Being in the ACC Atlantic with the likes of Clemson and Florida State, it’s likely that Boston College will never win a division title. However, in Steve Addazio’s 6th season in Chestnut Hill, this may be the best chance the Eagles have.
No, I’m not saying that this team is going to challenge Clemson for the conference crown. I’m not even saying they’ll beat Florida State. But with 10 starters returning on offense from a team that finished tied for third in the division last year, it’s not crazy to think that this team will take a step forward in 2018. And if they don’t, Addazio may want to watch out.
Prestige Rating (If NCAA Football Still Existed): 3 Stars
Last Year’s Record: 7-6 (4-4)
Projected Returning Starters
Offense
QB Anthony Brown, RB AJ Dillon, WR Kobay White, TE Tommy Sweeney, TE Chris Garrison, C Jon Baker, G Chris Lindstrom, G Sam Schmal, T Benjamin Petrula, T Aaron Monteiro
Defense
DE Zach Allen, NT Ray Smith, LB Max Richardson, LB Kevin Bletzer, S Williams Harris, S Lukas Denis
Special Teams
K Colton Lichtenberg, RET Michael Walker
With every offensive starter besides WR Charlie Callinan (134 yards, 2 TD) returning, this offensive should have enough experience to give them a chance. Sophomore QB Anthony Brown was not fantastic last year by any means, but his second year in the program will be an important one to build off of. RB AJ Dillon was the most important part of this offense last year, and also the biggest surprise, when the freshman rushed 300 times for 1589 yards and 14 TDs. Dillon is an absolute stud who will carry this unit on his back.
On the defensive side of the ball, things don’t line up quite as well. Only about half of the defense returns, including only two starters on each level. Harold Landry had been the most talented player on this defense for the past couple of seasons and leaves behind the Eagles for the NFL. While Boston College typically has good defenses, this team will have to recover from losing both starting corners and their top pass rusher.
The special teams unit has been abysmal for the past couple years. Colton Lichtenberg (12/20 FGs, 40/43 XP) will return for his senior year. Michael Walker was fine last year with 849 kick return yards and 354 punt return yards. BC will replace both their punter and kickoff specialist in 2018.
Key Losses
DE Harold Landry, LB Ty Schwab, CB Issac Yiadom
The aforementioned Landry battled injuries last year but was still the biggest threat on this defense the past two seasons. Ty Schwab, a 3rd team all ACC LB, led the Eagles in tackles in 2017 with 107 and his presence will be missed in the run game. Lastly, the secondary will be suffering from the loss of Issac Yiadom, a third round draft choice by the Denver Broncos.
Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 66
Boston College is never going to top the recruiting rankings. Being from the northeast, this is close to their ceiling.
Alcohol Prediction for Fans by Season’s End: Smirnoff Ice
Despite being a really good product, they won’t quite get the job done.
The Tyrell Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team: CB Hemp Cheevers
Outlook
In the end, this Boston College team will be a lot better than their record shows. In a perfect world, they could start out 5-0 before going on a brutal stretch of playing NC State, Louisville, Miami, Virginia Tech, Clemson, and Florida State in a span of six games. This team may only win 6-8 games, but have the makings of a borderline top 40 team. AJ Dillon will be a joy to watch all season and Steve Addazio will need to hope the Eagles can make a bowl games despite this tough schedule in order to avoid the hot seat.