tremendously difficult circumstances by the offense. And oh yeah: Clemson made stops at the end for the first time in a long time.

Grade: A

Special teams

This team would probably be 3-5 if not for Spiller's dazzling 64-yard kickoff return that swiped back the momentum after Boston College put up two fourth-quarter touchdowns in two minutes. The Tigers suffered their first blocked punt or field goal of the season when Justin Jarvis blocked Jimmy Maners' punt attempt, leading to a 25-yard return for a touchdown by Roderick Rollins to make the score 17-14. The kickoff team kept Jeff Smith in check, limiting the Eagles to a 15-yard average on six returns. And Mark Buchholz made up for his missed 38-yard field goal in the third quarter, connecting from 43 to forge the final margin with 2:46 left.

Grade: B

Coaching

Clemson didn't wilt mentally when Boston College made its fourth-quarter charge, and Dabo Swinney should be given credit for keeping his team believing. Then again, it certainly helps to have Spiller coming up with huge plays. Swinney and quarterbacks coach Billy Napier called plays aggressively early in building the 14-0 advantage. Nice call to go to a single-covered Aaron Kelly on the go-ahead touchdown pass. And kudos to defensive coordinator Vic Koenning for having his guys prepared for Boston College's read-option and quick-passing game.

Grade: A

Overall

This was a game the Tigers simply had to have to keep the ground from crumbling under Swinney's feet. Clemson played with confidence Saturday, and that's been in glaringly short supply for most of the season. The Tigers are still just 4-4 (2-3 ACC), but the rest of the schedule looks a lot more manageable than it did before the trip to New England.

Grade: B-plus

-- Larry Williams