Paul Criado
Quarterback Dylan Lonergan will make his first career start on Saturday afternoon. (Paul Criado / Heights Staff)
As Boston College football prepares to enter its second year under head coach Bill O’Brien, hopes for the program could not be higher.
Headlined by Alabama transfer quarterback Dylan Lonergan’s first career start and supported by substantial returning production on both sides of the ball, O’Brien’s squad looks to usher in a new era for the Eagles as they open their season at home against Fordham on Saturday.
While this may be the writing of a new chapter in the program’s history, they’ll have to revisit their past to do so.
BC and Fordham, both Division I Jesuit institutions located in the Northeast, seem like natural rivals.
Although they once faced off regularly, the temporary dissolution of Fordham’s football team and a stint at the Division III level brought an end to consistent competition between the two schools.
Now, with the Rams set to take on the Eagles for the first time in over 70 years, O’Brien looks to breathe new life into this historic rivalry.
Who is BC Playing?
Fordham
When is BC Playing?
Saturday, Aug. 30, 2 p.m.
Where is BC Playing?
Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Mass.
How to Watch:
The game will air on ACCNX and BC Sports Network on WEEI 93.7 FM/850 AM.
Series History:
Saturday marks the 28th meeting between the Eagles and the Rams, with BC holding a 14–11–2 record in the series.
The two squads have not played each other in football since 1954, a game which the Eagles won 21–7.
What to Expect from Fordham:
Offense:
Competing in the Division I FCS Patriot League, the Rams’ roster is a step below the Eagles’. That gap, combined with the fact that Fordham is coming off of a 2–10 season, will make it an uphill battle for it to pull off the upset in Chestnut Hill.
BC is no stranger to close contests against Patriot League rivals. Just two years removed from a narrow 31–28 victory over Holy Cross, O’Brien would likely much prefer a repeat of last year’s 56–0 rout of Duquesne.
On offense, O’Brien has tapped redshirt sophomore Lonergan to be his field general.
Once a four-star recruit, Lonergan spent the past two years at Alabama before transferring to BC at the end of last season. Having beat out Grayson James for the starting position following an intense battle during training camp, the first-time starter will seek to prove himself early—and having Fordham as his first opponent might be a big help.
Defense:
The BC defense, which will undoubtedly feel the loss of last year’s ACC Defender of the Year Donovan Ezeiruaku, will need to rely on its veteran talent to match last year’s efficiency.
Fortunately for O’Brien and defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, most of their top tacklers from last season are returning—namely KP Price, Daveon Crouch, and Carter Davis.
The Eagles will likely have to handle an attack both through the air and on the ground against the Rams, though, as Fordham averaged over 120 rushing yards and 167 passing yards per game last season. These stats, however, came against FCS opponents—an ACC team like BC should be able to effectively stifle the attack.
Outlook:
Though storylines add some intrigue to this matchup, and the historical record suggests a somewhat evenly-matched rivalry, this game is unlikely to be close.
In every phase of the game, the Eagles have a clear advantage and, absent any major mistakes, should use this opportunity to fine-tune their new look before traveling to East Lansing to take on Michigan State next week.