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Updated: August 15, 5:05 PM ET QB a concern for Boston College By Jorge Milian Special to ESPN.com |
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Boston College Eagles
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2002 overall record: 9-4 Conference record: 3-4 Returning starters Offense: 5, Defense: 6, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Derrick Knight* (1,432 yds) Passing: Brian St. Pierre (2,983 yds) Receiving: Keith Hemmings (559 yds) Tackles: Josh Ott* (128) Sacks: Derrick Rossy (6) Interceptions: Ralph Parent (4) Outlook: Tom O'Brien took over a BC program riddled in chaos. He's turned things around, leading the Eagles to four straight bowl games and a nine-win season in 2002. Now, O'Brien has to prove his team can compete with the conference elite. The Eagles have plenty of questions, particularly at quarterback where Brian St. Pierre will have to be replaced, and on the offensive line and secondary. But BC also has some building blocks. Tailback Derrick Knight wasn't named the starter until midseason last year, yet still rushed for 1,432 yards and added another 372 yards on 37 receptions. The Eagles will need that kind of production again from Knight in order to allow either Quinton Porter or Paul Peterson to settle in at quarterback. BC is in better shape on defense. Six starters return, not including defensive tackle Doug Goodwin, who missed eight games last year with a broken hip. Key game: The Eagles have lost 13 straight games to Miami, dating back to the 'Hail Flutie' pass in 1984. With the Hurricanes moving to the ACC, it's now (specifically Sept. 20) or never for BC. Despite its success against the Eagles, Miami has struggled recently at Chestnut Hill winning its last four games there by 3, 1, 3 and 11 points. Keep an eye on: The quarterback situation. Quinton Porter, who missed the spring with a broken collarbone, entered fall practice as the No. 1 quarterback, but was expected to be pushed by Paul Peterson, a first-team junior college All-American. It's a good year if. . .: The Eagles make it back to a bowl game. Aside from its conference schedule, BC also faces Penn State and Notre Dame. The good news is that Miami, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame and West Virginia must all travel to Chestnut Hill, giving the Eagles a good chance at an upset or two. Jorge Milian covers the Big East for the Palm Beach Post.
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