By Grant Flood
Boston College Eagles QB, Phil Jurkovec was one of the biggest surprises in the ACC last season after transferring from Notre Dame for his second Sophomore season. He played in 10 games throwing for 2,558 yards, 17 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 205 completions for a 61% completion rating along with 77 rushes for 150 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jurkovec’s best performance last season came against PITT setting season highs in throwing for 358 yards, 3 touchdowns, and his longest throw of the year, 77 yards. Per A.J. Black of Fan Nation, “His play makes Boston College a national presence, as they battle every team and end the season as a Top 20 team. He becomes a household name, and a sure-fire first-rounder in the NFL Draft.”
The junior QB (and BC fans) have high expectations this season as Boston College has yet to find a top-notch quarterback since Matt Ryan’s departure in 2008. With that being said, Jurkovec’s go-to WR, Zay Flowers is heading into his junior season. Flowers had 56 receptions for 892 yards with 10 total touchdowns. After showing off his electric speed and accurate rout running, Flowers has been ranked as the third-best receiver in the ACC by 247 Sports.
There has been a question looming around the tight end position as Hunter Long declared for the NFL draft last season and was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 3rd round. Long caught 57 passes for 685 yards with 5 touchdowns, not too shabby for someone who was ranked as one of the top tight ends in the ACC.
As of now, Trae Barry will take over Long’s role transferring from Jacksonville State, the senior hasn’t scored many touchdowns with 3 but has earned 1,367 career yards. Despite Barry taking over the tight-end role, experts from the NFL Draft Bible rank him as the 20th best in the 2022 draft. In other news, he’ll need to have a tremendous season, or else he’ll likely be an undrafted free agent.
David Bailey was clearly the top running back with Boston College as he rushed for 7 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. Heading into his senior year, Bailey has a stellar 1,600 career rushing yards, 844 yards came in 2019, the 9th best in the ACC.
Jeff Hafley is heading into his second season as BC head coach impressing many doubters with a 6-5 record. His credibility should only grow as BC tallied 27.82 points per game last season, 68th ranked in all of college football.
Don’t be too surprised if BC snatches a top 25 appearance sometime before the end of the season, no doubt Hafley will devise ways to improve the team’s record, the offense will continue to showcase their balanced and speed, furthermore, fearless Jurkovic will play tough every Saturday no matter the opponent.
Boston College’s most anticipated matchup this upcoming season
will be against the heavily favored Clemson Tigers, on October 2nd at “Death Valley.” A chance for redemption is in sight for the Eagles. As many Eagles fans are still in awe with last season’s heartbreak of a loss, 34-28, BC did all they could against 2nd ranked Clemson as an injured Jurkovec threw for 204 yards and 2 touchdowns. BC’s lead at halftime was short-lived as Clemson stormed back with 20 unanswered second-half points. One final drive under the 2-minute warning would be all for not as Jurkovec was sacked for a safety.
Will history be on Clemson’s side or will Boston College emerge as a top contender in the ACC?
BC begins their season this Saturday, September 4th hosting Colgate.
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