Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston College Eagles: 3 proven defensive players ready to soar

By Jason Haskins

Nov 13, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive back Jaiden Woodbey (9) celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive back Jaiden Woodbey (9) celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next

A unit geared up for a big year could be the deciding factor in how the season for the Boston College Eagles plays out.

Much of the attention will rightfully be focused on Boston College’s dynamic players on offense. It is an experienced defense under coordinator Tem Lukabu, however, that can take the Eagles from good to great.

Depth will also be an asset, with plenty of standouts and returning players ready to make an impact. Many earned their wings in 2021 in what was an injury-plagued season for the unit, and a healthy squad can allow Boston College to make a leap in 2022.

Boston College Eagles defense: A look back

Boston College gets back its top-four tacklers from the 2021 campaign in which the team went 6-6.

Beset by injuries, Boston College allowed opponents to average 33 points per game over the last three games. Before that, they were a middle-of-the road defense that bright spots. Amid struggles on the offensive side of the ball, Boston College’s defense did their best to keep the Eagles in games.

Overall, opponents averaged 22.1 points per game against Boston College. Five times the Eagles allowed 21 points or less in a contest. The overall points per game also dropped by six points from the 2020 numbers.

One of the goals for 2022 for Boston College is to improve in a handful of areas. One of those is run defense, where the Eagles allowed nearly 171 yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry.

Along with that, they could also use some help in the sack and turnover departments. Boston College ranked near the middle or lower in these areas with 22 sacks and 10 interceptions. The team was good at forcing fumbles and recovered seven on the season.

In 2021, an experienced secondary was the core of the defense. Interception numbers didn’t jump out at anyone but passing yards per game dropped roughly 70 yards per game, to 173.5.

Overall, the defense continues to improve and should be close to spectacular in 2022. Here are three veterans, one from each position group, who can make a huge impact this season.

Home/College Sports