Bye Week Breakdown: Boston College Defense

In the disappointing 2010 season, and for many years before that, the Boston College defense had been the jewel of the Eagles team. Now, a variety of reasons have left them limited and, on balance, very average. What used to be a very strong rush defense and a decent pass defense has devolved into an average rush defense and a poor pass defense. This group had been called upon in the past to mask the unsatisfactory performances by the BC offense, but they, too, are faltering, and share the blame for the Eagles being 1-5.

Raw data and rankings

• Scoring defense: 25.67 ppg (60th FBS; 10th ACC)
{• Scoring defense against FBS teams: 27.4 ppg}

• Total defense: 419.33 ypg (95th FBS; 12th ACC)
{• Passing defense: 261.83 ypg (96th in FBS; 11th ACC)}
{• Rushing defense: 157.5 ypg (68th FBS; 7th ACC)}

• Passer efficiency allowed: 132.28 (68th FBS; 9th ACC)

• Red zone defense: 83% (T-63rd FBS; T-7th ACC)

• 3rd down conversions allowed: 43.02% (82nd FBS; 9th ACC)

• Sacks: 6 or 1 per game (T-107th FBS; 11th ACC)