Boston College Athletics
Eagles' Defense Picks Up Where it Left Off
September 06, 2015 | Football
By Christian Babin
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass - After finishing the 2014 season, one in which the Eagles ranked 11th nationally in defensive efficiency and second-best in stopping the run, Boston College began the 2015 season with a dominating defensive performance in Saturday’s 24-3 win over Maine.
The Black Bears put together an impressive 10-play, 53-yard drive to start the game, which resulted in a field goal. It was the only productive drive that Maine put up against the Eagle defense.
During the course of the nine drives that followed, Boston College held Maine to an astounding 37 yards of total offense, which includes -8 yards rushing. When asked what adjustments the defense made after that first Maine drive, junior linebacker Matt Milano – who lead the team with two sacks – answered: “We got the jitters out of our system.”
BC’s front seven did an excellent job of putting pressure on Maine quarterback Dan Collins – who finished the day 12-for-29 for 84 yards – pressure which led to four sacks and one interception.
Head coach Steve Addazio attributed much of the defense’s success to their physicality, and also complemented Maine on their physical presence.
Along with disrupting the Black Bears’ passing game, the Eagles effectively eliminated Maine’s running attack. The Black Bears’ had only one running back that averaged positive yards per rushing attempt: Cabrinni Goncal’ 2.9 yards per attempt. The Eagles also held Maine to a 23 percent third down conversion rate, which included no conversions when they ran the ball.
Boston College’s defense regained some of its experience and skill on Saturday by welcoming back a key defensive player, sixth-year senior end Medhi Abdesmad.
Abdesmad was one of the best and most experienced contributors to BC’s defense in 2014 before undergoing season-ending knee surgery in late September.
In his post-game interview, the Quebec native said that he felt good to be back with his teammates and playing football again. His presence was immediately felt as he made three solo tackles (four total), with 1.5 sacks.
Besides shutting down the Maine offense, the Eagle defense also helped fuel the offense – which Addazio admitted, “Still needs to find its identity” – when freshman safety William Harris intercepted a pass at the Maine 46 yard line, setting the stage for junior running back Tyler Rouse’s 45-yard touchdown run.
Boston College’s defense will look to build upon Saturday’s performance next Saturday, when they take on another FCS opponent, Howard, before jumping into the team’s ACC schedule against 10th-ranked Florida State on Friday, Sept. 18.
