Colorado State at Boston College: 5 Big Questions

Sep 13, 2014; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams quarterback

(18) prepares to pass in the first quarter against the UC Davis Aggies at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado State at Boston College: 5 Big Questions — #2

With regards to the uptick in the Rams’ passing game, is the Boston College secondary ready for that?

We’ll find out, won’t we?

Statistically, the Eagles’ pass defense has succeeded, but there is no question that this is the area in which the team is more susceptible.

A basic football principle is that when your team blitzes a great deal, as Boston College does, you will take a chance when it comes to having defenders available to stop a play. The Eagles have gotten burnt several times already this season in that regard.

Not to say that some of the players in the secondary have not made good plays — for example, Manny Asprilla and Justin Simmons have each broken up several passes and are near the top of the team in tackles — but it has been noted as an area of the team in which they need improvement. Forget the numbers: we have seen it. Early on in the 2014 season, the unit seems to be playing better, but the chance the Eagles take with their frequent blitzing is hanging the defensive backs out to dry if they can’t get Garrett Grayson on the turf in time.

The blitzing has been worth it so far, but the Rams are adept at passing the football. Taking blitzes out of the equation, the Eagles have sometimes been hit-or-miss in the secondary, though probably better than last season.

If the secondary has a good game, so will the Eagles as a whole.