Notre Dame Football Opponent Preview: Boston College Eagles Offense
By Andrew Hall
The Boston College offense failed to set the world on fire in its first two games of 2017.
After losing to Bulldogs, Notre Dame looks to rebound against the Eagles of Boston College. The defense played well against Georgia. That performance gives the Notre Dame defense confidence. Their confidence should continue to grow this Saturday.
Quarterback
Thus far, the Eagles have played two Quarterbacks. Freshman Anthony Brown receives the majority of the snaps. Senior Darius Wade also played last week against Wake Forest.
Brown sat out the 2016 season prior to starting this season. He hails from St. John Vianney Regional High School in New Jersey. Out of high school, he ranked as the 23rd dual-threat Quarterback in the country.
In two games this season, Brown has thrown four interceptions. He threw three of those interceptions last week against the Demon Deacons. Overall on the season, Brown has compiled 310 passing yards in two contests. Despite being labeled as a dual-threat as a prospect, he only rushed for 18 yards on 10 attempts in two games.
Based on his performances so far, the Notre Dame defense should hold the Redshirt Freshman in check.
Running Back
Junior John Hillman and Freshman AJ Dillon received the majority of the carries in the first two games. Hillman carried the ball 33 times for 81 yards. In 2016, Hillman rushed for 542 yards but only had a 2.95-yard average. AJ Dillon, the grandson of Notre Dame legend Tom Gatewood, also toted the football 20 times for 63 yards.
Based on early returns, this tandem does not present a huge threat. AJ Dillon garnered lots of recruiting attention. Notre Dame pursued him. He originally committed to Michigan before he flipped his verbal to Boston College. He definitely possesses the ability to become a solid college Running Back. His career is only in its infancy.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Freshman Kobay White leads the Eagles in receiving with 118 yards. Boston College’s two leading returning starters were Michael Walker and Jeff Smith. Walker, 6’0″ 195 lbs receiver from Naples, Florida, caught 33 passes for 420 yards in 2016. He snagged 10 passes for 62 yards with 1 touchdown. His running mate, Jeff Smith, caught 27 passes for 395 yards. He tallied 8 catches for 74 yards. Despite producing, these players do not start for the Eagles. In both games this season, the Eagles started Thadd Smith, Chris Garrison and Charlie Callinan.
Junior Tight End Tommy Sweeny also figures into the mix. He finished third on the team in receiving yards and started both games this season. However, he only caught 1 pass in the first two games.
The Wide Receivers figure into the running game as well. Wide Receiver Thadd Smith currently leads the Eagles in rushing with 101 yards on 11 carries.
Offensive Line
Boston College’s Offensive Line is currently in transition. Center Jon Baker suffered an injury and will be out for the remainder of the season. Freshman Ben Patrula fills in for Baker at the Center spot. Left Guard Sam Schmal returned to the lineup last week after missing the Northern Illinois game. Left Aaron Monteiro, Right Guard Chris Lindstrom and Right Tackle Marcell Lizard round out the Offensive Line. The rest of the unit started a combined 56 games. They are a fairly experienced group.
Bottom Line
The Boston College Eagles lack talent on the offensive side of the ball. In 2016, the Eagles scored 20.4 points per game. Thus far, they have only put a mere 16.5 points per contest. Turnovers are an issue. Boston College coughed up the ball a total of 5 times in two games (4 INTS, 1 Fumble). The Eagles rank 127th in yards per play with an average of 3.7 points per game.
Beware of Boston College always. However, this=offense simply does not show any reason to be concerned if you are a Notre Dame football fan.