XFactor: Duke basketball vs Boston College

The Blue Devils will play their first true road-game Saturday against Boston College at 4:30 p.m. Duke (11-2) wrapped up its non-conference slate by scoring more than 100 points in consecutive victories against Elon and Long Beach State. Before each game, the Chronicle takes a look at one player from each team who could be the difference maker in Duke's upcoming contest:

Duke: forward Brandon Ingram

In the first ACC game of his career, the Blue Devil freshman will play an extra important role. Duke will begin conference play without senior captain and leading rebounder Amile Jefferson—who is out indefinitely with a fractured right foot. Ingram will be tasked with helping Duke gain an additional rebounding edge, with graduate student Marshall Plumlee—the team’s leading active rebounder—matched up against Eagles center Dennis Clifford.

Ingram has averaged 5.8 rebounds through 13 games this season, but that number has risen to 8.8 boards in the four games this season in which Jefferson has not played. The 6-foot-9 forward’s ability to create scoring opportunities with his dynamic athleticism could also propel Duke to a confidence-boosting road victory. The Kinston, N.C., native will likely be matched up against Boston College’s A.J. Turner—a fellow freshman with a build similar to Ingram's. If the Ingram can take advantage of his superior athletic ability and get to the rim at will, it could be a big day for him on the score sheet.

Boston College: center Dennis Clifford

The Eagles’ big man truly is menacing. At 7-foot-1 and 262 pounds, Clifford is a threat on the boards and a punishing offensive force on the block. The senior will match up against Plumlee, who has held his own in the Blue Devils’ first few contests, but has yet to prove himself as a starter in conference play. Additionally, Clifford averages 9.0 points per game, proving that he has the ability to score in and around the paint.

Clifford is incredibly efficient and savvy when he has the ball in his hands. The Bridgewater, M.A., native shoots 56 percent from the field—a product of his smart shot selection and his team's ability to get him open shots. If Clifford can set the tone early and use his size to be a rebounding and offensive force for Boston College, the Eagles may be able to snatch a victory away from the Blue Devils, and start 2016 with a huge win against a ranked opponent.