2014 Boston College Football Defense: Stats and Grades
By Joe Micik
Sep 20, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Maine quarterback Drew Belcher (14) is swarmed by Boston College linebacker Josh Keyes (25), defensive lineman Brian Mihalik (99), defensive end Kevin Kavalec (93) and defensive lineman Noa Merritt (94) during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Boston College Football Defense: Linebackers
LINEBACKERS . B+. Led by the stellar play of Josh Keyes, it was another good season for the Boston College linebackers. <p>Rarely is this unit of any major concern to us; this is the unit of Mark Herzlich and Luke Kuechly, to name a few. The linebacking corps is one of the least of our problems in recent history, and it was far from an issue this season.</p> <p>At these positions, there was also a great deal of turnover. The Eagles lost two starting linebackers: Steele Divitto and Kevin Pierre-Louis. Though the tackle production from the starting linebackers dropped sharply — Divitto, KPL, and Steven Daniels totaled 308 last year, while Keyes, Daniels, and Mike Strizak accounted for 181 this season — they were still reliable, especially when it came to run defense.</p> <p>Keyes also turned out to be one of the team’s most effective pass rushers, coming up with 4.5 sacks on the year in addition to 11.5 tackles for a loss. </p>. LB. Boston College Eagles
2014 Boston College Football Defense: LB Stats
Steven Daniels, the only returning starter in this unit, had 72 tackles and was second on the team. He also recovered two fumbles and intercepted a pass.
Josh Keyes, an FWAA National Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against USC, had 66 tackles and forced a fumble.
Mike Strizak came up with 42 tackles, five tackles for a loss, and an interception.
Of the backups, or at least the ones listed on the depth chart as such, captain Sean Duggan had 36 tackles and an interception.