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Boston College Eagles Preview
Overview
Boston College is fresh off of a 11-2 campaign in 2011, Coach Petersen's first year. The 11 wins is tied for the most in school history (1940 and 2007). The Eagles did fall just shy of a division title and chance to play for its first conference title. BC will look to be even better in 2012 as they return 8 starters on offense, 7 starters on defense, and their kicker from a year ago. The Eagles will look to maintain a balanced offensive attack that they used so effectively last year in passing for 3,500 yards and running for 1,600 yards. Defensively Boston College gave up a lot of yards last year, but was decent in giving up points. The defensive side of the ball will have to improve if Boston College wants to win the ACC in 2012.
Offense
Quarterback-At the QB position Chase Rettig returns for the Eagles after he threw for nearly a school record in touchdowns and yardage (26 and 3,432). The Junior has been working hard in the offseason and has improved his skills and the team and coaching staff believe he will make a jump to one of the best quarterbacks in the entire nation. Rettig had a little bit of a problem turning the ball over, but if he gets that issue taking care of this year then he could be in for a huge season.
Rettig Could Have a Big Year in 2012
Running Back-Last season saw Montel Harris run the ball over 200 times for more than 1,600 yards, but Harris is no longer in Chestnut Hill and somebody will have to make up for his absence. This season Andre Williams will be relied upon to take care of the ground work. He patiently redshirted last season and is ready to get his shot. Williams, a sophomore for Pennsylvania, has impressed his coaches and teammates with his hard work and running ability in the spring and summer practices.
Wide Receiver-Two of the top three wide outs return from last year, Bobby Swigert and Colin Larmond. Larmond and Swigert combined for 1,200 yards receiving a year ago and 15 touchdowns. Added in to the receiving corp is the ultra fast and quick Alex Amidon. Amidon will look also return kicks and will look to have a breakout year for the Eagles. The BC offense is dependent on sure handed receivers and this bunch should fit that bill nicely.
Swigert is Looking to Get Over a Crucial Drops Against NC State
Tight End-Chris Pantale torched defenses last year and proved to be one of Chase Rettig's favorite targets. Pantale will look to create matchup problems as he did last year and find open spots in every defense that BC will face. Pantale fits perfectly into the BC scheme as he contributes greatly to the passing and running game. With all the two TE sets that BC utilizes freshman Brian Miller will have a big role alongside Pantale in 2012.
Pantale Had Nearly 1,000 Yards Receiving Last Year
Offensive Line-The offensive line will have to be in top form as it was in 2011 if BC wants to succeed. The line will be asked to do a lot but they are capable. Headlining the offensive line is Senior Emmett Cleary who is a preseason All-American. If the running game is successful in 2012 a large portion of that will because the offensive line did its job.
Defense
Defensive Line-The BC d-line struggled a little last year but looks to be much better on paper in 2012. The line will need to create pressure with just a four man rush at times as well as clog up running lanes for the opposing team. The best defensive linemen that the Eagles have are DE Max Holloway and DT Dillon Quinn. Holloway will be the catalyst behind the pass rush and Quinn the catalyst behind the run stopping. If the line is better in 2012 the defense as a whole will see a lot of improvement.
Holloway is Looking to Rack up the Sacks
Linebackers-To say that the linebackers will be the backbone of the defense is an understatement. The linebacking corp is one of the best in the entire country and is looking to prove it in 2012. Luke Kuechly is the guy that everybody knows but don't sleep on the outside linebackers, Steele Divitto and Kevin Pierre Louis. BC will ask a lot of its linebackers, but this is a group that has the talent to accomplish that. Don't be surprised if you see a couple of these guys on the All-American list at the end of the season.
Kuechly Might be the Best Linebacker in the Country
Defensive Backs-The secondary is a young group that will need to group up fast. They are a talented bunch but don't have a lot of experience to fall back on. The best DB is freshman corner Albert Louis Jean. By the time Louis Jean graduates he could be the best corner in BC history. The leader of the secondary is SS Dominique Williams. While Williams is only a sophomore he is a preseason All-American and can get the defense lined up play in and play out. The secondary will look to pick off a few more passes in the 2012 season.
