It can be argued Boston College has overachieved in Steve Addazio’s six seasons at the helm in Chesnut Hill. The Eagles are looking for their fourth consecutive bowl appearance and despite their modest recruiting rankings, have defeated Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech over the past two seasons.
The counterpoint, however, is that Boston College has plateaued under Addazio’s conservative offensive approach. The last three seasons have been winning seasons, but just barely (7-6; 7-6; 7-5). Addazio is an offensive line coach by trade and it’s likely BC won’t take more downfield chances this season with all-conference performer AJ Dillon headlining in the backfield.
Quarterback Anthony Brown threw for just 2,120 yards last season, but is entering his third year as a starter, and should be comfortable with the scheme. The offense should be stable with returners at key positions, but the defense will be very young. Only four starters return from a defense that was no. 2 in interceptions a season ago.
BC is one of the five ACC teams that draws Notre Dame on its schedule, and while a difficult matchup, it’s a rivalry rooted in the traditions of the two Jesuit schools. Otherwise, the schedule is manageable. The Eagles won’t be given much of a chance to surprise Clemson Oct. 26th, but with Richmond, Kansas and Rutgers in Sept., BC should get off to a good start.
Addazio spent some of his time in a media breakout session at ACC Kickoff and made some interesting comments. Addazio has coached in both the ACC and SEC, and he made his case as to why he thinks his new conference has surpassed his old one.
STEVE ADDAZIO:
2018 Boston College at a glance (compiled by Menachem Miller)
Boston College Eagles 7-5 4-4 Cancelled Bowl Game
Steve Addazio 7th season 38-38 18-30
| 2018 | ACC Rank | NCAA Rank | |
| Points Per game | 32.0 | 6 | 39 |
| Rushing Yards per game | 189.2 | 8 | 48 |
| Passing yards per game | 215.3 | 9 | 80 |
| Total yards per game | 404.4 | 9 | 68 |
| Defense | |||
| Points allowed per game | 25.7 | 5 | 55 |
| Rushing yards allowed per game | 154.4 | 6 | 52 |
| Passing yards allowed per game | 247.8 | 10 | 95 |
| Total yards allowed per game | 402.3 | 7 | 70 |
The Eagles return 11 starters, 6 on offense, 4 on defense, and the Punter.
Statistical Leaders Returning
| QB | Yards | TD | INT | PCT |
| Anthony Brown | 2121 | 20 | 9 | 55.4 |
| RB | Games | Yards | TD | AVG |
| A.J. Dillon | 10 | 1149 | 11 | 4.9 |
| Ben Glines | 10 | 550 | 7 | 6.9 |
| WR | Games | Yards | TD | REC |
| Kobay White | 12 | 526 | 3 | 33 |
| Defense | ||||
| Tackles | TFL | INT | Sacks | |
| Tanner Karafa | 47 | 8.5 | 0 | 4.0 |
| Isaiah McDuffie | 85 | 5.5 | 0 | 3.5 |
| Max Richardson | 76 | 9.0 | 0 | 2.5 |
| Brandon Sebastian | 49 | 2.0 | 2 | 1.0 |
Returning Starters Offense
QB Anthony Brown
RB A.J. Dillon
RB/WR Ben Glines
WR Kobay White
TE Chris Garrison
RT Ben Petrula
Returning Starters Defense
DT Tanner Karafa
LB Isaiah McDuffie
LB Max Richardson
CB Brandon Sebastian
Special Teams
P Grant Carlson
Key Losses
WR Jeff Smith
TE Tommy Sweeney
LT Aaron Monteiro
C Jon Baker
RG Chris Lindstrom
DE Zach Allen
DE Wyatt Ray
DT Ray Smith
LB Connor Strachan
CB Hamp Cheevers
CB Taj-Amir Torres
S Will Harris
S Lukas Denis
