Predictions: Notre Dame-Boston College
By Andrew Hall
Nov. 19, 2011; South Bend, IN, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Josh Bordner (8) runs the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Darius Fleming (45), linebacker Dan Fox (48) and nose guard Sean Cwynar (98) defend in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-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)
Lead Editor Andrew Hall: Notre Dame 31-Boston College 13
Staff Writer Nick Combs: Notre Dame 35-Boston College 14
Staff Writer Tim Colin: Notre Dame 35-Boston College 10
Podcast Co-Host Brett Arney: Notre Dame 31-Boston College 13
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.
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.
The Boston College Defense is allowing 30.9 points per game this season. This total ranks 86th in country for points allowed. This statistically is the worst number that will face this season. Boston College allows 232.2 yards rushing per game. Only the Miami Hurricanes allow more yards on the Notre Dame schedule. The Fighting Irish rushed for 376 yards against Hurricanes. It is reasonable to believe that Notre Dame will rush effectively against the Eagles. Boston College also allows 245.2 yards through the air. This brings the total to 477.4 yards per game, which ranks the Eagles 111th in the nation. It is safe to believe that Notre Dame should be able to move the ball against Boston College. However, the Eagles always give the Irish a game. This year will not be different.
Boston College on paper seems too inept to stop Notre Dame’s Offense. However, the Eagles always play very tough against the Fighting Irish. This game should not be different. However, Notre Dame should be able to run ball for over 200 yards. It is possible that Notre Dame may even surpass the 300 yard mark. Everything points on paper to a prolific evening for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame will probably put up more than 30 points in this game. But, these are only maybes. Notre Dame needs to again show the voters in the Harris and Coaches Polls why they should vote the Irish higher in polls.