The ACC Blitz 2009 football team preview for defending ACC Atlantic Champs Boston College Eagles. Key losses on Defense, question marks on Offense and potential Freshman instant impacts.

Stats
2008 Record: 9-5, 5-3 (1st in Atlantic Division; Lost to VT in ACCCG)
2008 Bowl: L 16-14 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
2008 Statistics:
OFFENSE

• Scoring: 24.7 (4th)
• Total: 319.8 (8th)
• Rush: 143.3 (5th)
• Pass: 176.5 (10th)

DEFENSE

• Scoring: 18.4 (4th)
• Total: 268.1 (1st)
• Rush: 91.2 (1st)
• Pass: 176.9 (6th)

2009 Schedule
Sep. 05 vs Northeastern
Sep. 12 vs Kent State
Sep. 19 at Clemson
Sep. 26 vs Wake Forest (Parents’ Weekend)
Oct. 03 vs Florida State
Oct. 10 at Virginia Tech
Oct. 17 vs NC State
Oct. 24 vs at Notre Dame
Oct. 31 vs Central Michigan
Nov. 14 at Virginia
Nov. 21 vs North Carolina
Nov. 28 at Maryland

Start off the season with two cupcakes to warm up the engines, and give the QB position some real-game time to get set for ’09. The real test will be Sep.19 when they travel to Death Valley. Considering the recent history, it’s no shocker to predict another close one, especially considering Clemson will be dealing with their own problems on offense (hint hint – don’t be surprised to see a 14-10 game). They catch a little bit of break, getting WF and FSU at home – honestly both will probably be worthy of ‘games of the week’ honors with two of the best ACC QB’s in R.Skinner and C.Ponder facing the BC pass D that should come close to the success it had in ’08. The trip to VT on Oct 10th is almost a set loss, and back to back games after that against a resurgant NC State and Notre Dame could spell a bit of a losing streak (they do have the advantage of having both at home though). Central Michigan should be a W, with close out conference games against Virginia, UNC, and Maryland.

Bon Voyage:
DT BJ Raji
LB Brian Toal
WR Brandon Robinson
QB Chris Crane

Welcome Back:
WR Rich Gunnell
RB Montel Harris
LB Mark Herzlich (Assuming he is healthy enough to play)
LB Mike McLaughlin
K Steve Aponavicius

Fabulous Frosh:
DT Dillon Quinn
4-Star prospect who enrolled early, could see legitimate playing time early with BC needing it on the defensive front with the departure of BJ Rahi. He’ll be in line behind Damik Scafe and Kaleb Ramsey, but the window for playing time is there.

LB Luke Kuechly
Has all the physical tools (6’3″ 220, with speed – this guy can tear your freakin head off) in place to help soften the loss of LB Brian Toal. With a weaker line in ’09, BC needs playmakers behind the big guys.

TE Mike Naples
Big target for QB’s – Naples is built like a house. Coached right, could step in fast to provide an extra set of hands or some much-needed protection, as time is a much needed asset for Davis.

Slam on the Brakes: QB. With starter Dominique Davis deciding to transfer schools, BC is in one heck of a tough spot. I wouldn’t say it’s no talent, but the biggest problem for Coach Spaz is lack of depth and experience. Boek and Tuggle have no experience (well QB experience) at the ACC level and didn’t exactly impress in the spring game (though they had limited attempts; they went a combined 4-17 for 22 Yards), so now that Davis is gone, BC could be in a world of trouble – fast. Although the Davis transfer stings, if someone gains a little composure and maturity in the pocket and can orchestrate an average season, BC could be ok.

Pedal to the Medal: RB. Four returning starters on the O-Line should provide plenty of space for the Montel Harris and Josh Haden Combo. The double H’s were one of the more formidable RB duos in the ACC, combining for almost 1400 Yards and 6 TD’s. The addition of two 3-Star RB’s should complete a very solid running crew for the Eagles. Watch out for Harris to eclipse 1,000 Yards this year, and wouldn’t be surprised to see Haden hit 500 (assuming he’s 100% – left the spring game early with an undisclosed injury).

Not a household name – yet: CB Donnie Fletcher. Started 9 games as a true frosh in ’08, tallying 36 tackles and 3 INT’s. Showed out in the spring game with 8 tackles and 2 pass breakups. Should avoid a sophomore slump and help anchor a young but stout pass defense, assuming the front line can provide some pressure on opposing QB’s.

Circle the Calendar: Sep.19th at Clemson. Whoever the QB is will have had 2 cupcake games to gear up for ACC play, and he’s facing hell fire with the Tigers Defense. This game should give an early look into the rest of how ’09 will play out.

ACC Blitz Says: Don’t expect newly appointed Head Coach Spaz to take the Eagles to a 3rd straight appearance in the ACC Title game. As fundamentally sound as they usually are, overcoming the lack of experience/talent in the QB position is a task and a half. If the O-Line can provide them with enough time to make smart passes, even short quick hitters, it’ll keep defenses honest enough to allow the run game to get going. And considering the depth there, that’s what the Eagles should be aiming for.

And even though the defense shouldn’t see THAT big of a drop-off, no one can expect them to lead the league in total defense AGAIN. But I can’t help but wonder the impact of Herzlich no being around if his health is down – he is an anchor on D. The pass defense should in good shape, especially with Fletcher stepping up. LB/DT are potential weak links to watch for – but they shouldn’t panic. Sack after sack isn’t needed, just enough pressure to allow the DBacks to do their jobs.

This team is good enough to finish in the upper half of the Atlantic, but the lack of fire-power on offense will probably negate a solid D. One bright spot for BC is the return of K Steve Aponavicius, look for a solid and steady kicking game in ’09. Bowl bound? That’s 50/50. ACC Title game? No.

- Harlon Jordan, ACC Blitz


Stat Smack:
0 – No BC receiver had a multiple-TD game in ’08
3 – Only 3 opponents managed more than 300 Yards of offense against BC’s defense
3 – No of times BC’s defense held an opponent under 100 Yards Passing
8 – No of times BC’s defense held an opponent under 100 Yards Rushing
6 – Number of Games BC’s offense only managed 300 Yards
578 – Yards rolled up against NC State, a season high

Tags: 2009 ACC Team Previews, 2009 Boston College, 2009 Boston College Football, 2009 Football Team Previews, Boston College Eagles, Boston College Football, Dillon Quinn, Dominique Davis, Donnie Fletcher, Frank Spaziani, Josh Haden, Luke Kuechly, Mark Herzlich, Mike McLaughlin, Mike Naples, Montel Harris, Rich Gunnell, Steve Aponavicius