Steve Addazio is pumped about his team’s potential this season.
Opening Thought: Expectations are high this season at the Heights as Boston College returns one of the most talented rosters Steve Addazio’s tenure.
After a slow start, Boston College finished 7-6 last season losing 27-20 to Iowa in the Pinstripe Bowl. The Ragles have the schedule and the talent to potentially win nine games and get to a high profile bowl.
Here are three things to watch for this season with the Eagles.
1. Quarterback Play: Provided he’s healthy, redshirt sophomore quarterback Anthony Brown is poised to have a big season statistically in offensive coordinator Scott Loeffler’s offense. Brown is a dual threat quarterback who has plus arm strength and can stretch the field vertically. He can also pull the ball on read plays and run the ball effectively as well.
Brown will be given more control of the offense this season and if he executes, he is primed to put up big numbers.
2. Ground and Pound: The Eagles bread and butter will be their running game with running back A.J Dillion and the return of a veteran offensive line led by center Jon Baker and guard Chris Lindstrom. Addazio loves to pound the rock and wear teams down. He has the offensive line and the backs to do that.
3. The D is Legit: The Eagles have talent across the board on defense and there is a real possibility they finish in the top ten in total defense nationally.
Defensive end Zach Allen and inside linebacker Connor Strachan spearhead one of the nation’s best front sevens. The Eagles will get pressure on opposing quarterbacks and be tough against the run.
The secondary is led by senior free safety Lukas Denis who is one of the top play making safeties in the country. With a talented secondary returning, look for Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Reid to be more aggressive.
Prediction: As I mentioned earlier, I think the Eagles could win nine games this season. Boston College will be a player in the ACC’s Atlantic Division. It will come down to whether or not they can compete with N.C State, Clemson and Florida State again.