Five Clemson players to keep an eye on against Boston College
Coming off back-to-back ranked wins, No. 5 Clemson will look to win its sixth game of the 2022 season on Saturday against the Boston College Eagles.
Sitting at 5-0 on the season, the Tigers have pushed past two of their most difficult games of 2022, but they are not taking the Eagles lightly.
Clemson defeated Boston College by six points in each of the last two matchups, including last year’s game between the two teams, when it came down to a game-winning fumble recovery by defensive end K.J. Henry late in the fourth quarter.
Boston College has struggled this season, but there will be plenty of juice from the Eagles, as the game is slated for a 7:30 p.m. EDT primetime kickoff, and it’s the Eagles’ Red Bandana game.
That said, here are five Tigers fans should keep a close eye on against Boston College.
Antonio Williams, Wide receiver
Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK
Clemson’s staff has elevated Williams to the full-time starting slot receiver over Brannon Spector, and the coaches have plenty of justification to do just that. Through the Tigers’ first five games, Williams has a team-high 17 receptions for 229 yards and one touchdown. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound freshman has become one of DJ Uiagalelei’s favorite targets, so look for Williams to build upon his strong start against Boston College.
Blake Miller, Offensive tackle
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Miller has had his fair share of struggles at the starting right tackle spot thus far, including a false start penalty against NC State that made head coach Dabo Swinney pull him out for a play to talk with him. Still, he has progressed and improved in both pass protection and run blocking each week. The Tigers didn’t allow a single sack against NC State last week, and Miller was a big reason they had that success. Against an Eagles defense that has allowed 373.2 total yards per game thus far, Miller and the rest of the Tigers’ offensive line could have a big night.
Andrew Mukuba, Defensive back
Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK
Although he was ejected in the first half of last week’s game with NC State, Mukuba had a strong start against the Wolfpack, primarily playing cornerback instead of his usual safety position. On the Tigers’ depth chart this week, Mukuba is the starter at strong safety and the co-starter at cornerback with Sheridan Jones, who is looking to return from injury against the Eagles. Mukuba himself is dealing with an elbow injury that is forcing him to wear a brace, but the 2021 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year will have his hands full against the Eagles’ passing attack.
Jake Briningstool, Tight end
Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK
Briningstool has not only played a key role for the Tigers this season, but he has become one of their primary weapons in the passing game. His 156 receiving yards on the season are the fourth-highest among Clemson pass catchers, and his three touchdowns are the second-highest only behind Beaux Collins. In the past two weeks, the 6-foot-6, 230-pound tight end has quickly emerged as a reliable target for Uiagalelei, especially in the red zone, so it wouldn’t come as a shock to see him make a handful of impact plays against the Eagles.
Sheridan Jones, Cornerback
Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK
Like Mukuba, Jones will likely have to deal with an experienced Boston College passing attack. If Clemson’s coaching staff gives Jones the starting nod this week, he will likely see plenty of action from Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers, who has had an incredible first five games. Flowers has 34 receptions for 481 yards and five touchdowns — all of which are the highest marks in the ACC. Clemson’s secondary was well off against the Wolfpack last week, but Jones and the rest of the Tigers’ defensive backs will be under the spotlight when they face off against Flowers.
