Clemson crossed several major hurdles this past Saturday, as Dabo Swinney notched his first win as head coach and the Tigers beat Boston College for the first time since the Eagles joined the ACC four years ago. The offense came out clicking in the first half and the Tigers quickly built a 17-0 lead that easily could have been more. C.J. Spiller, returning from a hamstring injury, looked like a man possessed. He had big plays running, receiving, and on a kick return, despite missing some time after getting his bell rung on a sideline hit. Spiller's 105 reception yards set a school record for a running back.
In the second half, the Tigers tried their hardest to give the game away and suffer another excruciating loss to BC. Clemson started the implosion with a Cullen Harper interception to set up a quick touchdown. On the next possession, punter Jimmy Mayners looked like he was walking in quicksand and BC easily blocked the kick and returned it for a touchdown. The Eagles pulled ahead shortly thereafter, as another interception led to a quick touchdown drive that put the home team up 21-17. The scene looked all too familiar for Tiger fans. In past seasons, Clemson easily would have folded and lost the game. This time Swinney's team made a quick turnaround and scored on a touchdown pass to Aaron Kelly to retake the lead. The defense, which played stellar all game long, held BC on their final possession to secure the victory.
The win broke a three-game losing streak and returned Clemson's record to 0.500 on the season. It was definitely a step in the right direction, but turnovers and untimely penalties continue to put Clemson behind the proverbial 8-ball. The Tigers continue their road journey next week against Florida State, in the first non-Bowden Bowl in 9 years.
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