As we countdown to kickoff in September, we’re doing a team-by-team opponent preview. Today, we're previewing Syracuse's matchup with Boston College on Nov. 3 with our friend Kevin Stone over at Eagle Action.
Most important offensive player, defensive player
Emmett Morehead (QB), Donovan Ezeriuaku (Edge). It's Morehead's team now with Phil Jurkovec gone. First full year as a starter, huge year for him.
Ezeriuaku quietly became one of the best defenders in the ACC last season and could (should) be in for another monster campaign.
Rising star on offense, defense
Joe Griffin (WR), Kam Arnold (LB) - Griffin is the new No. 1 now that Zay Flowers is gone. Hurt last year as a freshman, but when he played he was electric. Can go up and get it or just beat a guy clean with his route running.
Arnold is an athletic specimen who can play LB or safety. Either way, he'll knock you into next week if you don't have your head on a swivel. Could and should be a force for BC this season.
Team outlook: Best-case scenario
8-9 wins. Jeff Hafley pretty much needs to get to 8 to keep his job at this point in a lot of people's eyes, especially after last year's 3-9 debacle. It's a fickle fan base though, as he did make two bowl games his first two years during the pandemic. BC just didn't play in them.
Team outlook: Worst-case scenario
Another three win season and massive changes across the board. Injuries killed the Eagles last year, as did a lack of depth and a ton of guys playing with little-to-no D1 experience. No way it should be as bad this year, but if it is, look out below.
Head coach / program is on the rise, stagnant, decline because ...
Hard to say. I'd call it stagnant right now, but this team could easily make a jump if the offense clicks and stays healthy. Christian Mahogany is arguably one of the best OL in the country, so he immediately helps that unit after returning from a torn ACL.
New co-offensive coordinators (Rod Chudzinski and Steve Shimko) and a deeper OL now. Hafley's job is on the line if the team doesn't get to another bowl game at the very least, but they could also surprise a lot of people.
Key portal additions and losses
Hard to say. I'd call it stagnant right now, but this team could easily make a jump if the offense clicks and stays healthy. Christian Mahogany is arguably one of the best OL in the country, so he immediately helps that unit after returning from a torn ACL.
New co-offensive coordinators (Rod Chudzinski and Steve Shimko) and a deeper OL now. Hafley's job is on the line if the team doesn't get to another bowl game at the very least, but they could also surprise a lot of people.
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