2012-13 Football Previews (ACC) – Boston College Eagles
In 2012, Boston College has the returning starters to be a much improved team from a year ago – which is a good thing indeed, because not much went right for the Eagles in 2011. The Eagles had a pop-gun offense and were outgained by virtually every conference foe, on their way to limping home with a 4-8 record.
ACC 2012-13 Football Previews: Boston College Eagles
Coach: Frank Spaziani
2011 Record: 4-8
Boston College Gambling Odds from Sportsbook.com to win BCS: 500/1
There was a revolving door at QB and a lot of underclassmen holding important roles, perhaps before they were ready. There were only nine seniors on last year’s roster. Clearly, continuity and an off-season of polish will be a positive thing in Chestnut Hill.
At various times, the Eagles have trotted out senior Dave Shinskie, senior Mike Marscovetra and junior Chase Rettig as the starter under center. Having Rettig return as the incumbent starter will likely go far to boost BC’s offensive production. There is also a new offensive co-ordinator in Doug Martin, who is a known QB specialist and will surely help Rettig become more effective.
Rettig will be handing the rock to Rolandan Finch, who finished with 705 rush yards in ’11 and could close in on 1,000 this season. Other key weapons for the BC offense will be junior WR Bobby Swigert and senior TE Chris Pantale. The big TE had 21 grabs for 236 yards a year ago, and expect Pantale to be a reliable safety valve for Rettig, in an offensive scheme where OC Martin will be stressing Rettig to relax and just take what’s available. Also, expect “Deuce” Finch to register more carries and yards this season, provided he stays healthy.
Defensively, the action funnels through OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis. The junior is quite small, going at only 6”1, 215 lbs, but that gives him range all over the field. After grooming professionals like Mark Herzlich and Luke Kuechly, the Eagles are gaining a reputation for churning out great ‘backers. Pierre-Louis finished second on the team in tackles to Kuechly a year ago, and also had six Tackles for Loss. The “D” must also get further support from players like DT Kaleb Ramsey and LB Steve Divitto. Boston College breaks in two new starters in the secondary, though sophomore CB Al Louis-Jean is a very intriguing prospect, with the size (6”2, 191-lbs) and ball skills to be a special one (and earn the high opinion many had of him coming out of high school). [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Junior Nate Freese is back to handle the kicking, and the punting could be handled by senior Gerald Levano, or a pair of redshirt freshman in Alex Howell and walk-on Joey Launceford.
2012-13 Boston College Football Prediction: 6-6
If it weren’t for the Eagles upsetting Miami 24-17 in their last game of the season, head coach Frank Spaziani likely would have been canned. There is a lot to prove in the land of Dunkin’ Donuts this season, for those interested in FBS football.
Expect the offense to be much improved with the shell of Rettig, Finch, Swigert, Pantale and a bunch of returners on the offensive line. A lot will rest on the defense in 2012. We know that Pierre-Louis is awesome, but beyond him, the focus and production must be there; the Eagles were outgained by an average of 101.5 yards per game in ’11.
The Eagles have an intriguing, but winnable, road game when they travel to Evanston, IL, to face Northwestern on Sept. 15. BC also faces Miami, Clemson, Florida State and Georgia Tech. There are some tests, but this team is capable of being bowl-eligible.
2012 BC Schedule
9/1/12 3:30 PM ET MIAMI
9/8/12 1:00 PM ET MAINE
9/15/12 3:30 PM ET @NWEST
9/29/12 TBD CLEM
10/6/12 12:00 PM ET @ARMY
10/13/12 TBD @FSU
10/20/12 TBD @GATCH
10/27/12 TBD MD
11/3/12 TBD @WFRST
11/10/12 TBD NOTRE
11/17/12 TBD VATCH
11/24/12 TBD @NCST
