Boston College: How Bill O’Brien could beat the odds
Written by Joseph Medeiros
When Patriots fans hear the name Bill O’Brien it doesn’t elicit great memories. Bill O’Brien was the Offensive Coordinator for the Bill Belichick New England Patriots and did not impress in his time with the Patriots as O’Brien’s offense ranked second to last in points with Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe combining for 16 Touchdowns to 21 Interceptions. The offense was understaffed in terms of talent, but Bill O’Brien lacked creativity and underused Play action.
O’Brien has returned to college football and made waves as he got Boston College their first national ranking (24) since 2018 with an upset win over Florida State and a sound defeat of Duquesne 56–0. However, Boston College fell short in their biggest game yet with a 27-21 loss to Missouri (7) in Memorial Stadium. O’Brien’s Eagles got off to a hot start leading 14-6 in the second quarter. However, a pair of Castellanos interceptions coupled with a stalled Boston College offense would lead to Missouri narrowly winning by running the clock out. This loss puts Boston College at 2-1 on the season with many sportsbooks placing the over/under at 4.5. This leaves the question; can Bill O’Brien beat the odds?
Michigan State – Home – 9/21/24
The Boston College Eagles head home to play a Michigan State team that has not been tested. Michigan State’s last game came against Prairie View A&M in which they won 40 – 0. Michigan State’s toughest game was a 27-24 defeat of Maryland where the two teams went back and forth, Michigan State’s QB Aidan Chiles had 2 bad interceptions. If Boston College’s defense can ride off its performance against Missouri, Michigan State won’t be able to keep up.
Western Kentucky – Home – 9/28/24
When talking about Western Kentucky, you almost can’t forget their opening game against Alabama. Jalen Milroe had his way in the air and ground against a less-than-inspiring defense. Although Western Kentucky is coming off back-to-back wins, they were against smaller schools like Eastern Kentucky (31-0) and Middle Tennessee (49-21). Another factor to consider is that Western Kentucky will probably start Caden Veltkamp since TJ Finley will be out for multiple weeks. Veltkamp looked calm and composed against Middle Tennessee, especially off-play action. If he can come in and play with confidence, he could surprise Boston College’s defense. Nonetheless, Boston College should dominate this Western Kentucky Team and prepare for their hike into Virginia.
Virginia – Away – 10/5/24
This Virginia team is currently 2-1, but coming off a tough loss to Maryland and an upcoming game against Coastal Carolina in which ESPN analytics does not have them favored to win. Against Maryland Virgnia’s offense struggled to get into rhythm as QB Anthony Colandrea was forced out of the pocket frequently. He looked best when he worked the short game staying ahead of the chains. Coastal Carolina has a bye week leading up to this game which could help them. If their loss to Maryland is any indication, Boston College should control this game due to Virgnina’s inability to stop the run.
Virginia Tech – Away – 10/17/24
Virginia Tech had one of the more notable upsets as Vanderbilt outlasted Virginia Tech in an exciting game that went to OT. Virginia Tech has a tough schedule before their matchup with Boston College, as they play Rutgers, Miami (8), and Stanford before a homestand against the Eagles. There are two ways this matchup can go, Virginia Tech loses morale due to prior matchups and fizzles out against another good program in Boston College, or Virginia Tech sees this as a moment to upset a hot Boston College team. How well Kyron Drones handles the Boston College Defense is a big part of this matchup.
Louisville (19) – Home – 10/25/24
Louisville looks to be the hardest team that Boston College will have to play since their matchup against Missouri. Before Boston College, they will play nationally ranked Notre Dame (17) and Miami. Boston College must win games like this if they want a chance at being ranked again. Louisville is a good program and their match against Notre Dame on Saturday will be a good indicator of how good they are. O’Brien needs to showcase his NFL-level preparation in an underdog game like this to pull out a win.
Syracuse – Home – 11/9/24
Kyle McCord has found a new home with Syracuse and looks like an extremely dangerous Quarterback. 8 Touchdowns and 735 yards over two games and an upset against ranked Georgia Tech (23) creates a lot of problems for Boston College. Boston College is heavily favored by ESPN analytics, but I am not buying it. If this Georgia Tech game is anything to go by Syracuse will come to play. I still see Boston College winning this one, but if Syracuse plays their best football, McCord could upset Boston College at home.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Away – 11/16/24
SMU is a program that Boston College is familiar with since they played each other last year in the Fenway Bowl. Boston College won 23-14 in a game where SMU lacked offensive ability in the second half. It looks like Boston College has gotten better whereas SMU has struggled. Their September started with a loss to BYU 18-15, SMU’s offense looked poor which if this persists Boston College could exploit. Although Boston College is playing away, I think if they play as well as they have Castellanos has his way this SMU defense.
University of North Carolina (UNC) – Home – 11/23/24
UNC had a player all Patriots fans were ecstatic to have in Drake Maye, but he is no longer on the team and the void his absence has left is noticeable. Omarion Hampton looks to be the face of the offense with 416 yards and 3 touchdowns over 3 games. How UNC’s defense handles the dual threat Castellanos will be key in this matchup, but I still think Boston College can run away with this one, especially since it is at home.
Pittsburgh – Home – 11/30/24
Boston College ends what hopefully is a successful season with a match against Pittsburgh at home. Pittsburgh is currently undefeated at 3-0 with close wins against West Virginia (38-34) and Cincinnati (28-27). Pittsburgh’s defense lacked discipline and tackling ability against West Virginia which would be in Boston College’s favor. Eli Holstein and Desmond Reid lead what can be an explosive Pittsburgh offense, but may let up pressure on the QB. Pittsburgh plays Boston College following 2 currently ranked opponents in Louisville (19) and Clemson (21). If Pittsburgh’s defensive issues persist a disciplined team like Boston College will take advantage of it.
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