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It's already that time of the year where we can start looking at predictions, why not, there isn't much else to talk about during these hot summer weeks. Last week the ACC media overwhelmingly selected Boston College to finish last in the ACC Atlantic Division. Scout.com predicted on their site that the Eagles would go 3-9. Vegas has even gone ahead and put the over/under for the Eagles at 4.5. But what should a realistic expectation for the 2013 be? Today I break down the schedule, see what games are manageable and what games are real reaches for Steve Addazio and the Eagles.
High Probability of a Win
Villanova Wildcats
FCS game, first game of the season. I don't particularly care if they were predicted to win the CAA, I still think BC will win this game easily.
Repeat after me "LAST YEAR WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN." Frank Spaziani and Bill McGovern are gone, the frustrations of last year's game should only serve as motivation for the guys who were embarrassed last year at West Point. Don Brown will have this defense prepared, and the Eagles will win handily at home.
Scout.com predicts Boston College to lose this game, which made me laugh hysterically when I read it. Please. If there was one team that was a bigger wreck than the Eagles in 2012 it was the Aggies. They have Frank Spaziani giving motivational advice and Doug Martin running the offense, have fun with that.
#TheRivalry - I am sure a few Wake Forest heads are going to read this and say "WHAT?". But I have my rational behind this. It's at Boston College, it's Steve Addazio's first ACC game, and Wake Forest most likely will be without starting running back Josh Harris. Don Brown will have the defense prepared for Michael Campanaro, who won't be enjoying the benefit of the Spaz cushion this year. Combine that with the energy of the stadium, I think BC takes it.
Toss Up
I really wanted to put this in the "high probability of win" column, I really did. Terps fans will cry about how they were without a QB when they lost to BC last year, but don't forget they get pounded by Boston College on their own turf two years ago. Their defense is stout, Stefon Diggs is scary, but BC has their number. Could go either way at College Park.
A team with a new head coach, and a new starting quarterback. Played at home. The Wolfpack are returning a lot more talent than Boston College, yet BC has always played NC State well at home. May change however with Tom O'Brien gone.
Steve Addazio returns to where it all began. Again this was a game I really wanted to put in the "Should Win" category, but it's a road game.
Low Probability of a Win
Even with a new quarterback, USC has a ton of talent, and it is not going to be easy winning on the road. I just don't see the Eagles pulling this one off.
So much talent on both sides of the ball, Clemson is a legitimate contender for the National Title this year. If BC can keep this one within 14 I would consider that a moral victory.
Oddly enough this game is at home, which I spaced out about until I looked at the schedule this morning. Even if I am not sold on Logan Thomas, I still think this is just a tough game for Boston Colllege, on the road. Boston College kept it close last year, but will that kind of luck happen again?
If somehow Steve Addazio was able to pull off this win, his legacy would take a huge leap. Obviously the Seminoles are far more talented than the Eagles this year, but if there is any game that Addazio will have his team amped out of their skulls it will be this one. But would that be enough?
Bryan Renner is real good, and their defense is good enough to shut down any ACC team. Tough draw for the Eagles, this is going to be a hard one to win.
According to my scales I would say that 6-6 is a distinct possibility and would put my money on the over of 4.5 in Vegas if given the chance. Anything could happen this year, what do you think will the Eagles in 2013?