Army at Boston College: BC Defense vs. Army Offense

Analysis

Last year, Army out-executed and outcoached the Eagles. Quarterback Trent Steelman rarely threw in Army’s triple-option offense, but he had his second-highest number of attempts for the season against Boston College. Why? Because Rich Ellerson knew the Eagles were giving a big cushion and that the coaches were not going to adjust. It did not work marvelously, because Army almost literally cannot pass the football, but it did help sustain some drives and showed that the Eagles back then could not think on their feet.

This time, Boston College knows that Army is going to run quite a lot, but they are going to bring pressure. Army gives up a low number of sacks only because they barely throw, but expect a more aggressive approach as BC goes after the football. It would seem Army will not try that “let’s pass on their cushion” strategy again because there is no big cushion, and quarterback Angel Santiago is averaging 27 passing yards per game against FBS opponents. About half of his season yardage to date came on four completions against Morgan State.

Compared to the rest of the ACC, the Eagles’ defense still has work to do, but against Army, it could prove serviceable this time. The 2012 Eagles had serious trouble stopping the run, whereas this team has been ordinary or below at times and decent at others. If the Eagles were great at stopping the run now then Army would be in serious trouble, but they have had some issues. This is a smaller Army offensive line they will face, much smaller than even the one Villanova fronted against them on opening day. For Boston College last year, it was bizarre and upsetting that they could not stop Army despite a significant size and talent advantage in the trenches, and that is something which has to change in 2013. Not having Mehdi Abdesmad hurts, but this is still something that can be overcome.

Evaluation

Army’s offense is one-dimensional and we all know that, and that one thing they do, they’ve done well. The Black Knights are going to run all day, but can the Eagles stop it? It seems as though Army would be lucky to have over 500 yards on the ground again as they did last season, though 250-300 is absolutely not out of the question.

Would you consider holding Army to 300 rushing yards a victory? Whether or not you would, it would be one, especially when considering Army will have few passing yards to complement them. Throw in the odd turnover and Boston College should be able to get the job done. Some caution is needed because of how the last time went, but a better performance should be (better be) in store. Boston College slightly favored.