Bill O’Brien took over at Boston College last year with a mission to bring the Eagles back into relevance in the ACC. In year one, he got his team to a bowl game and seven wins with a strong defense and an efficient
offense. However, year two has been a disaster for the Eagles as they are a loss away from being eliminated from bowl contention after being blown out by UConn to fall to 1-6.
BOB made a somewhat controversial call last year when he benched Thomas Castellanos after the quarterback struggled to lead the offense. Castellanos didn’t really fit the new scheme of the offense, so O’Brien went out and got Alabama transfer Dylan Longeren, whom he recruited during his time there. Longeren started the season hot with 8 touchdown passes in the first two games of the season. But he went three games without a score and was benched in favor of Grayson James, who also replaced Castellanos last season.
James is a solid passer who can also use his legs to extend plays and get first downs. Against UConn, James completed 60% of his passes, but he wasn’t able to get the ball down the field all that often. BC struggled to protect him in the pocket, but I was impressed with how he handled the pressure and worked to protect the football. James won’t wow you with his play, but he went 4-2 last year as a starter, with his losses coming to a very good SMU team and Nebraska in their bowl game. He can run this offense well.
Boston College is home to one of the best running back names in the country in Turbo Richard. The speedy back has had a strong season so far, but he has been a bit banged up and left the UConn game with an injury. If Richard can play this weekend, I would expect him to be used in the passing game more often, as he is a matchup nightmare for linebackers. He can also be flexed out because his backup, Jordan McDonald, came in against UConn and ran for 123 yards.
Wide receiver is a strong position for the Eagles, with Lewis Bond being one of the most reliable receivers in the ACC. Bond is an outstanding route runner with good quickness and agility. He is at his best on short and intermediate routes, and he can make people miss after the catch. Bond doesn’t have great speed, but he plays a key role in the offense as a possession guy who can get first downs, and he forces defenses to account for him.
In my opinion, Reed Harris is the wildcard on this offense. Harris is 6-5, and he can get behind the defense with his speed. Harris hasn’t been consistent enough for the Eagles, but he has had a few games where he has shown his potential. The Cards will have to have a plan when BC gets into plus territory, because Harris becomes a jump ball target in the endzone.
The Eagles have used their tight ends well in the new offensive system, and they have two guys they like this season. Jeremiah Franklin is the starter, and he is third on the team in catches this year. Chaeden Chudzinski scored a touchdown against UConn. The converted wide receiver has good size, and his receiver speed shows up even with the increased weight with his move to tight end.
The issue with the offense so far this year has been an offensive line that can’t be consistent. Injuries have been a major issue up front, and with their left side out last weekend, they gave up seven sacks. BC has also had issues opening up rushing lanes at times this year, though they looked very good this past weekend. Louisville hasn’t gotten many sacks since starting off the year on fire with its pass rush. They’ve created pressure, but I think they will have an opportunity to get home this weekend.
