A Look Ahead at the Boston College Eagles' College Football Season
Chestnut Hill - As the 2024 season kicks off, the Boston College Eagles football team is gearing up for an exciting year under the leadership of head coach Bill O'Brien. Entering his first season, O’Brien has started to instill a culture of resilience and competitiveness, aiming to build on the team's recent successes and push for a strong finish in the ACC. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the Eagles are poised to make a significant impact on both sides of the ball. Fans are eager to see how the Eagles will soar this season, with high hopes for both bowl eligibility and a potential ACC Championship run.
Offense Preview:
The BC offense is returning 80% of its production. Castellanos leads the charge for the Eagles defense as the head man in charge. He has some added help from the pass catchers they got through the transfer portal. Bill O’Brien is a great offensive-minded coach and will draw up plays to get the ball to his playmakers. Behind strong quarterback play and an improved passing game, the Eagles have the capability of having a top offense in the ACC.
Defense Preview:
BC has hired Tim Lewis as the defensive coordinator as their defense severely underperformed last season. He is expected to ramp up this defense and play much better this season. They have some added help from the portal in the secondary, which was a weak point of the defense. Getting to the quarterback and causing pressure will be key for the defense to mask their weak secondary. If they are unable to create havoc, the defense is going to struggle as the season progresses.
Top Returning Players:
Thomas Castellanos (QB) - Castellanos is one of the most shiftiest, agile, and quick athletes in College Football. He doesn’t necessarily have a strong arm, but he makes up for it with his work on the ground. He does need to improve his 15 TD: 14 INT ratio if BC is to improve this year.
Lewis Bond (WR) - He was the leading receiver a year ago and returns for another season. He recorded 52 receptions for 646 yards and seven touchdowns. With a great offseason, Bond should improve those numbers this upcoming season.
Top Incoming Transfers:
Treshaun Ward (RB) - Ward was the second-leading rusher for Kansas State last season. He will be a great compliment to Robichaux in the BC backfield.
Jerand Bradley (WR) - Bradley is a matchup nightmare on the outside. He stands 6’5 220 lbs and I expect him to get the ball early and often. Bill O’Brien should dial up plays to get him one-on-one outside on the perimeter to make plays.
Bryquice Brown (DB) - The transfer from Georgia State has 136 tackles, four interceptions, and 24 pass breakups to his name. He brings much-needed experience and talent to the BC secondary.
Kamari Morales (TE) - The transfer from UNC is the Tar Heels’ all-time leader in TE touchdowns. He is a promising factor in the passing game and will be a huge upgrade at the TE position.
Top Incoming Freshman:
Cedric Lott (WR) - Lott, only a three-star, looks to be the next big-time player for BC. The 6’6 200 lbs wide receiver from Texas is a playmaker. They will have two guys over 6’5 at the wide receiver spot so I expect a ton of deep balls down the field this year.
Pape Sy (OL) - He is a massive 6’7 300 lb freshman coming to Chestnut Hill this season. He arrives from London where he played in the NFL Academy overseas. He has got the physique to be special but only time will tell how good he will be.
Top Departures:
Vinny DePalma (LB) - After six years at BC, DePalma has not landed a job with the New England Patriots as a defensive coaching assistant. He was their leading tackler last season and someone will have to make up for his big-time play.
Under-the-Radar Players (Sleepers):
Kye Robichaux (RB) - Robichaux is a great player but his performances get masked by the rushing from Castellanos. Maybe this could be the season that he breaks through. He will be the leading back but will have to perform well to keep his spot.
Win Total Prediction:
The Eagles win total is listed as 4.5 on most sportsbooks. My prediction is under 4.5. After coming off a 7 win season, Vegas moved down to 4.5 and it makes me think they won’t do well this season. I believe their only wins will be Duquesne, Western Kentucky, Syracuse, and Pitt. The rest of the schedule is looking extremely unfavorable as they have to play at Florida State and at Missouri in the first three weeks of the season.
