Boston College’s formula for success eases rebuilding job

By Lee Roberts  |   Wednesday, October 22, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Boston College Eagles
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After reaching the ACC title game and winning 11 times last season, many people thought the Boston College Eagles would struggle this year. Having to replace Matt Ryan was one of the major reasons why pundits believed a drop-off was inevitable. However, two things -- a stifling defense and a consistent running game -- have the Eagles 5-1 and in the race for another trip to the ACC championship.

Commentary: Last season, Boston College relied on Ryan to bail it out of trouble time and again. And he delivered. Without Ryan, the Eagles have turned to their defense and running game to carry the load. The old-fashioned recipe for victory is proving to still be effective.

Offensively, Chris Crane has struggled to fill Ryan’s shoes. In six games, he’s completing only 55.7 percent of his passes and has thrown nine interceptions and a mere five touchdowns. It’s hard to imagine a team can be 5-1 with such little production from its quarterback. The Eagles have compensated with a balanced running attack which churns out 173.2 yards a game – good for third inn the conference. Five different running backs have scored rushing touchdowns, led by Crane's seven. Despite the lack of a consistent passing game, BC is third in the ACC in scoring offense with 29.8 points per game.

Even with its success scoring and rushing the ball, Boston College’s hallmark is defense. The Eagles’ defense only cedes 251.2 yards of offense and 13.3 points per game, both of which are the second-best totals in the conference. In addition, they only allow 143 passing yards per game – best in the ACC. The defense has surrendered just six touchdowns all season, also the best mark in the conference. This level of defense will win you a lot of games, regardless of the offense.

The Eagles appear to be right in the mix for the Atlantic Division crown, but they have a daunting remaining schedule. Trips to North Carolina, Florida State and Wake Forest won’t be fun, nor will the home slate of Clemson, Notre Dame and Maryland be all that easy. But, if Boston College can continue its defensive dominance along with its ball-control offense, expect good things out of Chestnut Hill.

Fan Pulse: After the important home win over Virginia Tech, Eagles fans are feeling really confident about their trip to Tobacco Road to face North Carolina.

Injury Watch: Linebacker Brian Toal broke his right fibula against Virginia Tech and is out for the season.
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About Lee Roberts

Born in Richmond, Va, I moved south to UNC-Chapel Hill for college and received a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. I currently live in Charlotte, NC and cover Auburn, LSU and the ...
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