Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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GAME PREVIEW: BOSTON COLLEGE enth with 5.7 yards per rush, putting one of the most explosive running games against the nation's best rush defense. Notre Dame's offensive line continues to shine, opening up room for whoever carries the football. When senior C.J. Prosise left in the first quarter of Notre Dame's 42-30 win over Pittsburgh, freshman Josh Adams stepped into the lineup and rushed for a career-high 147 yards. Three different Irish players have rushed for at least 140 yards in a game this season. Advantage: Boston College NOTRE DAME PASSING GAME VS. BOSTON COLLEGE PASS DEFENSE Through 10 weeks, Boston College ranked sixth nationally in passing defense (164.8 yards per game) and 13th in pass efficiency (103.8 rating). However, those numbers are skewed by a schedule that has few legitimate passing threats. The Eagles faced just two top-40 passing offenses (Clemson and Louisville), and Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson shredded BC with 420 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Notre Dame's explosive aerial attack presents matchup problems BC has not faced this season. Notre Dame ranked 35th in pass offense (267.9 yards per game) and 14th in pass efficiency (162.3 rating). Sophomore quarterback DeShone Kizer is hitting his stride and ranks in the top 20 nationally in yards per attempt (16th, 8.98), pass efficiency (16th, 160.5) and completion percentage (19th, 66.0). BC will have to contain junior wide receiver Will Fuller, who had a season-high seven catches for 152 yards and three touchdowns in the win at Pittsburgh. Fuller ranked fourth nationally in touchdowns (12), 13th in yards per game (100.0) and 16th in yards per reception (20.5) through Nov. 7. The Eagles rank 12th nationally in sacks with 31, which is the primary area the Irish must guard against. Advantage: Notre Dame SPECIAL TEAMS BC has been an above-average team on special teams all season. The Eagles ranked second nation- ally in punt defense, allowing just 2.0 yards per re- turn. The Eagles were also 24th in kick returns (23.87 yards per attempt) and 47th in kick return defense (20.07 yards allowed per attempt). Notre Dame has been inconsistent on special teams, flashing great moments and then struggling to repeat its success. Notre Dame ranks in the top 50 in only one special teams category, a No. 49 ranking in punt returns (9.6 yards per attempt). BC has blocked three punts on the season, which is something to watch for. Advantage: Boston College COACHING Steve Addazio is a solid football coach whose teams play with toughness and discipline. Whether or not he can build the BC program to the level of the Tom O'Brien and Tom Coughlin eras remains to be seen. Addazio had a 9-4 record in his first season at Temple, but has not been better than 7-6 in the four seasons since. Notre Dame is rolling under Brian Kelly. After play- ing for a championship in 2012, Kelly has the Irish knocking on the door of getting back into the title hunt. Notre Dame ranked No. 4 in the Nov. 10 Col- lege Football Playoff rankings. Advantage: Notre Dame INTANGIBLES Notre Dame has too much speed, too much depth and too much talent for Boston College. The Eagles have one of the nation's premier defenses, which can keep them in any game. BC plays good special teams and Addazio's teams will always compete and play physical football. The problem is the offense is just not good enough to outscore a team like Notre Dame. Playing in Fenway Park will be a great experience for both teams, but by this point Notre Dame is used to playing in great venues, so the atmosphere will not be too much for the Irish. Advantage: Notre Dame