FLIGHT PLAN
EAGLES’ GROUND GAME IS THE ROAD TO UPSET OF ORANGE
KEYS FOR SYRACUSE
Rehab Dungey: Senior quarterback Eric Dungey was knocked out of last week’s game against Notre Dame in the first quarter with an upper body injury and his status for Boston College is uncertain. The Syracuse training staff could be the game’s MVPs if they can get Dungey ready for the Eagles because he is the catalyst of the Orangemen’s offense. Protect whoever is at QB: A veteran offensive line has performed well for most of this season at Syracuse. But do rank near the bottom of the ACC in sacks allowed, while Boston College is fourth in team sacks. So whoever winds up playing quarterback against the Eagles will need a better performance to keep the offense rolling.
KEYS FOR BOSTON COLLEGE
Pound ’em with Dillon: Bulldog running back A.J. Dillon hammered the Orange defense for 193 yards and three touchdowns a year ago in a 42-14 win. No need to believe that strategy won’t work again, so expect Dillon to rack up 20 or more carries this time around.
Defend the run: The Eagles allowed a Florida State team ranked 128th nationally in rushing to gain a season-high 156 in last week’s loss. Taking away the run game and forcing Dungey or his backup Tony DeVito to pass will bode well for Boston College.
PREDICTION
Syracuse is enjoying a breakthrough season, but with Dillon blasting away at the Orange defense repeatedly Saturday the Eagles have the ability to pull the upset in their regular-season final.