Boston College Eagles: 3 takeaways from close loss to UNC

A mysterious missing running attack

Part of the reason the Boston College Eagles had to settle for three field goals was a lack of a running game, a problem that has plagued BC in all three games.

Against North Carolina, the game plan seemed to always be to pass the ball. The Eagles dropped back to pass nine times before a run play occurred. All told — discounting the three sacks — the Eagles only ran the ball 16 times.

This is a far-cry from the run-heavy teams of season’s past, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, led by four returning all-conference worthy lineman and a trio of solid running backs, the lack of production is a little concerning.

David Bailey was expected to get the bulk of the load. And he did today, carrying the ball seven times for 28 yards. In three games, he’s totaled 112 yards as the Eagles have only totaled 211 yards on the ground.

Neither Bailey or Travis Levy has found much room to run. Pat Garwo III saw more action today after Levy left with a shoulder injury in the first half. All three are valuable in the passing game at this point, totaling 10 receptions today, six of which were by Garwo. Four or five yard chunks are basically replacing the run game.

Getting the running attack going is a must, if only to open things up even more for Phil Jurkovec. And to help give the defense more time to rest between drives.