Pittsburgh at Boston College: BC Offense vs. Pitt Defense
By Joe Micik
Aug 30, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Delaware Fightin Blue Hens wide receiver Jerel Harrison (4) is tackled by Pittsburgh Panthers linebacker
Todd Thomas(8) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 62-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The battle of the BC offense vs. Pitt defense looks on paper like it could be a challenge for the home team.
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Everyone and their proverbial cousin knows the calling card of the Boston College Eagles offense: running the football. Last week in their victory against Massachusetts in the so-called “Battle of the Bay State,” six rushers netted yardage on the ground for the Eagles: quarterback Tyler Murphy and running backs Tyler Rouse, Myles Willis, Jon Hilliman, Marcus Outlow, and Sherman Alston.
Of Boston College’s 338 rushing yards against UMass, Andre Williams might have had 300 if this were last season, but clearly, this is not last season.
The coaches may eventually rely upon certain backs more heavily, but given that the quarterback is mobile and willing to run, the rushing is going to be more evenly distributed. Thing is, the Pittsburgh defense may be up to the challenge.
BC Offense vs. Pitt Defense: Statistical Comparison
(Still using 2013 stats until next week)
• The Eagles were 70th in FBS with 27.7 points per game
• Last year’s Pitt team was also 70th, allowing 27.2 points per game
• Boston College’s run game netted 212.46 yards per game (20th)
• Pitt’s run defense gave up 149.0 yards per game (44th)
• The Eagles converted on third down 34.66 percent of the time (100th)
• Pitt held the opposition to 38.04 percent on third down (50th)
• Boston College’s offensive line allowed 1.69 sacks per game (T-47th)
• Pitt’s defense dropped the quarterback 1.92 times per game (T-64th)