The good and the bad
THREE UPS
1. A quality tight end can be an inexperienced quarterback's best friend. Junior tight end Tommy Sweeney, a versatile player with NFL potential, can serve as a big reliable target across the middle and create space on the edge for the Eagles' speedy split ends Jeff Smith and Kobay White.
2. BC's secondary is in great shape despite losing its physical and spiritual leader, John Johnson, to the LA Rams. Cornerbacks Isaac Yiadom, Taj-Amir Torres and Karim Moore are proven cover guys, and veteran Will Harris will take Johnson's spot at strong safety. Lukas Denis of Everett will play the back end.
3. BC is known as O-Line U, and center Jon Baker of Millis is the anchor on a deep and experienced offensive front. Right guard Eric Lindstrom has the versatility to play tackle and could join the long list of BC offensive linemen in the NFL. Veteran Aaron Monteiro returns at the key left tackle position.
THREE DOWNS
1. The Eagles kicking game is a downer with upside potential. Colton Lichtenberg beat out Mike
Knoll for the kicker job by impressing during training camp and scrimmages. Lichtenberg possesses a strong leg but has accuracy issues that can pop up at the wrong time.
2. Defensive end Harold Landry was the best edge rusher in the country last season, but containing the run could be a problem area for Boston College's four-man defensive front. Senior Noa Merritt has the difficult job of replacing Truman Gutapfel, one of the best run stoppers to wear a BC uniform.
3. Raw talent and athleticism are no substitute for game experience against Atlantic Coast Conference defenses. Quarterbacks Darius Wade and Anthony Brown showed skill, leadership and drive in training camp, but they are ACC novices with no real game experience to guide them.