In today’s new media age, it won’t be hard for Clemson’s players to get a Boston College score on Saturday. But from the sounds of it, all phones and laptops may just be turned off in the locker room.
The resurgent Tigers need a win — or a BC loss to North Carolina — to secure their first berth in the ACC Championship Game, a feat once thought impossible after disheartening league losses to Georgia Tech and Maryland.
But this is college football in the new millennium. This is an era when teams can bounce back, can save their season, and can come out of nowhere to make the BCS.
And the No. 19 Tigers (7-3) are one step closer to proving it.
But a funny thing happened along the way to controlling their destiny at 3:30 p.m. vs. Virginia (3-7) in Death Valley. Boston College, with a loss to the Tar Heels, would seal the Tigers’ fate for them. And that game kicks off at noon in Chestnut Hill. Clemson may not even have to win.
And that would be fine, we suppose, for the Tigers. But the question really is this: Do they want that? Or, do they want to take care of it themselves?
“That doesn’t matter,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “If that happens, great, but there will not be celebrating until we have taken care of our business. These kids have responded to every situation and we won’t spend 30 seconds talking about Boston College.
“We are worried about Virginia. No one wants to lose at home, especially your last home game in Death Valley.”
You just about summed it up perfectly for us, Dabo. That’s why we’re on your side this week.
The Tigers — with a proud tradition, rabid fans and an unbelievable home field — have been waiting to play for a league title a long, long time. Tommy Bowden couldn’t get it done, which is the reason Swinney now has the chance.
And because of an impressive five-week run — going 5-0 and winning four by double digits — they have the chance finally to get it done.
“It is a great opportunity,” Swinney said, “for us to be at home and win our division.”
We agree. And with all due respect to Virginia, the Cavaliers’ season ended a while ago. They totaled but a field goal offensively last week at home vs. BC, and lost the previous three league games by an average of 24 points.
We don’t know about you, but we’re not touching that. Clemson (-201⁄2) is the pick.
tsullivan@nypost.com