Notre Dame Opponent Preview: Boston College Eagles Offense
By Nick Combs
October 27, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Chase Rettig (11) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE
Boston College Eagles
November 10, 2012 at 8:00 pm
TV: ABC
Last Meeting: Boston College 14-Notre Dame 16
Line: Notre Dame (-19.0)
Boston College is 98th in scoring offense this year, averaging 22.1 points per game. They are currently ranked 122nd (out of 124) schools in rushing offense averaging 74.67 yards per game and only 5 rushing touchdowns on the season, but they are ranked 28th in passing offense 289.2 yards per game with 17 touchdown passes this year. The eagles average 39.4 passing attempts per game. Boston College is ranked 91st in total offense averaging 363.9 yards per game.
Chase Rettig, QB, Junior
The 6’3’’ junior quarterback is the leader of this Boston College football team. Rettig has thrown for 2,556 yards with 16 touchdowns, but 8 interceptions. He is a good leader and has shown he can be very good at times completing 56.4 percent of his passes. His offensive line doesn’t do a very good job of protecting him, since Rettig averages -16.22 rushing yards per game (with -146 on the season). Many of his interceptions are caused by the pass rush pressure. He does miss the occasional cover two read, but he has been fairly efficient this year. Rettig is very good with his pre snap reads and with all the motion that Boston College uses it can mix up the defense and with Notre Dame’s young secondary it could cause problems. I look for Rettig to have a good game against Notre Dame. He will get around 200 passing yards, but I think the pass rush will force some bad throws from him. If Notre Dame can force Rettig into making mistakes they should win this game, but after last week’s performance let’s not assume anything.
Alex Amidon, WR, Junior
Don’t let his 5’11’’ 186 pound frame fool you, because this guy is a playmaker. Amidon leads the team in receiving with 67 receptions, 1,073 yards, and 6 touchdowns. This is Rettig’s go to receiver and look for him to get open under the bend don’t break passing scheme that Coach Diaco uses. Amidon has speed, good hands, and quickness to make good breaks off his routes and find the open space in the defense. Look for Notre Dame to key on this guy since he averages 7.4 catches per game.
Andre Williams, RB, Junior
6’ 220 pound running back leads the rushing attack for Boston College. For being one of the worst rushing teams in the country it gives Williams a bad rap, but he is a good running back averaging 4.49 yards per carry this season. He has 584 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns so far this season. Williams is a physical runner with decent speed. Notre Dame could be caught off guard if Boston College threw some draws into their offense.
Johnathan Coleman, WR, Junior
A good compliment to Amidon at 6’4’’ 228 pounds this guy is a big target. He is currently second in receiving for the eagles with 29 catches, 434 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Coleman could really do some damage against the undersized Russell for Notre Dame. This will cause matchup problems and with focus on Amidon look for Coleman to have a good game himself.
Overall, Boston College is going to have to play turnover free football against Notre Dame, not allow the pass rush to affect Rettig and get the ball to his two playmakers at wide receiver. The eagles need to keep Notre Dame honest and run the football, but with them ranking among the worst in college football in rushing offense it will be a challenge for them. Look for a lot of motion and shifts from the Boston College offense to get pre snap reads and confuse the young secondary for Notre Dame. If the Irish can put pressure on Rettig then look for Notre Dame create turnovers.