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(49.68 percent). But against the Terra- pins, Boston College grabbed three inter- ceptions and played solid enough to give junior quarterback Chase Rettig and the offense a chance to win the game on the final drive. Fifth-year senior inside linebacker Nick Junior outside linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis has been a rare bright spot for a struggling BC defense, recording 68 stops, four tackles for loss and two sacks in seven games played this season. PHOTO COURTESY BOSTON COLLEGE and take the running backs that we have," Spaziani said. Fifth-year senior wide receiver Colin Larmond Jr. (6-3, 202) returns after serv- ing a three-week suspension for violat- ing team rules, though he wasn't much of a factor in the first half of the season (one catch for eight yards). Redshirt junior starting offensive guard Ian White was on crutches at the end of the Wake game and his status against Notre Dame is uncertain. Throughout the course of the year, the BC defense has been desperate for impact plays by a group still trying to replace middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, who was selected ninth overall in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers after winning the Butkus Award (best college linebacker) and register- ing a national-best 191 tackles. The 6-3, 242-pounder passed on his final year of eligibility. After nine games, the Eagles were tied for last in the country with six sacks, tied for 72nd in turnover margin (minus-0.22) and tied for 114th in third-down defense Clancy ranks third nationally with 11.89 tackles per game. Junior outside line- backer Kevin Pierre-Louis has also been a bright spot, compiling 68 stops, four tack- les for loss and two sacks for the Eagles, despite missing two games with a leg in- jury. Boston College is tied for 85th in the country in scoring defense (30.89 points allowed per game) and ranks 109th in total defense (481.3 yards allowed per game). The offense hasn't been much better, weighing in at 96th in scoring (22.11 points per game), 90th in total offense (367.2 yards per game) and an abysmal 118th nationally in rushing (77.4 yards per outing). For the Eagles, moving the ball hinges on Rettig, who is averaging 284.6 passing yards per game and has tal- lied 2,561 yards, 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions (three against Wake Forest). Six of those scoring passes have found the hands of possession receiver Alex Amidon, a 5-11, 186-pound junior with enough speed to break away for big gains on occasion. "He's been a consistent player since we've been here in the aspects of he comes out to work," Spaziani said of Amidon, who was averaging an ACC-best 119.2 yards per game. The Eagles have gotten a boost from special teams and disciplined play. Boston College has been penalized only 34 times for 285 yards this season, which leads the ACC. Sophomore wide receiver Spiffy Evans has lived up to his name this season, av- eraging 31.6 yards on seven punt returns and boasting an 82-yard return for a score against Maine. ✦ ✦ PAGE 3 Available For Special Events. Private Party Room NOW OPEN! Fine Italian cuisine just minutes from Notre Dame... Like coming home for dinner! ItalIan RestauRants South Bend/Granger and Indianapolis 50827 Princess Way, Granger 574-271-1500 Serving Daily from 12pm until close