2009 Boston College Eagles Football Preview

'09 Preview brought to you by www.ACCBlitz.com

The ACC Blitz 2009 football team preview for defending ACC Atlantic Champs Boston College Eagles. Key losses on Defense, question marks on Offense and potential Freshman instant impacts.

Stats
2008 Record: 9-5, 5-3 (1st in Atlantic Division; Lost to VT in ACCCG)
2008 Bowl: L 16-14 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl

2008 Statistics:
OFFENSE

• Scoring: 24.7 (4th)
• Total: 319.8 (8th)
• Rush: 143.3 (5th)
• Pass: 176.5 (10th)

DEFENSE

• Scoring: 18.4 (4th)
• Total: 268.1 (1st)
• Rush: 91.2 (1st)
• Pass: 176.9 (6th)

2009 Schedule
Sep. 05 vs. Northeastern
Sep. 12 vs. Kent State
Sep. 19 at Clemson
Sep. 26 vs. Wake Forest (Parents’ Weekend)
Oct. 03 vs. Florida State
Oct. 10 at Virginia Tech
Oct. 17 vs. NC State
Oct. 24 vs. at Notre Dame
Oct. 31 vs. Central Michigan
Nov. 14 at Virginia
Nov. 21 vs. North Carolina
Nov. 28 at Maryland


Von Voyage:
DT BJ Raji
LB Brian Toal
WR Brandon Robinson
QB Chris Crane


Welcome Back:
WR Rich Gunnell
RB Montel Harris
LB Mark Herzlich (Assuming he is healthy enough to play)
LB Mike McLaughlin
K Steve Aponavicius


Fabolous Frosh

DT Dillon Quinn

4-Star prospect who enrolled early, could see legitimate playing time early with BC needing it on the defensive front with the departure of BJ Rahi. He’ll be in line behind Damik Scafe and Kaleb Ramsey, but the window for playing time is there.

LB Luke Kuechly

Has all the physical tools (6′3″ 220, with speed—this guy can tear your freakin head off) in place to help soften the loss of LB Brian Toal. With a weaker line in ‘09, BC needs playmakers behind the big guys.

TE Mike Naples

Big target for QB’s—Naples is built like a house. Coached right, could step in fast to provide an extra set of hands or some much-needed protection, as time is a much needed asset for Davis.


Slam on the Brakes

QB. When Crane went down late last season, Dominique Davis stepped in and did ok. But ‘ok’ is not what a defending Atlantic division champ needs to reach the title game again.

To his credit, he did lead BC to crucial wins against Wake and Maryland but flopped against VT in the ACCCG. Off-season workouts and new offensive schemes SHOULD raise the bar some, but even in the spring game he wasn’t super-sharp (20-40 for 145 Yards and 1 INT).

The biggest problem for Coach Spaz is lack of depth and experience. Boek and Tuggle have no experience (well QB experience) at the ACC level and didn’t exactly impress in the spring game (though they had limited attempts; they went a combined 4-17 for 22 Yards), so if Davis is a bust or falls to injury, BC could be in a world of trouble - fast.


Give ‘em the Green Light

RB. Four returning starters on the O-Line should provide plenty of space for the Montel Harris and Josh Haden Combo. The double H’s were one of the more formidable RB duos in the ACC, combining for almost 1400 Yards and 6 TD’s.

The addition of two 3-Star RB’s should complete a very solid running crew for the Eagles. Watch out for Harris to eclipse 1,000 Yards this year, and wouldn’t be surprised to see Haden hit 500 (assuming he’s 100%—left the spring game early with an undisclosed injury).


Not a household name—yet

CB Donnie Fletcher. Started 9 games as a true frosh in ‘08, tallying 36 tackles and 3 INT’s. Showed out in the spring game with 8 tackles and 2 pass breakups. Should avoid a sophomore slump and help anchor a young but stout pass defense, assuming the front line can provide some pressure on opposing QB’s.


Circle the Calendar

Sep.19th at Clemson. QB Dominique Davis will have had 2 cupcake games to gear up for ACC play, and he’s facing hell fire with the Tigers Defense. This game should give an early look into the rest of how ‘09 will play out.


ACC Blitz Says

Don’t expect newly appointed Head Coach Spaz to take the Eagles to a 3rd straight appearance in the ACC Title game. As fundamentally sound as they usually are, overcoming the lack of experience/talent in the QB position is a task and a half.

If the O-Line can provide Davis with enough time to make smart passes, even short quick hitters, it’ll keep defenses honest enough to allow the run game to get going. And considering the depth there, that’s what the Eagles should be aiming for.

And even though the defense shouldn’t see THAT big of a drop-off, no one can expect them to lead the league in total defense AGAIN. But I can’t help but wonder the impact of Herzlich no being around if his health is down—he is an anchor on D. The pass defense should in good shape, especially with Fletcher stepping up.

LB/DT are potential weak links to watch for—but they shouldn’t panic. Sack after sack isn’t needed, just enough pressure to allow the DBacks to do their jobs.

This team is good enough to finish in the upper half of the Atlantic, but the lack of fire-power on offense will probably negate a solid D. But mark it down—IF (pay attention to IF) Davis can establish himself and mature in the pocket, BC might surprise a lot of people. Bowl bound? Yes. ACC Title game? No.

- Senior Writer at ACC Blitz