After a dominant home-opener victory over Fordham, Boston College (1–0) football looks to build on its momentum heading into this weekend’s matchup against Michigan State (1–0).
The Eagles will hit the road for the first time this season as they travel to East Lansing, Mich., visiting Spartan Stadium for an ACC-Big Ten matchup that will serve as BC’s first true test of the season.
Last season, these two programs battled on the Heights in BC’s annual Red Bandanna Game. Under the pouring rain and stadium lights, the Eagles rallied late and used a 42-yard touchdown reception from Lewis Bond to jump ahead 23–19 and hand the Spartans their first loss of the year.
Although there has been roster turnover on both squads since last season, the Eagles will seek a repeat of last year to advance to 2–0 before starting conference action.
Who is BC Playing?
Michigan State
When is BC Playing?
Saturday, Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where is BC Playing?
Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich.
How to Watch:
NBC, Peacock
Series History:
This Saturday will be the eighth tilt between BC and Michigan State. The Eagles are 5–1–1 in the previous seven matchups.
This matchup will conclude the home-and-home series between the two schools that was originally announced back in 2017.
What to Expect:
Offense:
In last season’s matchup against the Spartans, the Eagles had three players with double-digit carries and completed only 10 passes. Though some of that may have been due to the stormy weather that night, part of it may be head coach Bill O’Brien’s frequent emphasis on the importance of the run game and establishing a physical brand of football.
When the Eagles did aim to test the Spartans’ secondary, Bond was the most frequent target. He hauled in six catches for 102 yards and caught the game-sealing touchdown with under two minutes remaining to clinch the victory.
Unlike last year’s matchup, the conditions should not be as slippery, which could point to the passing game having a larger presence. Plus, the Eagles have a new quarterback under center—one that likes to run much less than then-quarterback Thomas Castellanos did.
Alabama-transfer Dylan Lonergan will lead this BC offense on the road for the first time. He was highly efficient during his first game in the maroon and gold, throwing for 268 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Although the Week 1 opponent wasn’t the same caliber as Michigan State, Lonergan seemed very comfortable while clicking with his new BC offense. Lonergan’s top target was Bond, who tallied 102 receiving yards.
It will be interesting to see how the Eagles use their running game, which was not as efficient as the pass game last week, in part two of this power-conference showdown.
Defense:
Last September, the Eagles’ defense gave Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles fits all night, forcing him into three interceptions. All three of the Eagles who recorded picks—Amari Jackson, Carter Davis, and Max Tucker—are returners on this season’s roster.
But defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku was the only one to get home on Chiles last season, recording two sacks. Given that he is now a Dallas Cowboy, the Eagles will need someone else up front to deliver that much-needed pressure on Chiles.
Finding players to step up on defense might not be a problem, though. Last week, the Eagles had seven different players record tackles for loss. Continuing that pressure in the Spartans’ backfield this weekend will be key to a 2–0 start.
And although the Eagles don’t have the star defensive end who made the difference in last year’s matchup, they have their ball-hawking secondary to battle the dual-threat ability of Chiles.
Outlook:
Roster changes aside, many players on the field Saturday night will remember that rainy clash in Chestnut Hill last September. With that intense competition fresh in their minds, this weekend’s matchup is going to be a physical, high-stakes battle.
If Boston College can continue to play through Bond in the passing game, beef up the run game, and keep Chiles on his toes with varying coverages, the Eagles should be on their way to an early marquee road victory.
