Let's try this again. Boston College

Again let’s give credit where credit is due.  Pittsburgh played very well and deserves the respect it earned on Saturday.  The Panthers had some very good players who carried out a sensational game plan against the Irish and almost dashed the dreams of millions of Notre Dame fans.  Although we all know how fired up the Boston College Eagles get to play their Catholic Kin, the Fighting Irish (this year getting to play in prime time), there is no way in Hades that we’ll see a repeat performance of last week this Saturday night.

We can respect Boston College all we want as an institution, but as a football team they are horrendous (this year at least), at 2-7 with their only wins this season coming against a 3-6 Maine team from the CAA and a three-point win over a Maryland team which is now using a linebacker at starting quarterback.  The Fighting Irish may not be as perfect as their record, but do not mistake their flaws on Saturday for weakness in character and pride.  I have a feeling that the Irish will be looking to save face and send a message to the college football world this Saturday night.

Boston College’s numbers tell the story of a team not only having a tough year, but hoping the season or at least Saturday night is over as soon as possible.  The Eagles are ranked 122^nd in rushing, averaging 74.7 yards per game and will have to match up against Notre Dame’s front seven run defense, who, by the way, are ranked second in points allowed (at 11.7 per game), while Boston College’s offense ranks 98^th (at 22.1 points a game).

Notre Dame’s offense may not be the Oregon Ducks, but it does not need to be against the Eagles.   The Irish have been solidifying themselves on the offensive side of the stat sheet and that trend should continue this weekend.  Boston College is ranked 87^th in points allowed, giving up 30.9 points a game which would match up well against Notre Dame’s 72^nd ranking at 26.7 points a game, except what you look at the body of work those numbers came from. 

Now, it’s not all bad news for the Eagles, as they do have a bright spot at quarterback in junior Chase Rettig.  The third year quarterback is having his best season, passing for 2556 yards with 16 touchdowns and a 128.5 quarterback rating.  The running game is led by Andre Williams, a junior with 584 yards and four touchdowns, not exactly a dominant rushing attack.  The Irish defense should be able to key in on Boston College's limited weapons and shut them down.

I will sleep well Friday night with the confidence that her loyal sons will not only march on to victory but do so in a manner that confirms they are a BCS team, a top five team and a candidate for the National Championship.