BC Maven 2019 Football Roundtable: Areas of Concern

In today's roundtable discussion the gang starts to look outside the box. The question posed was "What will be an area of concern for the Eagles this season". The panelists gave their responses.

To check out the previous roundtable topics check out: Offensive MVP, and Defensive MVP, Breakout Stars of 2019

EagleinATL of Eagle in Atlanta: It is all about Anthony Brown. If Brown had played better against Purdue, FSU and even Syracuse last year, BC wins those games. Or at least takes two and gets to nine wins. With new coaching and another year, can he be better than he has been. Plus there is the issue of Addazio QBs staying healthy. Boston College needs a great season from Brown and I am concerned that his best will just be good.

4th And Dude of 4th and Dude Podcast: The secondary is a complete wild card this year. You lose Will Harris’ leadership and reliability as the last line of defense. You lose the veteran presence of Lukas Denis and Taj Amir Torres. And with Hamp leaving for the NFL, the #HampCheeversAccords to prevent aerial attacks officially becomes null and void. Finally, you have the departure of Anthony Campanile, the architect of Defensive Back U over the past 3 years as well as the mastermind behind the halftime adjustments that shut down several opponents in the second half last year (Miami, VT, Louisville, NC State). If there is a silver lining, it’s that 1) BC has recruited the position extremely well, 2) the young guys have been learning from the best via osmosis, and 3) the Bash Brothers (Brandon/Bryce Sebastian) are about to emerge in a big way. The Hokies have a QB that can sling it and some of the top wideouts in the ACC, so we’ll know immediately whether these guys are ready to step up.

HoyaEagle of SoarScoops: The entire defense. We lost a lot from a 2018 defense that was solid (32nd in S&P defensive rating) - Seven starters to be exact, all currently on NFL rosters. Not to mention we lost our defensive backs coach /co-defensive coordinator in Anthony Campanile. We have lots of question marks on that side of the ball. Who is going to replace Zach Allen and Wyatt Ray and pressure the quarterback? Who will line up next to Tanner Karafa at the other tackle spot? Will any of the linebackers become a difference maker? Who starts at safety? Who replaces Hamp Cheevers? I could go on and on. I’m worried.

Dan Rubin of BCEagles.com: I honestly think the run defense could be touch and go at the start of the season. BC lost a lot of beef up front, so it’s fair to assume there’s a concern there. My concern, though, is mitigated by two fronts: One is BC’s system of development always finds a way to ready players for roles. Jim Reid and Antoine Smith work with the edge and tackle positions, respectively, and I’ve been able to watch these guys work in drills with a hands-on, education-based approach.

The second is BC’s schedule and the style of early game teams. I know Virginia Tech runs the spread offense, and I believe Rutgers does as well. That doesn’t mean that teams won’t seize the opportunity to run, but teams usually don’t want to change everything for one opponent, especially early in the season. If I’m right, then the circumstances will help vaporize this concern quickly.

Heights And Lows: Starting with a loss. It’s just an unforgiving schedule and if BC starts off on the wrong foot against VT, the doubts will immediately start and pressure will be high. If that feeling lingers and BC does something unthinkable like losing to Kansas, it’s going to be a long September leading to even longer months to come without a break.

Eric Hoffses: For me it’s the overall depth of the team. I’m excited with the starters on both sides of the ball and think there’s plenty of talent to get back to a bowl game. However, if there are injuries I don’t see the team overcoming them like in years past. I know the backups come in with some quality recruiting rankings but there just isn’t much experience there.

AJ Black of BCMaven: I agree with a lot of the panelists, but I am going to go with a specific unit, the defensive line. I don't think many of us realize how great Zach Allen was last year, and how good he made those around him. I would argue he was the best defensive lineman they had since BJ Raji, he was that dominant. What he did that BC is going to notice is lacking, is making players around him better. Brandon Barlow and Marcus Valdez may be fine quality defensive ends, but show me. I want to see what they can do, but from what I've seen in the past they don't strike me as game changers. I worry that BC's front is going to really struggle against the run, and that could be a huge problem.