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NO. 18 BOSTON COLLEGE (8-2) AT NO. 15 CLEMSON (8-2)

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* Kickoff: Saturday 4:45 p.m. PST.

* TV: ESPN2.

* Line: Clemson by 7 1/2 .

* Boston College update: Two weeks ago, the Eagles were in position to play for the Bowl Championship Series national title. But after losing consecutive games, they are barely hanging on for an Atlantic Coast Conference title. The Eagles have relied on quarterback Matt Ryan, who has 3,269 yards passing and 24 touchdowns. In the last two games, he has completed only 52.2% of his passes with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

* Clemson update: The Tigers have won four consecutive games -- three by at least 34 points -- and their offense is averaging 47.8 points in those games. Quarterback Cullen Harper has passed for 902 yards and 12 touchdowns with only one interception during the streak. Running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller have a combined 1,376 yards to provide a solid 1-2 punch. The Clemson defense is fifth in the nation, giving up 282.7 yards a game, including only 161.8 yards a game through the air.

* Story line: The winner of the game gets a spot in the ACC title game as the Atlantic Division champion. The all-time series is tied at 7-7-2, but Clemson has not defeated the Boston College since 1958.

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* The pick: Clemson. Harper should be able to take advantage of a Boston College pass defense that gives up 279 yards a game -- 109th in the nation.

- PETER YOON

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