Game Recap: BC 28 - Clemson 34

The Clemson Tigers came back to defeat Boston College 34-28. The Eagles got out to an early lead in the game and held all the way until early in the fourth quarter. The Tigers, of course, were without their star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Without Lawrence, top quarterback recruit and true freshman DJ Uiagalelei would be at the helm.

BC opened up the scoring courtesy of an 11-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers. The Eagles had a seamless first drive. A few quick passes and a Jurkovec scramble were all the team needed to take the lead. Clemson marched right back down the field largely through running back Travis Etienne. Etienne took a short pass from Uiagalelei 35 yards to tie the game.

BC started its next drive with a big play to Jaelen Gill. David Bailey punched in to put the Eagles back on top 14-7. Early in the second quarter, Clemson was looking to tie the game when Etienne fumbled the ball on the 1 yard line, with Brandon Sebastian scooping it up and bringing it back 99 yards to put the team up 21-7. Clemson came back to hit a field goal.

BC nearly closed the half with a long drive that ended with a circus catch from CJ Lewis to take a 28-10 lead. Lewis would set career highs with five receptions for 66 yards. But Clemson had just enough time to squeak it in a 50-yard field goal to close the half.

The Eagles would fail to score a single point in the second half. Uiagalelei would cap off the opening drive with a 30-yard touchdown run on fourth and short. A sloppy next possession saw the Eagles give the ball right back to the Tigers. Uiagalelei would connect with Amari Rodgers for another score. BC continued sloppy plays and back to back penalties nullified two Grant Carlson punts that were downed inside the 5. Etienne would carry the Tigers to take the lead early in the fourth and would break the all time ACC rushing record in the process.

The BC defense would keep the game close and give Jurkovec and the Eagles another chance. Jurkovec had just barely missed an open Flowers deep in the previous possession, but this time a tough hit and fall would see backup Dennis Grosel into the game. Grosel would convert a critical fourth down to Hunter Long, but BC would go no further, failing to convert a fourth down. But the Eagles were able to force one more stop for one last chance. With 1:24 left to go, Jurkvoec would immediately get pressured and a sack gave Clemson the 34-28 victory.

Jurkovec would end with just over 200 yards and two touchdowns but on only fifty perfect passing. On the side, Uiagalelei would post over 300 yards in relief for Lawrence and became more comfortable as the game went on. Etienne was still the star of the show, with over 200 total yards.

BC dropped to 4-3 overall and 3-3 in the ACC while Clemson moved to 7-0, 6-0 in the ACC.