Boston College: Analyzing The Remaining Schedule
On the heals of a big Boston College win over NC State, we take a look at Boston College’s second half of the season. Based on the results we saw on Saturday the bye weeks seems to have come at just the right time allowing Steve Addazio and his crew to fix some major issues on defense, acclimate Dennis Grosel, and adapt the offense to their new quarterback. Lets take a look at BC’s final five opponents.
At Clemson
Boston College heads south for a matchup in Death Valley with the reigning National Champs on Saturday. Clemson’s strengths are easy to note. On offense the big three of Trevor Lawrence, Tee Higgins, and Travis Etienne give the Tigers a dangerously balanced offense registering 39.2 points a game. But the defense is equally impressive, with the Tiger D allowing just 12.3 ppg good for 5th in the country. Even coming a missed 2 point conversion attempt from losing to UNC a few weeks prior, Clemson dominated Florida Sate in their next game reminding the country clearly establishing themselves as a playoff contender this season. This is going to be a monumental task for the Eagles, the only way they can win this is to avoid a shootout, and pray that Trevor Lawrence is careless with the ball.
Probability of Win: 5%
At Syracuse
Another road game brings the Eagles to upstate New York with rival Syracuse next Saturday at noon. Unfortunately Dino Baber's success from last season has not carried over fully from last season. Quarterback Tommy Devito leads the Orangemen offense and has played well along side half back Moe Neal. Much like BC, the Cuse defense has struggled thus far, and they have the worst offensive line in the country, allowing 35 sacks so far this season. Boston College who hasn't been able to muster up much of a pass rush might be able to get pressure on Devito, and BC's offense should be able to run on that defense.
Probability - 60%
Florida State
The Seminoles come to Chestnut Hill in a matchup that the Eagles will be seeking vengeance for last season’s disappointing loss. FSU’s defense much like BC is simply put, bad. Allowing 32.2 points a contest they have been exposed and it seems that their run defense specially off tackle has been weak and should be the Eagles focal point of attack. Cam Akers gives the ‘Noles a bright spot on offense and will, much like AJ Dillon for BC, be the focal point for defenses week after week. They also lack a real passing attack as James Blackman hasn't been very good and Alex Hornibrook is woefully inconsistent. Also it's going to be the Red Bandana Game, and as many BC fans can attest, this is a game that Addazio has his team ready for.
Probability - 60%
At Notre Dame
Here come the Irish! Well actually, Boston College will travel to South Bend to renew the “Holy War” with Notre Dame. Due to the fact that outside of their matchup with Georgia, Notre Dame hasn't played a challenging schedule to date, so their statistics are inflated. Regardless, this is a good team that boasts a great quarterback who can make things happen with his legs in Ian Book, and as we've seen that has been a major issue for Boston College. They have a pretty strong pass defense, but their rushing defense has been middle of the road, which could be a good sign for David Bailey and AJ Dillon. The Eagles will need to get pressure on Book and frazzle his composure which has been his undoing in the past, along with stopping running back Tony Jones. Hey, its the Holy War. Anything can happened right?
Probability - 15%
At Pittsburgh
Boston College wraps up the regular season with a trip to Heinz Field to face the defending Coastal Champion Pittsburgh Panthers. This is tough team, that has battled a lot of close games pulling off five wins including a big one over UCF. The Panther defense has been fantastic this year, and even when the offense is sputtering, this team can ride them victory. This matchup spells trouble due to the fact that if they are shutting down the Eagles offense and it becomes a defensive battle, BC is in trouble. Their running game isn't particularly strong and quarterback Kenny Pickett will make mistakes, but he's a winner too and can pull off big games as well. Can BC put up enough points and contain that Pitt offense?
Probability - 35%