Army at Boston College: BC Offense vs. Army Defense

Analysis

Army still runs the “double-eagle flex” which, last year, did not do a whole lot to stop the struggling Eagles. Now, in 2013, that defense’s numbers are not terrible, but they’re not great, either. For some additional perspective, they did play Stanford, but the rest of their schedule — Wake Forest included — has stunk.

Boston College’s offense just had its best performance yet in 2013 against what was figured to be one of its tougher opponents. Even with that, any uptick in the stats has been negligible. Numbers matter less than the individual matchup, however.

Once more, the size advantage between the Eagles offensive line and the Black Knights defensive line is stark. Their heaviest starting player, T.J. Atimalala (260), is significantly lighter than the lightest player Boston College has anywhere on the depth chart for the offensive line, Frank Taylor (287). Army is not a very big team, though they have gotten some results so far. In particular, the game they played at Michie Stadium against Stanford was a representative effort, holding the Cardinal to less than their season averages to date of total yardage and points per game.

We’re not Stanford and this isn’t Michie Stadium. The Eagles don’t have the talent of the Cardinal, but the Black Knights do not have the comforts of home. Army has not won a true road game since 2010, and got drilled by Ball State in the only one they’ve played so far as they allowed 40 points.

Boston College is not wavering from its ground-and-pound offensive philosophy. Last week against Florida State, the Eagles did some nice things with it and they’re going to go back to it. Why not: last year, Andre Williams set the all-time Boston College record with a 99-yard touchdown run against Army. Throw in other talents like Myles Willis and the Black Knights might have their fair share of trouble stopping the Eagles again.

Chase Rettig is in his fifth offensive regime in four seasons, and it shows. The senior has been no better than okay, but Army is just as susceptible to getting shredded up on the pass. Quarterbacks tend to run high efficiency ratings against them, and Rettig has been decent in that respect. Army has just three interceptions in five games, so they have not been as opportunistic in generating turnovers that way.

Evaluation

Boston College does have a talent advantage here, which regardless of the ultimate game result did show in 2012. In 2013 at home, coming off of a creditable performance against Florida State, it should be more evident. Rettig will get his opportunities to move the ball while being in a situation where it’s not all on his shoulders. Williams and Willis will be expected to carry the load, and no pun intended, they will. Boston College favored.