Colorado State at Boston College: CSU Offense vs. BC Defense
By Joe Micik
Sep 13, 2014; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Elroy Masters Jr. (88) runs for 69 yards in the fourth quarter against the UC Davis Aggies at Hughes Stadium. The Rams defeated the Aggies 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
CSU Offense vs. BC Defense: Stat Analysis
Last week, it was noted that Boston College’s defensive stats were good, even as two-thirds of the data was against legitimate teams in USC and Pittsburgh. It was also stated factually that those figures would get better once Maine joined the equation. They did.
It is still early in the season, but these are some of the best defensive stats we have seen from Boston College in a while. Even though things might level off somewhat during the heart of ACC play, what the Eagles have done so far on defense is very encouraging.
What might be of concern to the Eagles is that the Rams have been good so far at throwing the ball behind quarterback Garrett Grayson. He is averaging about 331 yards per game with eight touchdowns and only two picks, and part of those good numbers is the Rams having hit on some big passing plays. Elroy Masters, Jr. has the longest play of the year for Colorado State so far with a 69-yard pass, which ironically was not a touchdown. Rashard Higgins and Joe Hansley also boast catches of more than 50 yards this season.
Knowing that Colorado State will try to hit the home run, that exposes Boston College to the threat of giving up the big play, which they have done at least once in most if not all games this season. The air is where the Eagles are most vulnerable, but so far, Boston College has been able to limit the damage. Whether they do this time will be of major importance to the outcome.
Otherwise, the Rams also do a running-back-by-committee with Treyous Jarrells and former Alabama running back Dee Hart very close in terms of production so far; Jarrells leads the way with 212 yards and two touchdowns.
CSU Offense vs. BC Defense: Injuries
Redshirt freshman center Jake Bennett is out for the season for Colorado State with what is speculated to be an ACL injury.
The Rams are, however, expected to get back senior left tackle Ty Sambrailo back from an MCL injury that was sustained in their season opener.
CSU Offense vs. BC Defense: Key Matchup
Garrett Grayson vs. Boston College secondary. As alluded to previously. He can throw the football, if he eludes the Eagles’ pass rush. Shutting down the passing game for the Rams is going to be a high priority, and a few coverage breakdowns in the secondary may make the Eagles have to win a high-scoring game.
CSU Offense vs. BC Defense: Final Analysis
Colorado State will probably keep the Eagles on their toes and Grayson will probably have a good afternoon statistically. They are probably going to hit the Eagles for several big plays, or at least try to, and may keep Boston College’s defense on the field longer than they would like.
Still, the Eagles defense has arguably played well in three out of their four games so far and are more than capable of holding their own. On their end, the Rams are capable of it as well.