At first glance of the final score it would seem to indicate total domination by the Boston College Eagles. However this interpretation would be a gross miscalculation.
Boston College (3-2, 6-3) only lead the Chippewas (5-0, 7-2) by four points at halftime. Prior to the lone BC scoring driving in the first half the Eagles managed only two first downs. The CMU defense did their part as well, holding BC to seven first downs in the first two frames. All things considered, going into the locker room on the road down 7-3 is not a horrible situation.
The Chippewas downfall came in the third quarter. Boston College scored 17 unanswered points to extend their lead. From that point on the momentum and game shifted toward the Eagles. So what went wrong?
Some readers may recall that last week I presented my keys to victory for the Chippewas:
- Good Defense Early in Drives
- LeFevour must spread the ball around
- Running backs must take pressure of LeFevour
Defense
The first, second and fourth quarters the defense held Boston College to a combined 14 points. Not counting the 17 point surge in the third quarter, the game would have been reduced to a one possession deficit. Clearly some improvements are needed on the defensive side of the ball.
Grade: B
Sharing the Love
Dan LeFevour found Bryan Anderson six times for 65 yards, Antonio Brown eight times for 61 yards, Kito Poblah three times for 29 yards and even running back Carl Volny three times for 27 yards. Although limited to 152 yards by the BC defense, LeFevour did spread the ball around nicely.
Grade: A-
Ground Attack
The ground game was definitely lacking. The Eagles limited top rusher Dan LeFevour to 26 yards on 11 carries and running back Carl Volny to 19 yards on 8 carries. The running backs need to step up and take some pressure of Dan LeFevour. As good as LeFevour is, he can't do it alone.
Grade: F
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