Boston College

Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, the maroon and gold of BC played their first official football game in 1893. The Eagles were founding members of the Big East Conference. The closest to the program came to a national championship came in 1940. The team finished the season 11-0, including a win over Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl. The NCAA officially recognizes Stanford and Minnesota as the national champions for that year. The program is linked with one of the greatest moments in college football history. In 1984, quarterback Doug Flutie threw a Hail Mary pass on the last play of the game to defeat defending national champion Miami 47-45 in a game for the ages. Flutie went on the win the Heisman Trophy. The Eagles left the Big East Conference in 2005 to join the Atlantic Coast Conference. For the last decade, coach Tom O’Brien, compiling a 75-45 record, led the program effectively. Following the 2006 season, O’Brien left to take the head job at N.C. State.

The Eagles return 17 starters from last season’s squad. Leading the way is senior quarterback Matt Ryan, considered to be one of the top signal callers in the country. Ryan is joined in the backfield by experienced running backs L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender. The leadership provided by these seniors should help offset the transition to new head coach Jeff Jagodzinski. Tough road games against Clemson and Virginia Tech will determine whether the Eagles will simply be a bowl team or capable of capturing a conference championship.

Sep 1 - vs. Wake Forest, 3:30 PM

Sep 8 - vs. NC State, 2:30 PM

Sep 15 - at Georgia Tech, 8:00 PM

Sep 22 - vs. Army, 1:00 PM

Sep 29 - vs. Massachusetts, 1:00 PM

Oct 6 - vs. Bowling Green, TBA

Oct 13 - at Notre Dame, 3:30 PM

Oct 20 - Open

Oct 25 - at Virginia Tech, 7:30 PM

Nov 3 - vs. Florida State, TBA

Nov 10 - at Maryland, TBA

Nov 17 - at Clemson, TBA

Nov 24 - vs. Miami-Florida, TBA

First time head coach Jeff Jagodzinski arrives in Chestnut Hill with NFL coaching experience. Most recently, Jagodzinski was offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. He coached at BC from 1997-1998 as offensive coordinator/offensive line coach. He inherits an experienced group of players, particularly at quarterback. Jagodzinski has made it clear that Ryan would have more responsibilities under center and more control of the offense.

On offense, the aforementioned Ryan is the key to the team’s success. Running backs Whitworth and Callender should bring balance to the offense. The defensive side of the ball is blessed with a few playmakers of its own. All-ACC cornerback Dejuan Tribble is a shut down corner. Linebackers Brian Toal and Jolonn Dunbar bring experience and toughness. This senior laden team should be a force in league play.