The Confidential

Is Boston College Back?

9-3.  10-3.  11-3.  9-5.  8-5.  7-6.  Six straight bowl games after joining the ACC.  Two ACC Championship game appearances.  Are we talking about Miami or Boston College?  Actually, we are talking about Boston College.  Since that great start to joining the ACC, however, Boston College has fallen on hard times, with those hard times “peaking” last year with a 2-10 record.  But guess who is off to a 2-0 start this year?  Boston College!  Are they back?

Well, before Boston College fans start looking for popsicles, the competition so far has been underwhelming.  The Eagles defeated FCS foe Villanova by a mere 10 points in the opener.  And Wake Forest’s season opening win was against FCS foe Presbyterian.

But 2-0 is 2-0.  Ask Syracuse, North Carolina, and Pitt–for whom 2-0 is impossible.

Even better, there are signs for optimism:

• Senior Andre Williams is off to a great start, averaging 5.5 yards a carry.  He has 318 yards and 2 touchdowns this year.  And he rushed for 200+ against Wake Forest.
• The goalline stand at the end of the first half was a momentum killer for Wake Forest.  Credit the Demon Deacons for having the cajones to go for the touchdown there–but the Boston College defense stood strong and stopped them for a fourth straight play.
• Across the board the defense was good against Wake Forest.  39 carries for 55 yards.  Forced three turnovers.
• While quarterback Chase Rettig had some forgettable moments, he did toss two touchdowns.  And the most important stat for quarterbacks is W’s.  He has as many this year as all last year.

Things get real tough, real quick for Boston College.  Next week is a trip to USC.  At least the Eagles get an extra few days to prepare.  The following week Florida State comes to town.  And Clemson looms on the schedule.

Having defeated Wake Forest, however, Boston College has to think that it can find 4 more wins from a schedule that includes games against Army, Maryland, Syracuse, New Mexico State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and even Virginia Tech.  Whether Boston College is “back” or not, there is reason for optimism.  That, alone, is good news.

What do you think?  Do you like Boston College’s chances of making a bowl game this year?