Boston College is 3-7, they upset No.17 North Carolina State 21-20 last week with a 2-yard touchdown pass with 14 seconds remaining. The Irish and The Eagles have faced one common opponent, on October 9, Clemson defeated BC 31-3.
Former ND quarterback Phil Jurkovec has been out with a concussion and knee injury for the last two games. In his stead 6-5 Freshman Emmet Morehead has played well. In his two starts he has combined for 660 yards and seven TD passes. And an offense, that has mostly struggled this year, is showing signs of life. Phil Jurkovec’s status is unclear but the success of Morehead makes him the favorite to get this start this week. Overall the Eagle passing game averages a respectable 258 yards per game, 41st nationally.
Senior wide receiver Zay Flowers has speed to burn and leads the Eagles with 67 catches for 921 yards and 10 touchdowns. Last week he burned NC State for 130 yards and 2 TDs. 6-4 Joe Griffin, Jr. is a red zone weapon and has five TDs on 18 catches. Another former ND player, tight end George Takacs has also been fighting off injuries but has 24 catches for 248 yards.
Boston College has struggled with the run game, last week they netted -1 yard on the ground and their game average of 61 yards on the ground ranks them dead last nationally running the football. Pat Garwo III is the top rusher with 296 yards on 99 carries an even 3 yards per attempt.
The Eagle offensive line has been in flux due to injuries and has given up 3.9 sacks per game, which ranks 126th nationally.
BC runs a 4-2-5 base defense. Senior linebacker Vinny DePalma leads the Eagles with 71 tackles. Sophomore defensive end Donavon Ezeieruaku is undersized but is having a big year with 51 tackles, 6 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss and 3 forced fumbles.
Overall BC is allowing 28.8 points per game, 87th nationally and is giving up 366 yards per game ranking them 54th.
One special team’s stat of note, the Eagles have had 2 kicks blocked on the year, something that Brian Mason at ND undoubtedly will take notice of.
The play of Morehead over the last two games has given the BC offense life, but at best the Eagles look one dimensional with their weak run game. That signals that the ND pass rush should have a good day. Defensively this is far from a vintage BC group and that should provide ND opportunities to move the football.
Notre Dame is a 20.5 point favorite and the over/under is 42.5
The Fighting Irish Preview Pick
ND 38 Boston College 21