BC Georgia Tech Preview

Boston College’s season begins with an ACC matchup in Ireland.  Both of these teams had very disappointing seasons last year, with BC going 3-9 and Georgia Tech going 4-8.  However, the prospects are looking good for a better season for both teams in 2016.  Georgia Tech returns star quarterback Justin Thomas, who led them to an Orange Bowl victory in 2014.  BC returns 17 out of their top 21 tacklers from last year’s number one ranked defense. 

When BC has the ball:  The key here is the rushing game from Boston College.  BC is not a team that likes to just sit back and throw the ball all game.  They need to get the run game going.  If they can run the ball, then they can use play-action to get some big plays through the air.  Projected started Towles is able to air it out, but can tend to make mistakes when asked to do too much.

When Georgia Tech has the ball:  Georgia Tech runs the option out of the flexbone.  They essentially run the same play over and over all game and force you to stop it.  However, the one part of the offense they need to have success at it, is the fullback dive.  Everything on the option comes off of the dive.  If GT is able to get three yards on the dive, their offense is almost impossible to stop.  They will begin to go for it on fourth downs, and have great success. 

What Will Happen: Both teams offenses are not going to light up the scoreboard.  The Georgia Tech offensive line was terrible last year, and are going up against BC’s strength.  However, BC’s dline is thin, and if GT is able to wear them down they can have success late in the game.  On the other side, BC was bad, but young on the offensive line.  They will improve.  Patrick Towles will provide a big play ability through the air which they did not have last year.  Neither team is set up to make a comeback late in the game.  BC will take an early and hang on late. 

Final Score: Boston College: 21 Georgia Tech: 17