Boston College vs. Texas State Preview

Boston College vs. Texas State Preview

September 25, 2020 · by · in Football

By Anthony Patrick Perez,

Bolstered by an impressive Week 1 performance, Boson College aims for back-to-back wins when it faces Texas State at home on Saturday, September 26.

In his coaching debut, Jeff Hafley, alongside coordinator Tem Lukabu, showcased a vastly improved defensive unit from 2019. Playing with consistent energy and high-motor balanced with sound, fundamental tackling, the Eagles forced Duke to commit five total turnovers topped off by a complete second-half shutdown of the Blue Devils.

Named a Davey O’Brien “Week 3 Great 8” selection and one of eight quarterbacks to earn a Manning Award “Star of the Week”, Texas State signal-caller Tyler Vitt will undoubtedly be the marked man of the Eagles’ defense. In just two games as the Bobcats’ starter, the dual-threat QB has thrown for 602 yards and six touchdowns, while putting up 86 yards on the ground with one rushing TD.

Fortunately, BC has the perfect on-field personnel who know exactly how to handle quarterbacks of this mold. Led by captain Max Richardson’s team-high five tackles and Isaiah McDuffie’s field-stalking interception, the Eagles’ linebackers contained Duke’s Chase Brice inside the pocket, not allowing the Blue Devils’ QB any opportunities to scramble.

Boston College’s defensive line was relentless in pressuring Brice, with Marcus Valdez registering a sack, and Buffalo transfer Chibueza Onwuka making his presence felt in the middle with a QB hurry. Under a similar scheme, expect the Eagles’ frontliners to harass Vitt repeatedly and force the Bobcats QB into making ill-timed passes.

BC’s strong tackling will be key in halting Texas State’s featured running back, Calvin Hill. Through three games, the diminutive 5’7”, 168-pounder has rushed for 194 yards, hitting pay-dirt once, averaging 5.3 yards on 37 carries. Joining Hill in the backfield is Brock Sturges, who has run for 185 yards and scored thrice.

Tightly guarding in coverage and physical after the catch, BC’s entire secondary also stood out in the masterful defensive performance against Duke. Whether it was Josh DeBerry stripping away the ball from a Blue Devil, Jahmin Muse’s timely pick or strong effort plays from Deon Jones, Jason Maitre, Brandon Sebastian, Elijah Jones and Mike Palmer, the Eagles’ array of ballhawks will be more than ready to hold down the Bobcats’ offense than has tallied 829 yards through the air.

BC’s defensive backs will also be geared to lock up Texas State’s top targets Jah’Marae Sheread and Jeremiah Haydel, who have 27 receptions and 358 yards between them.  Another receiver to watch is Marcell Barbee, who had 75 yards and two touchdowns in the Bobcats’ loss to UTSA.

While Texas State can put up points on the scoreboard, they sure give up a lot on the other end. Against a Bobcats team that allowed 31 and 51 points versus SMU and UTSA, Phil Jurkovec should exploit any defender matched up with breakout performers Zay Flowers and Hunter Long. In both their losses, opposing lead running backs gashed the Bobcats’ defense for 130 and 197 rushing yards respectively- highly encouraging numbers for David Bailey who scored one rushing TD against Duke.

A late schedule replacement coming in from the Sun Belt conference, the 1-2 Bobcats under second-year head coach Jake Spavital, may not appear as a heavyweight threat. The onus is on Coach Hafley and his staff to keep BC prepared, mentally focused and not look too far ahead into the highly-anticipated playdate with No. 11 UNC. If the Eagles maintain their composure and not fall into the trap of taking opponents lightly, Alumni Stadium will be celebrating its first home win of the season.