(Photo: Icon Sportswire)
Coaching veteran Bill O’Brien is in his second season at Boston College, bringing with him more than three decades of experience across the college and professional ranks. O’Brien’s coaching résumé is extensive — head coach at both Penn State and the Houston Texans, and offensive coordinator roles at Georgia Tech, Duke, and Alabama, among others. Known for his offensive mind and NFL pedigree, O’Brien was expected to bring stability and toughness to Chestnut Hill.
So far, though, the results haven’t matched the résumé.
The Eagles sit at 1–7 overall and 0–5 in ACC play, losers of seven straight. Their most recent setback came last weekend at No. 19 Louisville, where the Cardinals ran wild in a 38–24 win. Louisville rushed for 317 yards, including a career-best 205 from Isaac Brown, who broke runs of 73 and 62 yards in the first half. Despite hanging around into the fourth quarter — trailing just 31–24 with three minutes left — Boston College once again couldn’t finish.
“We’ve got to coach a lot better than we’re doing,” O’Brien said afterward. “I haven’t done a good job this year coaching.”
A Midseason Quarterback Change
One of the most notable recent developments for Boston College has been a change under center. After starting the season with Dylan Lonergan, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Alabama, the Eagles made a switch two weeks ago to veteran Grayson James.
James, a redshirt senior who transferred from Florida International, has taken over as the starter in hopes of sparking a struggling offense. He made his first start of the season against UConn and has remained the No. 1 option since. O’Brien said the move was about “trying to find a spark” and praised James for his competitiveness and leadership.
Against Louisville last week, James threw for 244 yards and three touchdowns, showing command in the pocket and a willingness to push the ball downfield. His experience and mobility give O’Brien a steadier hand as the Eagles search for consistency, but the offense will need more than flashes if BC hopes to compete with Notre Dame.
Offensive and Defensive Overview
Statistically, the numbers tell a familiar story. Boston College’s passing offense ranks a respectable 30th nationally at 268.9 yards per game, but nearly every other category points to a team struggling to find rhythm. The Eagles are 125th in rushing offense (just 102.1 yards per game) and 75th in scoring offense (26.8 points per game).
Defensively, the Eagles have been overmatched — ranking 124th in scoring defense (34.4 points allowed per game) and 109th in total defense, giving up over 410 yards per outing. Turnovers and explosive plays have been recurring issues. Boston College ranks 111th nationally in turnover margin and allows opponents to convert over 60% of fourth downs, one of the worst marks in the country. Their red zone defense is also near the bottom of the FBS, giving up points on over 90% of opponent trips.
If there’s been a bright spot, it’s been the connection between James and top receiver Lewis Bond. Bond leads the team with 56 receptions for 547 yards, ranking among the ACC’s most productive wideouts. On the ground, Turbo Richard, who has had a shoulder injury and will be a gametime decision remains the leading rusher with 431 yards, while linebacker KP Price anchors the defense with 64 tackles and two interceptions.
Special teams have been steady, kicker Luca Lombardo has convertied all 11 of his field goal attempts, averaging over eight points per game, while punter Shamus Florio provides decent field position with an average of just over 40 yards per punt.
Looking Ahead: Matchup vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame enters this game with a huge advantage on both sides of the ball. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price should find plenty of room to run behind an offensive line that’s been dominant this season, while C.J. Carr has an excellent opportunity to bounce back after an uneven performance against USC. On the other side of the ball, Boston College will have a tough time against a Notre Dame defense that has played itself into outstanding, dominating shape, controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting explosive plays.
The Fighting Irish Preview Prediction: Notre Dame 45 Boston College 10