Boston College Football: September Grades

What would you grade each position group so far?

It's hard to believe, but the college football season is almost halfway through. Boston College has already played five games in August/September, and there has certainly been peaks and valleys as we enter the new month. For today's discussion we are going to discuss the first five games of BC's season including Virginia Tech. Grades are going to be given out for each phase of the game, but if you disagree sound off in the comment section.

Special Teams: Grade C- 

Ricky Brown's group has been a mixed bag with a few more low points than high. To their credit, the fumbles/snapping issues that haunted BC early last year are gone. But on the other hand Travis Levy is not as dynamic of a kick or punt returner as Michael Walker was in 2018, as he is near the bottom in yards per return in the ACC for eligible returners. Aaron Boumerhi is an upgrade over last season, but still has been inconsistent with two missed FGs. Punter Grant Carlson is also at the bottom of the ACC in punt average. 

Offense: Grade B

The offense is pretty much where it was last year, averaging about the 2018 average in points per game. Quarterback Anthony Brown is what he is, and I'm not sure how much more we are going to see him develop. He can throw the ball deep, and shows some good touch on some of his longer throws but continues to struggle on the short to intermediate tosses. The offensive line has been good to very good, especially given the amount of talent they lost after last season to the NFL Draft. Tyler Vrabel and John Phillips have been excellent. Only knock on the line have been the 2-3 presnap penalties that they seem to get every game. AJ Dillon and David Bailey have been superb and have done everything you could want out of a BC running back. Zay Flowers has been a revelation, showing blazing speed and becoming a play maker on day one. Kobay White has battled but has been slowed down after the VT game with only 8 catches over the past four weeks. Hunter Long and Jake Burt are dynamic tight ends and great safety valves for Anthony Brown. 

Defense: D

Steve Addazio has talked about this group playing a bend but don't break style that really emphasizes turnovers. It's clear that the level of talent, especially on the line has dropped precipitously since last year as Richard Yeargin/Marcus Valdez can not muster the pressure that Zach Allen and Wyatt Ray could. The Eagles have 5 sacks at this point, last year Wyatt Ray had four sacks just against Wake Forest. In terms of turnovers BC has 11 this year, five of which came against VT, which has helped a defense that has struggled. In the past three games BC has really struggled to get off the field, with their 3rd down percentage at 119th in the country, allowing offenses to continue drives. The secondary has been hit or miss, Brandon Sebastian has been good, Tate Haynes has struggled and has been replaced by Jason Maitre while the safeties really need to kick up their game. The linebacker play has been inconsistent with Max Richardson and John Lamot playing much better as of late, but the loss of Isaiah McDuffie has been huge, as Joe Sparacio has been gobbled up in pass coverage frequently. They need McDuffie back and soon, last year he was a play maker on defense and a leader, something this defense sorely needs. 

Coaching: D

When BC defeated Virginia Tech it felt like the season was headed in the right direction. But as the season has progressed the Eagles have fallen back into the same pattern we have seen every year under Steve Addazio. There has been the inexplicable losses (Kansas) the losing games we had no right losing based on the play of the players (Wake Forest), and battles with teams BC should bury (Rutgers). As mentioned before Addazio is not going to change, he is what he is. But if the first month is any indicator of where this year is headed, Boston College could be in some big trouble. 

Final Grade: C-