In each of head coach Steve Addazio’s first two years, the Eagles finished 7-6 and in the middle of the Atlantic Division. Last year, the Eagles struggled down the stretch, losing three of their last four contests, including a nail-biter against then-No. 3 Florida State.
In 2014, the Eagles averaged 254.7 rushing yards per game—good for the 14th-best mark in the nation. This year’s plan should be no different. Boston College has a deep stable of running backs led by Jon Hilliman and Myles Willis, who racked up 1,409 yards combined last season. But with a new offensive line and a potential upgrade at quarterback in sophomore Darius Wade, the Eagles may open up the aerial attack. But Wade will have to develop his weapons on the outside. Boston College’s two top returning receivers combined for just 29 catches a year ago.
Defensively, the Eagles return one of the best defensive lines in the ACC. Led by its front seven, Boston College finished 2014 with 33 sacks and ranked as the nation’s No. 2 rushing defense and No. 11 total defense. Generating pressure up front again will be critical for the Eagles, who must make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable to prevent passes from reaching its young secondary.
Boston College will ease into its 2015 schedule with games against Maine, Howard and Northern Illinois during the month of September.
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