Boston College Eagles - 2006

2006 Boston College Eagles Team Page and Game Reviews

Dec. 30
Meineke Car Care Bowl
Boston College 25 ... Navy 24
With the game seemingly in hand, Navy tried to run out the clock, but lost a Reggie Campbell fumble on an option pitch to give Boston College new life. The Eagles went 20 yards to get into field goal range, and Steve Aponavicius came through hitting a 37-yard shot as time ran out to redeem himself after missing an extra point on the first score of the game. The Eagles started off the scoring with a two-yard Matt Ryan touchdown run, but had to chase the missed conversion missing on a two-point conversion midway through the fourth quarter that would've tied the score after a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Purvis. Navy's running game worked well, but threw to get two of its touchdowns with Tyree Barnes making a 31-yard grab in the first quarter and Jason Tomlinson making a 24-yard grab in the second. The Midshipmen ran for 322 yards including a five-yard Zerbin Singleton touchdown run in the second quarter. BC was held to just 73 rushing yards.
Player of the game ... Boston College QB Matt Ryan completed 20 of 29 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions and ran for a score
Stat Leaders: Navy - Passing: Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, 4-6, 77 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Shun White, 7-116  Receiving: Jason Tomlinson, 2-36, 1 TD
Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 20-29, 242 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Andre Callender, 19-66  Receiving: Tony Gonzalez, 4-50
Notes & Thoughts ... Navy deserved better. The Midshipmen defense played its heart out stopping the Boston College running game all game long and matching the disparity in speed and athleticism with great blocking, excellent decision making on the option, and tough run after tough run. The BC back seven didn't tackle well, and Navy took advantage. However, as fantastic a job as head coach Paul Johnson did, he didn't go by the old adage that you never pitch the ball on the option when you're trying to run out the clock. To be fair, Navy wasn't going to run the ball up the gut on the BC tackles, but the game-turning play wasn't going anywhere before the ill-advised, fumbled pitch. ... What was BC doing punting the ball to Navy in the first place? The Eagles should've gone for it on fourth down rather than rely on the defense to come up with a stop. BC didn't necessarily get lucky, but it did get a monster break. Give credit to Navy for playing a good game, but BC didn't look like BC for about 58 minutes. Maybe the coaching distractions had something to do with it, or maybe the team just figured it could show up and beat Navy, but the tackling was poor, there was no running game, a few key dropped passes, and lack of energy compared to Navy.

2006 Schedule CFN Prediction: 7-5 2006 Record: 10-3
8/31	at Central Mich W 31-24
9/9	Clemson W 34-33 2OT
9/16	BYU W 30-23 2OT
9/23	at NC State L 17-15
9/30	Maine W 22-0
10/12	Virginia Tech W 22-3
10/21	at Florida State W 24-19
10/28	Buffalo W 41-0
11/4	at Wake Forest L 21-14
11/11	Duke W 28-7
11/18	Maryland W 38-16
11/23	at Miami L 17-14
12/30	Meineke Car Care Bowl Navy W 25-24

2005 Schedule CFN Prediction: 8-3 2005 Record: 9-3 Preview 2005 predicted wins
9/3	at BYU W 20-3
9/10	Army  W 44-7
9/17	Florida State L 28-17
9/24	at Clemson W 16-13  OT
10/1	Ball State W 38-0
10/8	Virginia W 28-17
10/15	Wake Forest W 35-30
10/27	at Virginia Tech L 30-10
11/5	at No. Carolina L 16-14
11/12	NC State W 30-10
11/19	at Maryland W 31-16
12/28	MPC Computers Bowl Boise State W 27-21

Nov. 23
Boston College 17 ... Miami 14
Glenn Sharpe picked off Matt Ryan to snuff out a final BC drive and make Miami bowl eligible. The defenses dominated all night with BC forcing four turnovers including three interceptions from DeJuan Tribble, who took one 21 yards for a touchdown and a 14-3 lead late in the first half. But the Canes bounced back in the final minute with a seven-yard Lance Leggett touchdown catch and scored the only points of the second half on a two-yard Javarris James run. The two teams combined to convert just four of 27 third down chances.
Player of the game ... The defensive front of Miami, in the first home game after the death of Bryan Pata, for pressure in the backfield all game long.
Stat Leaders: Miami - Passing: Kirby Freeman, 14-27, 187 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT
Rushing: Javarris James, 20-45, 1 TD  Receiving: Greg Olsen, 5-63
Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 17-34, 169 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Andre Callender, 10-32, 1 TD  Receiving: Andre Callender, 3-40
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... BC had several chances to pull off the win against Miami, but the offensive line got manhandled, or more to the point, blown past, while the running game never got going. It's hard to fault a defense that forced three turnovers, and got a fourth off a bobbled punt return, while keeping the Canes to under 250 yards. This is one QB Matt Ryan will want back as he was off all night and forced throws and made mistakes he avoided for most of the year.

Nov. 18
Boston College 38 ... Maryland 16
Jolonn Dunbar returned two fumbled for touchdowns in the first five minutes and DeJuan Tribble returned an interception 42 yards for a score as Boston College got back in the hunt for the ACC title. Matt Ryan connected with Tony Gonzalez for a 34-yard touchdown and Brandon Robinson caught a 17-yard scoring pass as BC went out to a 28-3 lead and coasted from there. The Terps only managed three Dan Ennis field goals before Danny Oquendo got into the end zone on a nine-yard catch.
Player of the game ... Boston College LB Jolonn Dunbar took two fumbles for touchdowns for a 14-0 BC lead.
Stat Leaders: Maryland - Passing: Sam Hollenbach, 27-42, 249 yds, 2 INT
Rushing: Keon Lattimore, 13-40  Receiving: Danny Oquendo, 6-65, 1 TD
Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 19-29, 249 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 21-100  Receiving: Tony Gonzalez, 4-76, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... BC got what it needed with a Wake Forest loss to Virginia Tech and a dominant win over Maryland to stay in the hunt for the Atlantic title. Now it needs the Terps to beat the Demon Deacons, while getting a win in Miami over the lifeless Hurricanes, to play for the title. The defense hit like a ton of bricks early and did a fantastic job of not breaking on three drives that ended in Terp field goals. Once again, Matt Ryan made a strong case to be ACC Player of the Year, while the running game did a great job of providing some balance. Penalties were a big problem; 11 for 85 yards are way too many.

Nov. 11
Boston College 28 ... Duke 7
Boston College rolled up 501 yards of total offense taking control from the start on a 24-yard Kevin Challenger touchdown run. Duke's only scoring drive of the day culminated in a one-yard Clifford Harris score, but BC closed out with 21 unanswered points highlighted by a 26-yard Andre Callender touchdown run in the third and a seven-yard L.V. Whitworth scoring run in the fourth. .
Player of the game ... Boston College RBs L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender combined for 223 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries
Stat Leaders: Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 23-37, 219 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 13-118, 1 TD  Receiving: Brandon Robinson, 5-56
Duke - Passing: Thaddeus Lewis, 20-40, 131 yds, 2 INT
Rushing: Clifford Harris, 6-59, 1 TD  Receiving: Raphael Chestnut, 5-46
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... BC might not be the most exciting team around, but it has offensive balance and the steady play of Matt Ryan leading the way. Coming off the loss to Wake Forest, the team needed an explosive win, and it got it rolling at will on Duke with a near-perfect offensive balance. Now there needs to be a little bit of help with a Wake Forest losses to Virginia Tech and Maryland, while the Eagles have to beat the Terps and Miami. As long as the defense limits the big play, and the offense keeps the turnovers to a minimum, a ten-win regular season is possible.

Nov. 4
Wake Forest 21 ... Boston College 14
Wake Forest got a nine-yard touchdown run from Willie Idlette, and 46-yard touchdown grab from Nate Morton, and a breathtaking 81-yard Kevin Marion touchdown run on an end-around for a 21-7 lead, but had to hold on late with two big turnovers saving the game. Matt Ryan threw for 402 yards and ran for a two-yard score for BC, but he threw a key late interception and Jyles Tucker forced an L.V. Whitworth fumble to keel the Eagles off the board in the fourth quarter. While Ryan bombed away, the running game was held to 28 yards on 25 carries.
Player of the game ... In a losing cause, Boston College QB Matt Ryan completed 40 of 57 passes fro 402 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions and ran for a score.
Stat Leaders: Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 40-57, 402 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 12-34  Receiving: Kevin Challenger, 5-73
Wake Forest - Passing: Riley Skinner, 15-23, 120 yds, 2 INT
Rushing: Kevin Marion, 2-91, 1 TD  Receiving: Nate Morton, 7-94
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... Boston College might have lost to Wake Forest, but once again, Matt Ryan showed off what a talent he is spreading the ball around to 11 different receivers and keeping the game alive with no running game whatsoever to help him out. Ten penalties and three turnovers did in the Eagles, but the Atlantic race isn't over by a long shot. If BC can win its final three games against Duke, Maryland and Miami, it has a realistic shot with Wake Forest still needing to travel to Florida State and Maryland along with hosting the Hokies. The team needs to put this disappointment in the past immediately.

Oct. 28
Boston College 41 ... Buffalo 0
In a combination of win, snow and rain, Boston College got two touchdown runs and a touchdown throw from QB Chris Crane. With starter Matt Ryan getting the week off to rest up for the ACC's stretch run, Crane carried the offense with his scrambling ability as the Eagles outgained UM 349 yards to 92 and took advantage of five UB turnovers. Steve Aponavicius hit two field goals and L.V. Whitworth rumbled for a 43-yard touchdown run. The Bulls were held to -12 rushing yards.
Player of the game ... In his first career start, Boston College QB Chris Crane was 17-of-26 for 142 yards, one touchdown and one interception and ran for two more scores and 12 yards on 10 carries.
Stat Leaders: Buffalo- Passing: Drew Willy, 13-25, 80 yds, 2 INTs
Rushing: James Starks, 9-1 Receiving: James Starks, 6-28
Boston College: Chris Crane, 17-26, 142 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 10-84, 1 TD  Receiving: Kevin Challenger, 4-21
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... BC did what it needed to do getting an easy win over Buffalo and getting to sit Matt Ryan and let him rest. Chris Crane gave a preview of the future as a new style of Eagle quarterback with 6-4 size and mobility. He handled himself well in the awful weather conditions keeping the mistakes to a minimum while helping the Eagles control the ball for 37:16. Now it's on to the showdown with Wake Forest with a chance to all but salt away the Atlantic Division.

Oct. 21
Boston College 24 ... Florida State 19
Scored twice in the final 51 seconds of the first half with a six-yard L.V. Whitworth touchdown run followed up by a 36-yard interception return for a score from DeJuan Tribble. A 26-yard Steve Aponavicius field goal gave the Eagles a 24-10 lead into the fourth quarter, and then the Noles started bombing with Drew Weatherford finishing with 326 yards with a one-yard rushing touchdown, but the offense couldn't manage any more points. A last-second Florida State Hail Mary was picked off by Larry Anam.
Player of the game ... Boston College DB DeJuan Tribble made four tackles and an interception for a touchdown
Stat Leaders: Florida State - Passing: Drew Weatherford, 32-48, 326 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Drew Weatherford, 13-12, 1 TD  Receiving: Chris Davis, 10-100
Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 16-26, 262 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 18-53, 1 TD. Receiving: Kevin Challenger, 4-41
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... Boston College needed to come up with big plays from unlikely spots to make up for a hobbling Matt Ryan and an average offense that wasn't going anywhere on the ground, and the defense came through against Florida State. With no fear of a Seminole running game, the secondary could hang back and worry about Drew Weatherford bombing away. With a scrimmage against Buffalo next week, the Eagles should have time to rest up and get healthy for a trip to Wake Forest. A win there will likely mean a 10-1 start before going to Miami.

Oct. 12
Boston College 22 ... Virginia Tech 3
Boston College's defense held Virginia Tech to just 181 yards of total offense forcing four turnovers and allowing a 36-yard Brandon Pace field goal. The Eagle offense got two touchdown catches from Kevin Challenger, but the real star was walk-on PK Steve Aponavicius, who provided the first steady kicking of the year with two field goals and two extra points. The Hokies finished averaging just 2.9 yards per play.
Player of the game ... Boston College LB Tyronne Pruitt made nine tackles and forced a fumble
Stat Leaders: Virginia Tech - Passing: Sean Glennon, 23-34, 148, 2 INT
Rushing: Branden Ore, 19-71  Receiving: Josh Morgan, 6-35
Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 16-29, 174 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 17-60. Receiving: Kevin Challenger, 3-45, 2 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... The win over Clemson showed that BC could play with anyone in the ACC, but the dominant performance against Virginia Tech proved once and for all that it's a true contender. The offense took advantage of every opportunity and the defense swarmed all over the Hokies allowing just 1.2 yards per carry with three sacks and consistent pressure all game long. As big a statement as this might have been, it might not mean much if the Eagles can't get it done at Florida State next week. With road game at Wake Forest and Miami still to deal with, there's little margin for error.

Sept. 30
Boston College 22 ... Maine 0
BC had no problems against a good Maine team with Andre Callender busting through for a 25-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and Brian Toal pounding it in from one yard out in the third quarter. The kicking game was fine with Ryan Ohliger connecting on both extra points and hitting field goals from 29 and 30  yards out. Maine turned it over three times and only managed 163 yards of total offense.
Player of the game ... Boston College RB Andre Callender ran 11 times for 76 yards and a touchdown and caught a pass for 29 yards.
Stat Leaders: Maine - Passing: Ron Whitcomb, 15-22, 77 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Ron Whitcomb, 17-32  Receiving: Arel Gordon, 7-37
Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 15-26, 182 yds
Rushing: Andre Callender, 11-76, 1 TD  Receiving: L.V. Whitworth, 4-38
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... BC was pushed a bit more than it might have liked by Maine, but the offense was able to go though the motions and still come up with the win. It would've been nice if L.V. Whitworth had been able to do something, 13 yards on nine carries is a bit disturbing, but it's not like the team was going full-throttle against the Black Bears. Shock of shocks, Ryan Ohliger and the kicking game were solid in a much-needed confidence boost after an awful start to the year. Now the team gets a week and a half to rest of and prepare for Virginia Tech in what has become a must-win to be considered a serious contender in the ACC race.

Sept. 23
NC State 17 ... Boston College 15
NC State QB Daniel Evans, in his first start, didn't have a night to remember until his final drive. Down five with 46 left and starting on his own 28, Evans found Anthony Hill for an 18 yard pass. He threw a 20-yard pass to John Dunlap to get to the BC 34, and then with five seconds to play, found Dunlap in the end zone for touchdown. The Wolfpack were able to win on the score since BC failed on a two-point conversion after a Brian Toal touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. The Eagles scores early in the game on a 22-yard catch from Tony Gonzalez, but the extra point was no good. Andre Brown ran for a 26-yard score in the third quarter for State's touchdown before the final score.
Player of the game ... NC State QB Daniel Evans completed 15 of 31 passes for 179 yards and an interception and threw the game-winning touchdown pass with five seconds to play
Stat Leaders: Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 13-25, 149 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 21-109 . Receiving: Brandon Robinson, 3-23
NC State - Passing: Daniel Evans, 15-31, 179 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Andre Brown, 13-97, 1 TD. Receiving: John Dunlap, 4-79, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... BC was bound to eventually be on the wrong side of a close game, and it was bound to eventually be haunted by a shaky kicking game. NC State won in miraculous fashion on the final big touchdown pass, but BC had several chances to make plays on the final drive, and didn't. Matt Ryan had his first awful game of the year and needs to get his groove back against Maine next week before dealing with Virginia Tech and Florida State. BC has to at least split between the two and would love to get the win in Tallahassee to take control of the Atlantic Division. To do that, the offense has to be more consistent.

Sept. 16
Boston College 30 ... BYU 23 2OT
At both teams missed field goals in the first overtime, Matt Ryan connected with Tony Gonzalez for a 25-yard touchdown and a BC lead in the second overtime, and then the defense came to the rescue as Jamie Silva made a diving interception, which took several minutes to be reviewed, to finally stop the BYU offense. The Cougars rolled up 554 yards of total offense with John Beck running for a score, throwing for another, and bombing away leading the attack to 554 yards. But drive after drive ended up in field goal attempts with Jared McLaughlin hitting three, but missing enough to keep the Eagles in the game. BC turned it over four times, but got two short Brian Toal touchdowns and an 18-yard scoring grab from Gonzales to keep pace.
Player of the game ... In a losing cause, BYU QB John Beck completed 38 of 59 passes for 436 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions and he ran for a score.
Stat Leaders: Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 29-48, 356 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 11-61. Receiving: Brandon Robinson, 7-140
BYU - Passing: John Beck, 38-59, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Curtis Brown, 15-49. Receiving: Curtis Brown, 11-94
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... Is anyone playing more exciting games than BC? The Central Michigan game went down to the wire, the Clemson game was a heartbreaker, and the BYU win was a thriller. This isn't a good enough team to beat too many strong teams if it turns it over four times and has mistakes with the kicking game. The running game wasn't all that bad, but this was Matt Ryan's win as he was able to spread the ball around well while connecting with Brandon Robinson and Tony Gonzales on several big plays. If this is really an ACC title contender, it wins at NC State next week with little trouble.

Sept. 9
Boston College 34 ... Clemson 33 2OT
In what's sure to be remembered as one of the best games of the season, Boston College got a blocked extra point from Jolonn Dunbar in the second overtime and then won it on a six-yard touchdown run from L.V. Whitworth and an Ryan Ohliger extra point. Will Proctor threw two touchdown passes including one on a short throw to C.J. Spiller who took it 82 yards for a score in the second quarter to put the Tigers up 17-7. Jeff Smith kept the Eagles in the game with three long kick returns highlighted by a 96-yard return for a score to open the second half and tie it at 17. Clemson took the lead in the fourth quarter on a one-yard James Davis scoring run, but BC was able to answer  with less than five minutes to play on a one-yard Matt Ryan touchdown run following a Clemson interception that was called back after a review. The two traded field goals in the first overtime, and then Davis ran it in from a yard out before the fateful extra point attempt.
Player of the game ... Boston College kickoff returner Jeff Smith returned five kicks for 213 yards and a touchdown. He also caught a pass for seven yards.
Stat Leaders: Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 22-38, 212 yards, 1 TD
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 19-78, 1 TD. Receiving: Kevin Challenger, 6-73, 1 TD
Clemson - Passing: Will Proctor, 25-40, 343 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: James Davis, 24-93, 2 TD. Receiving: Chansi Stuckey, 11-124
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... Can Boston College and Clemson play boring games? The Eagles established themselves as a true player in the ACC race with the improbable overtime win over the Tigers with special teams, timely defense, and just enough offense getting the job done. Matt Ryan was brilliant at keeping the chains moving, even though he didn't have his best game, and the 1-2 rushing punch of L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender was fantastic. Now the team can't let down against BYU and it has to stay hot at NC State. Those are both big-time landmine games after a win like this.

Aug. 31
Boston College 31 ... Central Michigan 24
Boston College survived a late scare when Brian Toal intercepted CMU QB Dan LeFevour, who forced a pass out of a strange swinging gate formation, to close out a closer-than-expected battle. BC took a 17-3 halftime lead helped by short touchdown runs from Brian Toal and Ryan Purvis and was up 31-10 in the fourth quarter on two Matt Ryan touchdown passes, but CMU kept fighting back with several trick plays and chances. LeFevour, who was in for injured starter Brian Brunner, ran for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Player of the game ... Boston College QB Matt Ryan completed 32 of 48 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns.
Stat Leaders: Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 32-48, 321 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 13-51. Receiving: Kevin Challenger, 6-62, 1 TD
Central Michigan - Passing: Dan LeFevour, 22-37, 223 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Dan LeFevour, 14-71, 2 TD. Receiving: Obed Cetoute, 6-103
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean Basil? ... There's no reason to be too concerned about having problems closing out against Central Michigan; chalk it up to the opening game of the year. QB Matt Ryan, despite getting a bit dinged up, threw efficiently with the Chippewa defense loaded up to stop the run, but BC should've been able to pound the ball better than it did. Next week, Clemson might win with CMU's defensive gameplan, so the BC O line has to come up with a more dominant performance.

Boston College Preview 2006

Boston College Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart | Further Analysis

Has there ever been a quieter 9-3 season than Boston College's 2005 campaign?

The nationally televised second half problems in the 28-17 loss to Florida State in the ACC opener all but crushing BC's ACC title dreams with a forgivable blowout loss at Virginia Tech and an unforgivable gaffe at North Carolina allowing the Seminoles to go off and win the conference title. There was a road win over a great Clemson team, along with wins over Virginia, NC State and Maryland, but no one seemed to notice, including the ACC bowls.

Despite going 8-3, BC was exiled to Boise to play in the MPC Computers Bowl to complete a third nine-win season in four years and a seventh straight winning season under head coach Tom O'Brien. All the Eagles did was finish first in the ACC in total offense, first in run defense (and fifth in the nation), and seventh in scoring defense while Syracuse turned out to be one of the worst teams in America. Yup, the ACC, at least for now, seemed to make the right choice when it came to getting a 12th team.

Is there any reason to believe Boston College won't be a 7-to-9 win team again and finish with yet another bowl victory after winning six straight? Why not? O'Brien has created a consistent football factory that always seems to do the same things, but does them really well. His teams always have big, talented lines, solid defenders that don't make mistakes, and heady skill players who always produce. However, last year's team was the one to win an ACC title with. This year's squad is good, but it doesn't quite measure up.

If the Eagles are going to make a push in the Atlantic, they'll have to do it with a fairly anonymous team full of good veterans. The star power isn't there compared to teams like Florida State, Clemson, or even Maryland. That's just fine by BC; this is a hard-nosed team that doesn't appear to have a problem with the lack of recognition.

The offense will center around the running game early on with the 1-2 punch of L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender returning for a third straight year and with more speed behind them. Matt Ryan is a big passer who needs to make the average receiving corps shine. The offensive line that allowed only 15 sacks last year won't be quite as good, but it'll hardly be a liability.

The Eagle defense has to replace all-star end Mathias Kiwanuka and linebackers Ray Henderson and Ricky Brown, but the secondary should be outstanding and there's enough beef upfront to give most running games fits. Brian Toal leads a linebacking corps that should very quietly be among the best in the ACC.

The ACC is full of very good teams looking to take the next step. Clemson, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Virginia, and NC State have all had plenty of success. Boston College might not have what it takes to break from the pack, but under O'Brien, it's not going to fall far out of contention.

The Schedule: It's strange. Who starts off a season at Central Michigan? The Eagles had better be tuned up with big showdowns against Clemson, BYU and at NC State over the following three weeks. If Maine plays like it did last year when it pushed Nebraska and two years ago when it beat Mississippi State, BC won't be able to just show up and win. And all that comes before October. On the plus side, there's three weeks between the battle at NC State and the showdown against Virginia Tech followed up by the Atlantic battle at Florida State. Things ease up in a big way before ending the season at Miami.

Best Offensive Player: Senior OG Josh Beekman. One of the nation's best guards, he's one of the stars of the best line in the ACC last year. He could move to center if needed, and he'll dominate wherever he's put.

Best Defensive Player: Junior LB Brian Toal. Hampered a bit by a shoulder injury last season, Toal wasn't quite the force he was as a freshman. When 100%, he's not just a deadly linebacker, he's also an unstoppable goal line fullback.

Key player to a successful season: Senior WR Tony Gonzalez. With Will Blackmon and Larry Lester gone, the always dependable Gonzalez goes from being a nice number three target to a go-to number one receiver. He has the quickness and the hands, and he led the team in touchdown catches last season, but he has to prove he can also deal with everyone's number one corner.

The season will be a success if ... BC finishes with another nine-win season. The team isn't as good as last year's version and has brutal luck with the ACC scheduling getting Virginia Tech and Miami from the Coastal Division. In fact, playing at Florida State and at Miami should all but kill any ACC title dreams. Even so, the rest of the slate isn't all that bad; winning eight and another bowl game would be a nice feat ... again.

Key game: Oct. 21 at Florida State. They had them. BC survived a worst-case-scenario opening few minutes against the Seminoles only to see the offense die once starting QB Quinton Porter got hurt. A win in Tallahassee would mean the Eagles will be in the Atlantic Division driver's seat.

2005 Fun Stats: 
- Sacks: Opponents 35 for 203 yards - Boston College 15 for 91 yards
- Third down conversions: Boston College 76 of 177 (43%) - Opponents 66 of 192 (34%)
- Rushing touchdowns: Boston College 21 ... Opponents 6

The Last Time Boston College…
…played in a bowl game…2005 (MPC Computers Bowl vs. Boise State)
…missed a bowl game…1998
…pitched a shutout…2005 (Ball State)
…was shutout…1998 (Virginia Tech)
…scored 50 points…2003 (Ball State)
…went undefeated…1940
…won a conference title…2004 (share, Big East)
…had a 3,000-yard passer…1993 (Glenn Foley)
…had a 1,000-yard rusher…2003 (Derrick Knight)
…had a 1,000-yard receiver…1983 (Brian Brennan)
…had a first-round draft choice…2006 (DE Mathias Kiwanuka)