Written by Brett Korpi
Opponent: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
When: Saturday, September 3, 2016, 7:30 a.m. EST
After a rough 2015 season that saw Head Coach Steve Addazioand his Boston College Eagles go 3-9 and winless in Atlantic Coast Conference play, the 2016 season could not come soon enough. Here are the key questions that Boston College Super Fans will be looking for answers to when they wake up bright and early Saturday morning.
Who will start at Quarterback?
Addazio has not named a starter yet. However, it seems to be graduate transfer Patrick Towles’ job to lose. Towles, is an experienced passer and fits well in new coordinator Scot Loeffler pro-set offense. Darius Wade, who went down with a broken ankle in Week 3 last year, will be looking to take advantage of any chance he gets to win his spot as starter back.
Whoever starts, will the Offensive line actually protect them?
In 2015, the Eagles did not return single starter from the year before. That inexperience led to their share of lumps. Coming into this season the Eagles are still young, but return a veteran group. Sophomores Chris Lindstrom, and and Aaron Monteiro return, along with Junior Jon Baker. Jim Cashman is the lone senior. The Eagles also added graduate transfer Jimmy Lowry from Eastern Illinois. Look for this group to give the offense the protection it needs to stay healthy.
Will last year’s top-ranked defense return?
It will be tough to live up to expectations but this stifling unit has many key cogs returning. Look for co-captains Truman Guptafel and John Johnson to keep the group in the best in the nation conversation. They will have help in returning stars, end Harold Landry, line back Matt Milano, and corner Isaac Yiadom.
That’s great! But, will the Eagles be able to handle the option attack of Georgia Tech?
The Eagles are known for their blitzing having led the nation in tackles for loss year. Having said that it is not the optimal strategy when facing the Yellow Jackets’ wish-bone.Addazioaddressed this in his weekly press conference:
“People don't like to pressure hard option teams. You get toasted. You get caught in it, so it is difficult to do. You get a lot of people who want to run option against a blitzing team. When you zone off the ball, pitch it off to the end of the line and get the on the perimeter and go. You get the blitzes all caught up inside. So, a lot of people, their answer to those blitzing teams is the run option. So you have to be careful blitzing against that kind of operation."
Will the Eagles finally win an ACC game?
After going winless in ACC play in both Football and Basketball, BC will look to send a message early to the rest of the conference.
Wait, that wasn’t an answer, what is your prediction?
With most of the stifling defense returning, and a more seasoned offense with a new look my prediction is BC 27-GT 13.
Weekly Fun Facts
In 1988, BC played against Army in the first game ever played in Europe. The game was also in Ireland and saw the Eagles defeat the Black Knights.
The Eagles will not only be debuting their new Under ArmourUniforms, they also added some Irish flare. They will wearspecially designed Irish-themed cleats and gloves to go along with an Irish-embellished stripe on their helmets.
Lindstrom, the true sophomore lineman, has added 40 pounds to his frame since arriving at the Heights.
Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
When: Saturday, September 3, 2016, 7:30 a.m. EST
After a rough 2015 season that saw Head Coach Steve Addazioand his Boston College Eagles go 3-9 and winless in Atlantic Coast Conference play, the 2016 season could not come soon enough. Here are the key questions that Boston College Super Fans will be looking for answers to when they wake up bright and early Saturday morning.
Who will start at Quarterback?
Addazio has not named a starter yet. However, it seems to be graduate transfer Patrick Towles’ job to lose. Towles, is an experienced passer and fits well in new coordinator Scot Loeffler pro-set offense. Darius Wade, who went down with a broken ankle in Week 3 last year, will be looking to take advantage of any chance he gets to win his spot as starter back.
Whoever starts, will the Offensive line actually protect them?
In 2015, the Eagles did not return single starter from the year before. That inexperience led to their share of lumps. Coming into this season the Eagles are still young, but return a veteran group. Sophomores Chris Lindstrom, and and Aaron Monteiro return, along with Junior Jon Baker. Jim Cashman is the lone senior. The Eagles also added graduate transfer Jimmy Lowry from Eastern Illinois. Look for this group to give the offense the protection it needs to stay healthy.
Will last year’s top-ranked defense return?
It will be tough to live up to expectations but this stifling unit has many key cogs returning. Look for co-captains Truman Guptafel and John Johnson to keep the group in the best in the nation conversation. They will have help in returning stars, end Harold Landry, line back Matt Milano, and corner Isaac Yiadom.
That’s great! But, will the Eagles be able to handle the option attack of Georgia Tech?
The Eagles are known for their blitzing having led the nation in tackles for loss year. Having said that it is not the optimal strategy when facing the Yellow Jackets’ wish-bone.Addazioaddressed this in his weekly press conference:
“People don't like to pressure hard option teams. You get toasted. You get caught in it, so it is difficult to do. You get a lot of people who want to run option against a blitzing team. When you zone off the ball, pitch it off to the end of the line and get the on the perimeter and go. You get the blitzes all caught up inside. So, a lot of people, their answer to those blitzing teams is the run option. So you have to be careful blitzing against that kind of operation."
Will the Eagles finally win an ACC game?
After going winless in ACC play in both Football and Basketball, BC will look to send a message early to the rest of the conference.
Wait, that wasn’t an answer, what is your prediction?
With most of the stifling defense returning, and a more seasoned offense with a new look my prediction is BC 27-GT 13.
Weekly Fun Facts
In 1988, BC played against Army in the first game ever played in Europe. The game was also in Ireland and saw the Eagles defeat the Black Knights.
The Eagles will not only be debuting their new Under ArmourUniforms, they also added some Irish flare. They will wearspecially designed Irish-themed cleats and gloves to go along with an Irish-embellished stripe on their helmets.
Lindstrom, the true sophomore lineman, has added 40 pounds to his frame since arriving at the Heights.