On Thursday night, the college football world was stunned by the news that Clemson QB, Heisman favorite, and potential NFL first pick Trevor Lawrence had tested positive for COVID-19. He was officially ruled out for Saturday’s contest between the Boston College Eagles and Clemson Tigers. Here’s why BC has a legitimate shot of defeating #1 Clemson in Death Valley on Saturday.
1. Clemson’s Backup QB D.J. Uiagalelei Has Never Started a NCAAF Game
Every sports fan knows how hard it is for a backup to come into a heavily pressured situation. That is just the case for freshman, and five star recruit QB D.J. Uiagalelei this weekend, as he’ll have to face a very promising Boston College defense on Saturday afternoon. Making his first career start, the nerves will likely factor in on the first couple of drives for the five star recruit. If Boston College can get going early, the nerves will only build up for Clemson’s offense.
2. Clemson Now Needs to Change Their Entire Game Plan for This Weekend
Up to this point, Clemson was expecting to ride out Trevor Lawrence in his likely last season with them. Not only this week, but this entire season, their offense has been built around his skill set. Clemson’s offensive game plan will have to adapt to Uiagalelei’s talents which are very different from Lawrence’s. Uiagalelei is a very mobile QB and has yet to throw for a touchdown in thr NCAAF. This could very well lead to a sloppy first half for Clemson’s offense and get BC going early.
3. BC QB Phil Jurkovec Has Flown Under the Radar This Season
Not only has Clemson’s offensive plans been rocked by this news, but their defense will also have to deal with a QB just outside the Heisman conversation. Phil Jurkovec has had a very promising year as the starter in Chestnut Hill, and he is 6th in passing yards this season out of all NCAAF quarterbacks and has led the Eagles to an impressive 4-2 start. Watch out for Zay Flowers and Hunter Long in Saturday’s game, who are both having phenomenal seasons.
In sports, they play games for a reason. Tomorrow’s game is certainly not a given win for Clemson. The Eagles will be hungry for their first win against Clemson in over a decade. Make sure to mark your calendars for Saturday’s 12 pm start on ABC.
Photo credit: College Football News
