2012 Boston College Football Preview:
The Boston College Eagles experienced a bit of a down year by the storied program's standards during 2012 by posting a 4-8 record and a 3-5 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Although the team started out 1-6, they finished strong with wins over Maryland, North Carolina State and Miami (FL). In what looks like a make-or-break year for four-year head coach Frank Spaziani, the Eagles are actually in great shape on both sides of the ball with 10 returning starters on offense and seven on defense. With another year of experience under their belt, the Eagles are looking to make the jump back to ACC respectability during 2012.
The Eagles' offense shouldn't see many changes during 2012, but the team needs to get consistent play out of quarterback Chase Rettig. Although Rettig finished with a respectable 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions, he will have to post better numbers to compete in a crowded ACC field. The team will go with multiple running backs once again this year, as Rolandan Finch, Andre Williams and Tajh Kimble will split carries. All top four receivers from a year ago will return, as well as tight end Chris Pantale who could be an important safety valve for Rettig this year. Offensive lines are historically BC's strong suit, and this year's squad is no exception with NFL-caliber tackle Emmett Cleary leading the way.
On defense, the Eagles need to make a big jump in their run defense to compete with the talented runners in the ACC. Brian Mihalik and Kaleb Ramsey are expected to be the prominent starters along the defensive line, but they will need contributions from their underclassmen as well. The linebacking corps will miss the loss of NFL-bound linebacker Luke Kuechly, but the group contains talented starters like Sean Duggan, Steven Daniels and Kevin Pierre-Louis. In the secondary, Manny Asprilla and Al Louis-Jean will start at corner, while Sean Sylvia and Spenser Rositano will patrol the center field at safety.
Heading into the 2012 season, the Eagles will have plenty of tough competition to deal with throughout their ACC schedule. After an opening week showdown with Miami (FL), the schedule should get easier with games against Main and Northwestern, but then the Eagles will get into the meat of their ACC schedule. With a roster that's supremely talented and with plenty of experience across the board, the squad has as good a chance as anyone to make a surprise run at the ACC Championship.
BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES EXPERIENCE:
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Stadium: Alumni Stadium
Conference: ACC Conference
Rivals: Notre Dame (Holy War)
Mascot: Baldwin (Eagle)
Notable Bowl Games:
The Boston College Eagles are one of the most storied programs in college football. BC's program has a rich history of success that started back in 1893. Boston College games are played in their on-campus Alumni Stadium, which is an electric place to see a college football game. Over the course of their history BC's two major rivals have been Holy Cross and Notre Dame. Boston College's series with Holy Cross ended in 1986 when Holy Cross changed leagues and cancelled the series. But "The Holy War" between BC and Notre Dame lives each, as their two Catholic universities battle it out for bragging rights. The rivalry is especially fierce because Boston College and Notre Dame are the only two Catholic universities in the country that play Division I-A football.
Boston College plays their home games at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Alumni Stadium is a historic venue that has hosted BC home games since 1957. The capacity at Alumni Stadium for a Boston College football game is approximately 44,500 people. And you can bet that more than 40,000 of those fans will be screaming for the Eagles.
Boston College has played in the Atlantic Division of the ACC Conference since 2005. Prior to that BC was a member of the Big East Conference, but they moved to the ACC along with the University of Miami. BC's most famous football alumni is quarterback Doug Flutie. Flutie played at Boston College from 1981 to 1984 and won the Heisman Trophy in his final year. He's most known for the Hail Mary touchdown he completed in 1984 to beat Bernie Kosar and the Miami Hurricanes. That pass is one of the greatest in college football history, and the kind of play that typifies BC football. So buy Boston College tickets today and see the excitement of BC football up-close and in-person!
See Also:
Boston College Eagles Basketball tickets
Boston College Eagles Bowl Game tickets
Boston College Eagles Season Preview History