Why the 2014 Boston College Eagles Are Bowling Again
By Joe Micik
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Oct 25, 2014; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive back
Justin Simmons(27) reacts after intercepting a pass late in the fourth quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Boston College defeated Wake Forest 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Boston College Eagles Bowling: Defensive Improvements
Some had said that second years under defensive coordinator Don Brown were better than first years. It was certainly the case on the Heights as the Eagles, despite losing almost all of their defensive line starters and two of their three starting linebackers, have gotten better.
There are certain areas where Boston College is lagging a bit from last year, like sacks, but overall, the results have been very promising. For example, after nine games, it is alright to say it is not a fluke: Boston College has one of the best run defenses in the nation right now.
Further, there may be handfuls of individual plays where the Eagles need to be better, and they could stand to work on their third-down defense, but there cannot be any doubt that this defense is better than last year. They give up fewer points and much fewer yards, and part of that is because they are not on the field much, whether by the offense helping or being able to get themselves off of it.
This is not the Clemson defense or another elite unit, but it is effective. Some will still be able to find flaws here and there in what has been done so far on this side of the ball, even when considering the overall lack of depth, but it would be foolish to say this unit has not improved. It has, significantly.