Army at Boston College: Bottom Line and Pick

Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

A short time ago, this game looked in doubt. Thankfully, it is no more, and Boston College football will take the field against the Army Black Knights as scheduled. It is a game they both need to happen and need to win, as the bowl game calculus looks dire if the Eagles cannot get a win.

Boston College: Best-Case Scenario

The best-possible day for Boston College football involves the defense coming out prepared to deal with Army’s triple-option, not completely eliminating their run game but holding it to a sub-par performance (which for them is below 300 yards on the ground, complemented by virtually no passing yards). They wouldn’t shut Army out, but they could keep them out of the end zone for the most part, as the Black Knights are a poor red zone conversion team which ultimately doesn’t score a lot. On the other side of the ball, Boston College moves the ball up and down the field like they did against Florida State, except Army’s defense is not nearly as good, leading to the offense dropping 40 and the team winning comfortably.

Boston College: Worst-Case Scenario

The worst-case scenario looks a lot like the 2012 meeting between these two teams. Boston College’s defense can’t hold it together and Army has a big offensive afternoon, shredding the Eagles for hundreds and hundreds of rushing yards. It would also involve a number of fundamental and strategic mistakes on the Eagles part. Even in Army’s best-case scenario, they do not win this game by much.

Army at Boston College: Bottom Line

Last year’s defeat at Michie Stadium was a perfect storm of suck for Boston College. It is difficult to believe that lightning will strike twice given how many things were in Army’s favor last time, up to and including having a home game, the Eagles being at a low point in program history, and a ridiculously bad final two minutes for the Eagles in which they almost literally did everything wrong. Some might argue that this Army team is better than the one which beat Boston College last year. That is not an unfair thing to say, except that one might also mention that Boston College is better this year than the team which Army beat. Say what you will about the Eagles’ talent level and size compared to the rest of the ACC, but in this game, Boston College is superior in both. This time at home, they won’t be denied.

Army at Boston College: Pick

• Score Estimate: Boston College 31, Army 17