Boston College: ACC Atlantic preview
Boston College has never won an ACC Championship, but that could change in the near future. BC has been on the cusp of a breakout season that could possibly reshape the ACC Atlantic.
This team has become the country's favorite somehow, which is quite a bit of support. Head coach Jeff Hafley is entering his second year and will look to use his NFL coaching experience to liven up the defense. He finished with a 6-5 record in his first year.
Here's a look at the Boston College Eagles' strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.
2021-2022 ACC Atlantic preview: Boston College Eagles
Boston College's strengths: Their new-look pass-heavy offense should help the team score more points. BC ran the ball nearly twice as much in 2019 as they did last year. QB Phil Jurkovec hit on 61% of his passes in the new fast-paced scheme. Zay Flowers blossomed into a potential top-15 WR prospect. Jaelen Gill and CJ Lewis are large and productive targets as well.
Boston College's weakness: RB depth is a low point on the roster. David Bailey is a 240-pound brute who had potential but transferred. Fifth-year Travis Levi is more of an elusive back but WV transfer Alec Sinkfield can provide backup with Pat Garwo bringing some power running. The depth is ultimately inexperienced and the OL lacks skill in opening up the run game.
Boston College Key Players: Offense
WR: Zay Flower - He had a good freshman season and an impressive sophomore year in 2020: 56 catches, 892 yards and 9 TDs. With a more pass-focused offense, Flower should have an even better 2021 with QB Jurkovec and HC Hafley, likely going for 1,000+ yards.
C: Alec Lindstrom - Lindstrom is the best center in the ACC in pass protection but needs to be a better example to open up the ground game. As the leader of the OL, Lindstrom needs to help direct the others.
Boston College Key Players: Defense
CB: Josh DeBerry - He's one of the best tacklers on the roster and could be an All-ACC defender this year. Despite his smaller size, he is excellent in pass coverage and flying all over the field to make a tackle.
S: Jaiden Lars-Woodley - The Temple transfer comes to Boston College as a hybrid safety/linebacker. He will come in to help a weak LB group and the ideal role for him is to be allowed to roam the field and make plays everywhere.
2021-2022 Boston College Eagles ACC schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs Colgate
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, at UMass
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, at Temple
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs Missouri
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, at Clemson
Week 6: Saturday, October 16, vs NC State
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, at Louisville
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, at Syracuse
Week 9: Friday, November 5, vs Virginia Tech
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, at Georgia Tech
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Florida State
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, vs Wake Forest
2021-2022 Boston College Eagles ACC prediction (8-4, 4-4 ACC)
BC will make it to the next level in the ACC in Jeff Hafley's second year. The offense needs to keep up the pace and the defense needs to click early on. They'll win the early give-me games and take a victory in the ACC games they are favored in.
