The second biggest matchup for Notre Dame this season is almost upon us. When Notre Dame’s schedule was changed and the ACC schedule was released Irish fans eyes lit up when they saw BC on tap due to Covid-19. This is because of the whole Jurkovic situation. With Jurkovic transfering out and joining he Boston College Eagles, Notre Dame fans started salivating at a potential matchup. The Irish are coming off a huge win against Clemson as they get ready to ship to Boston and continue their undefeated season. The Fighting Irish are getting out of one fire and going into another.
About Boston College:
Famous Non-Football Alums: Leonard Nemoy, Amy Poehler, Kofi Kingston. Famous Football Alums: Doug Flutie, Matt Ryan, Luke Kuechly.
The Boston College Eagles come into Saturday’s matchup with a 5-3 record with losses to North Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Clemson. The Eagles have shown that they are a dangerous team. Clemson hosted the Eagles and had to have a come from behind victory to beat the Eagles winning 34-28. Only one game thus far has had the Eagles overmatched and that was a 40-14 beat down by the Hokies of Virginia Tech. Boston College comes into the game against the Fighting Irish on a one game winning as they survived against Syracuse winning 16-13.
About the Eagles Offense:
Phil Jurkovic of course leads the offense. As the Eagles average 26 points a game. Jurkovic is having a good season coming into the game with a QBR of 65.5, 2086 passing yards, 15 Touchdowns, 4 interceptions for an average of 260 yards a game. His leading receiver is is Zay Flowers with 600 yards. He has 38 receptions for six touchdowns. With an average of 75 yards a game. The leading rusher is David Bailey who has 450 rushing yards for 4 touchdowns and an average of 53 yards a game.
About The Eagles Defense:
Boston College’s defense gives up an average of 229 passing yards and an average of 143 rushing yards. The Eagles defense is lead by Linebacker Max Richardson who has 79 tackles on the season 43 solo, and 36 assists. On the defensive line the player to watch out for is defensive end Marcus Valdez. He has 32 total tackles 12 solo and 20 assists with 2 fumble recoveries. In the Eagles backfield watch out for Defensive Back Josh Deberry. He has 26 tackles 16 solo and 10 assists with one interception. He is a very talented sophomore!
About The Fighting Irish Offense:
Notre Dame is averaging 36 points a game. With 227 yards on the ground and 221 through the air for a grand total of 448 yards. Ian Book had arguably his best game of his career even without some key receivers against Clemson. With 310 passing yards and a QBR of 131, he will look to improve on a huge clutch performance. Book will look to get the Fighting Irish offense going in a big way. Boston College struggles against the passing game more than the running. Book, Skowronek, and McKinley need to attack the Eagles Secondary.
Kyren Williams is having a monster season. He is currently tied for eighth in the country for rushing yards. (Note* he has one less game than everybody ahead of him.) Williams will look to build on his 741 yards against the Eagles. Williams put up very impressive numbers against a stout Clemson Line with 140 on the ground. Williams is up to 10 touchdowns on the season.
Notre Dames Offensive line will look to bully and wear out the Eagles line to give Williams and company huge lanes and protection to work with! If Notre Dame can attack early and often against a shaky Eagles defense it will put a lot of pressure on the offense to match the blows.
About The Fighting Irish Defense:
Notre Dame still has an elite defense and it will look to impact the game in a huge way. The Defense even after giving up 40 points to Clemson still only gives up an average 14 points a game. Notre Dame will look to exploit a major weakness in the Eagles offensive line. Jurkovic has been sacked 22 times thus far. Now Jurkovic will look to make the Notre Dame Secondary pay. Hamilton, Rutherford and Bracey will look to take away Jurkovic’ss options. Since Boston College is only averaging 26 points a game Notre Dame will look to shut down the Eagles Offense and flip the field for the offense.
In Conclusion:
Historically Notre Dame and Boston College go toe to toe and this game has a familiar vibe that Irish Fans and the actual team should be leary of. The last time Notre Dame beat the #1 team which was 93 in Florida State they followed that game with a Boston College matchup and lost. The Irish should be on upset alert due to what i’m calling The Jurkovic factor. Boston College will be amped up for their starting Quarterback and will look to play spoiler. Notre Dame has to focus and treat Boston College like they are playing #1 team in the country. If Notre Dame can take the wind out of Boston College’s sails early the game could be a breeze.
Score Predictions: George’s Pick; Notre Dame 35 Boston College 10. Ben’s Pick; Notre Dame 49 Boston College 10.