It’s another Nooner on the CW
The Syracuse Orange (6-2, 3-2) head east on 90 to face off against the Boston College Eagles (4-4, 1-3). The game kicks off at Noon on the CW and here’s what we’re watching for:
Kevin: Locate Donovan Ezeiruaku
The Eagles defensive end has 9 sacks on the season and his impact has allowed the Eagles to hold opponents to 22 points per game, which is 3rd-best in the ACC. Ezeiruaku has two forced fumbles and if Syracuse’s offensive line can keep his time in the backfield limited, then Kyle McCord should have time to move the ball against BC’s secondary.
Dom: Contain Castellanos
It’s been the primary story for BC: when Castellanos can make plays on his own, the Eagles can move the ball down the field relatively well. Syracuse’s offense shouldn’t have a problem, but coach Fran Brown can’t just count on winning in a shootout. In an ideal scheme, the two pillars for the Orange to be defensively successful: keep Castellanos in the pocket and force him to throw the ball down field in coverage (he currently ranks bottom-two in the ACC in completions, attempts and passing yards, noting he did miss a game).
Mike: Make Them Feel the Pressure
BC is fading fast as they’ve lost three in a row, and with two ranked teams (#13 SMU and #18 Pitt) left on their slate, this is borderline must-win territory to keep their bowl hopes alive. Castellanos is nowhere near the runner he was last season and as Dom said, keeping him in the pocket is crucial. The ‘Cuse defense rebounded from a shaky start to seal last week’s win with a turnover, and if they can be disciplined from the start against a group starting to feel the pressure, they should get opportunities to shift momentum.
Max: Win the third-down battle
While the Eagles are in a dry spell, they still rank inside the top 25 in third-down conversion rate (45%). Even with that impressive stat, BC hasn’t scored in the fourth quarter in each of its last three games. This game is projected to be super close, so second-half adjustments from Fran Brown will be crucial if the Orange want to leave Chestnut Hill with a win.
Carson: Don’t start slow
BC was up 17 points on Louisville at one point last week, right before the Cardinals rumbled off three straight scores to come back and win the football game. Slow starts have hurt the Orange the last two games, and it nearly cost them the win against Virginia Tech. BC’s not going to roll over. I can guarantee if Syracuse starts slow, it won’t leave Chestnut Hill with a win.
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What are you watching for on Saturday?