BCI Summer School 2018: NC State Week

Last year’s game at home against the N.C. State Wolfpack could have been a disaster for the Boston College Eagles. At home, Steve Addazio’s squad was moving the ball effectively against a good NC State team, when the unthinkable happened. Driving for a touchdown, freshman quarterback Anthony Brown was making a cut on a run when his leg gave out under him. It was a horrifying injury that ended his season, and killed all momentum the Eagles had going for them. In the end BC was unable to beat NC State, and they had to ride the huge shoulders of AJ Dillon for three more games.

This year, the Eagles will be taking on the Pack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Dave Doeren’s team brings much of the talent back that made them a favorite darkhorse team in the ACC last year (though they are the popular pick every year). Of course there is Ryan Finley, who is arguably the best returning quarterback in the ACC. Last season he was the model of efficiency throwing for 3518 yards, with 17 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions. Finley isn’t going to light the world on fire with gawdy numbers, but he is dangerous and efficient, especially with a group of talented wide receivers returning. Kelvin Harmon could be the best wide receiver in the conference as well, as he had over 1000 yards of receiving in 2017. Stephen Louis adds another dangerous option, so BC’s secondary is going to be challenged against the Wolfpack. But the offense may be more one dimensional as star running backs Jaylen Samuels and Nyheim Hines both graduated. However, Reggie Gallaspy could step in and be a solid every down back for Doeren’s offense.

On the defensive side of the ball, losing Bradley Chubb is a big deal, and could be a monumental hurdle for this squad. He was incredible last year, and sealed the win for NC State against the Eagles with a sack of Darius Wade to seal the win. But the bigger news is that the Wolfpack have lost 7 other starters on the defensive side of the ball. Sure there is talent there, but it is very raw. Last year the Wolfpack got killed on some big plays, and with a group of younger unproven talent taking the reigns, this problem may be amplified in 2018.

Could Boston College beat the Wolfpack on the road this year? It certainly looks like a toss up game, with some favorable match ups for the Eagles. This week, we are returning with an interview with SBNation blog Backing the Pack on Friday, looking at recent results and of course another Playa Haters Ball. Check back for the remainder of the week for more news and opinion.