Team Info
Boston College Eagles
Head Coach: Steve Addazio
2013 Record: 7-6 overall, 4-4 ACC Atlantic
2013 Bowl Result: Lost to Arizona 42-19 in the Independence Bowl
2013 Returning Starters: 3 offense, 6 defense
Betting Info
Odds to win 2015 College Football Championship Game: 500/1
Odds to win 2014 ACC Championship Game: 200/1
Odds to Win 2014 ACC Atlantic Division: 33/1
Regular Season Wins: under 5 -175 / over 5 +145
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Last season, Boston College had a surprising 7 win season under coach Steve Addazio. The five losses all came to bowl teams USC, Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina and Syracuse. The season was highlighted by upset wins over Virginia Tech and Maryland. Boston College was routed by Arizona 42-19 in the Independence Bowl. However, all in all it was a successful season in Addazio’s debut season as coach.
The problem is only 9 starters are back from that team and a backslide is possible if not likely.
Offense
Boston College was definitely run first in 2013 as they were #20 nationally in rushing at 213 yards per game. The passing game was an afterthought at best averaging 155 yards per game, which was #115 out of 125 teams. The Eagles scored 28 points a game under coordinator Ryan Day.
Quarterback Chase Rettig has graduated after a solid if unspectacular career. Last year he threw for 1,995 yards with 17 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, and also had a rushing touchdown. Senior Tyler Murphy, a transfer from Florida, is expected to be the starter. Murphy threw for 1,216 yards with 6 touchdowns and 5 interceptions last year for the Gators, and added 3 rushing touchdowns in six games as the starter. He threw for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 30-10 win for Florida against Arkansas.
Running back Andre Williams was a Heisman finalist last year but is now with the New York Giants. Williams had 355 carries for 2,177 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. Sophomore Myles Willis had 60 carries for 346 yards and 2 touchdowns, plus a touchdown catch. He will get a lot more carries as will Tyler Rouse and David Dudeck. Rouse rushed for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns. Dudeck had only 5 carries but did make 11 catches with a touchdown in 2013.
Boston College must also replace leading receiver Alex Amidon who had 77 catches for 1,032 yards and 5 touchdowns, and also had a rushing touchdown. No other Eagle receiver had more than 14 catches last season. Tight ends Jake Sinkovec and C.J. Barnes both had 3 touchdown catches last season and are gone as well. Harrison Jackson was supposed to be the go-to receiver but he tore his ACL in spring practice. Josh Bordner, the back-up quarterback last year is now a receiver. Drew Barksdale and Charlie Callinan will also look to be reliable targets.
The offensive line must replace tackles Matt Patchan and Ian White. However, they should be strong in the middle still with the only three starters back on offense at center and the two guards.
Defense
Boston College allowed 429 yards per game on defense last year and 29 points. The defense returns six starters under coordinator Don Brown.
The line must replace Kasim Edebali who had 9.5 sacks last year. Still the defensive line does return several players with experience and should be deep. Defensive end Malachi Moore, a sophomore, could be a breakout star. Mehdi Abdesmad had 3.5 tackles for loss before being sidelined with injuries. He is back as well.
Kevin Pierre-Louis and Steele Divitto are gone at linebacker. Still, Steven Daniels who had 88 tackles last year and Josh Keyes who had 3.5 sacks as a reserve are back.
Boston College was last in the ACC in pass defense but they should be much better with all four starters back in the secondary. Corners Manny Asprilla and Bryce Jones return as well as safety Dominique Williams.
Special Teams
Kicker/punter Nate Freese departs as the school record holder for both field goals and points. He made 86.4% of his kicks in his career. Alex Howell will step into both jobs as his replacement. Dudeck should handle kick and punt returns.
Schedule / Outlook
Boston College opens at Massachusetts. They also have home non-conference games against USC, Maine, and Colorado State. A 3-1 record seems likely in the non-conference slate. In the ACC, BC hosts Pittsburgh, Clemson, Louisville and Syracuse. The Eagles travel to NC State, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and Florida State. Six wins is a possibility but with so many unproven players on offense, I think five is more likely.
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