Boston College Announces 2015 Football Schedule

On Thursday, the ACC finally (mercifully) released the 2015 football schedule. Seven home games (eight in Massachusetts!), including four against ACC opponents and a non-conference date with defending MAC champion Northern Illinois highlight this year's sched.

Sept. 5 -- Maine Black Bears
Sept. 12 -- Howard Bison
Sept. 18 -- Florida State Seminoles (Fri.)
Sept. 26 -- Northern Illinois Huskies

Oct. 3 -- @ Duke Blue Devils
Oct. 10 -- Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Oct. 17 -- @ Clemson Tigers
Oct. 24 -- @ Louisville Cardinals
Oct. 31 -- Virginia Tech Hokies

Nov. 7 -- N.C. State Wolfpack
Nov. 14 -- OPEN
Nov. 21 -- @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Fenway Park
Nov. 28 -- @ Syracuse Orange

A few thoughts. More in-depth analysis later in the day.

– Well, there's your answer on the New Mexico State return game. Boston College is forced to go the two FCS opponent route, meaning the bar for bowl eligibility is now seven wins (assuming victories over Maine and Howard), not six.

– Four of seven home games in September, including two FCS opponents and the Friday night home game. Major attendance hit there.

– I feared getting the bye week too early on the schedule, but this is far, far worse. Ten straight games to start the year with the bye week giving BC an extra week to prepare for a non-conference game against Notre Dame. So, no help in ACC play.

– Nothing quite like having your best home game of the season on a Friday night. But 13 of 14 ACC schools will play a non-Saturday game this year, so this makes things better, I guess.

Leave your thoughts below.