Join us » Clemson attempts to extend its winning streak against BC

PHILADELPHIA -- Sixers rookie Ben Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, has drawn a lot of comparisons to Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James.Both playmaking forwards share an agent. Now, they even weigh the same.Simmons told reporters on Monday at 76ers media day that he has gained around 33 pounds since leaving LSU and is about 250 -- also James listed weight.Im a lot stronger [now], said Simmons, who was listed at 240 pounds while at LSU but said Monday that he weighed 217 before the June 23 draft. Im at the point where I want to cut down a little bit and play at a nice weight. Physically just being out there, guys are a lot stronger than in college, but Im also a lot stronger than I was in college, so its just about taking hits and bumps or whatever it is and finishing at the rim.The key to his weight gain, Simmons says, has been eating well, lifting weights and working hard.Shaquille ONeal recently said Simmons, 20, is a LeBron-like player given his ability to make everyone around him better -- especially with his passing skills. Simmons and James worked out together, along with Dwyane Wade, during the summer.They were good. They get in the gym and work. They dont play around, Simmons said of James and Wade.Asked specifically about James impact on him, Simmons said: I think just being around [LeBron] and learning from his habits and what he does has just helped me overall. Hell be one of the first guys in the gym every day -- it doesnt matter what day it is. I think hes done a lot for me, and helped me with his experiences.Simmons, a 6-foot-10 point forward, averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists during his only season at LSU before declaring for the draft.His potential seems limitless. But he also recognizes that he has a long way to go before he can be considered in the same class as James, a four-time MVP and three-time champion.Ive just got to put in the work and see what happens, Simmons said. Theres a lot of things people can say, but if I dont put in the work, its not going to mean anything.Simmons, though, has struggled with his jump shot. In six Summer League games, he shot only 32.2 percent.Ive been working on my shot a lot. I can shoot the ball. Im not really worried about that, he said.Simmons brushed off questions about personal goals like winning Rookie of the Year by saying he just wants to work hard and get better every day.Even though hes young, he hopes to lead in some ways. The Sixers are looking for Simmons to help turn things around. The franchise has lost 199 games over the last three seasons -- including a 10-72 finish in 2015-16.He is looking forward to finally making his NBA debut after training camp and the preseason.I think its still surreal for me, Simmons said. I think it will finally hit me once I step on the court. Tony Gonzalez Super Bowl Jersey . Brett Kulak and Jackson Houck of the Vancouver Giants were each charged with assault causing bodily harm on Aug. 18, according to the B.C. court services. Tyrann Mathieu Super Bowl Jersey . According to a report from the Vancouver Province, the Lions are expected to replace former DC Rich Stubler with defensive backs coach Mark Washington. http://www.thechiefsshoponline.com/Youth-Christian-Okoye-Chiefs-Jersey/ . Ashley Youngs cross was inadvertently headed by Chester into his own net in the 66th minute, allowing United to claim a third straight league win. "We had to dig deep with our fighting spirit and weve done that," United striker Wayne Rooney said. Tanoh Kpassagnon Super Bowl Jersey . According to a report from the Winnipeg Free Press, the Bombers will name Acting GM Kyle Walters to the post full time. Jordan Lucas Super Bowl Jersey . -- The Magic have their first victory of the new year. Clemson faces a very different kind of challenge less than a week after defeating Louisville in what might go down as the best game of the college football season.Tigers coach Dabo Swinney might have to tell his players to B.Y.O.E to Boston College on Friday night: Bring your own energy. Literally and figuratively, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, is a long way from Death Valley.Each game is very exciting, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson said. You only get 12 opportunities to play. You work so hard over the offseason and throughout the week preparing for those 12 Saturdays. Each game is very special. Each game is a championship game for us.The Eagles (3-2, 0-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) should have their largest crowd of the season by far after averaging 23,465 at Boston College Alumni Stadium, capacity 44,500, for their first two home games. And its a Red Bandanna game at BC. The Eagles uniforms will be trimmed in a red bandanna theme to honor Welles Crowther, a former BC lacrosse player who was killed in the south tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. That should help inject some juice into the stadium.Fortunately for BC, it does not have to go head-to-head with the Red Sox playoff game against the Indians in Cleveland on Friday afternoon. That should be close to wrapping up when the Tigers and Eagles kick off at around 7:30 ET. Still, Boston College has lost 10 straight conference games, so it is understandable if a visit from the No. 3 team in the nation produces more dread than excitement among Eagles fans.The Eagles three wins have come against Massachusetts, Buffalo and Wagner. The best team they have played so far was Virginia Tech, and they lost 49-0. Clemson (5-0, 2-0) is another level up.The issue youre going to have is youre just playing against some of the finest players in the country, BC coach Steve Addazio said. Thats the issue youre going to have. Therere no weaknesses.The Tigers won last seasons meeting 34-17 and Watson threw for 420 yards. As has been the case the last couple seasons at BC, the defense is solid but there is just not much offense. The Eagles rank first in the ACC in yards per play allowed (3.53) and second-to-last in yards per play gainned (5.dddddddddddd2).Some things to know as Clemson attempts to extend its winning streak against BC to six straight games:ROAD WARRIORS: Clemson has won seven straight road games, one shy of matching the school record set from 1978-79. This trip is extra tricky because the Tigers had less time to recover from that draining 42-36 victory against Louisville.Getting rest, catching up on film and taking care of your bodies, Watson said about the short work week.The last time Clemson played a regular-season Friday game was 1956 at Miami. The Tigers lost that one. The last time they won a regular-season Friday game was 1952 against Boston College.WHAT A RUSH: Clemson is third in the ACC with 18 sacks and Boston College is tied for fourth with 16.For the Eagles, defensive end Harold Landry leads with 5.5 sacks and is one of the most unheralded stars in the ACC.The Tigers have one of the deepest and most talented defensive lines in the country. Carlos Watkins and Albert Huggins are tied for the team lead with three sacks each.HOMEBOY: The best of Clemsons defensive linemen is from Massachusetts. Christian Wilkins grew up rooting for the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, Celtics and Boston College in Springfield.Wilkins said this week he was doing his best to trade tickets for future games with teammates to accommodate all the requests he has from family and friends. He figures he would need about 100 tickets to fill all requests.Wilkins could also be seeing more time at his more natural defensive tackle spot starting this week with defensive end Austin Bryant set to return from a broken foot. The 308-pound Wilkins was moved outside more often to compensate for the missing starter.UPSETS: The Eagles are looking for their first victory against a top-10 team since they beat Southern California 37-31 on Sept. 13, 2014, which was also a Red Bandanna game. Boston College has not defeated a top-five team since a 14-7 victory at No. 4 Notre Dame in 2002.---Follow Ralph D. Russo at www.twitter.com/ralphDrussoAp and the APs college football website at www.collegefootball.ap.org ' ' '