Boston College Eagles: Woes continue in loss to Wake Forest

In nearly an identical repeat to the loss to Clemson, the Boston College Eagles managed to keep things interesting for nearly three quarters against a ranked team.

And once again, the Eagles (2-5) simply didn’t have enough answers.

Deficiencies again reared their ugly head as Boston College fell to the 13th-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 45-16.

Credit goes to the Eagles for fighting tooth-and-nail to the final whistle. The effort has been there and it’s unfortunate that hasn’t translated to more wins in 2022 in an extra-tough ACC. More injuries contributed to the loss, along with multiple players playing out of position. On both sides of the ball, this led to a lack of consistency to string much together.

Boston College Eagles on offense

Seven games into the 2022 season, I’d still like to see pass plays with shorter routes, especially with the patchwork offensive line. The five, or seven-yard, passes have had success, and could help keep the offense moving.

But when quarterback Phil Jurkovec connects deep, usually to Zay Flowers, it is a sight to behold.

The two were at it again, with Flowers hauling in a 61-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Flowers helped with a spectacular run after the catch, a score that brought Boston College within five, at 14-9.

Flowers again added to his resume, finishing with 10 catches for 135 yards and the touchdown. And it was another week where Jurkovec failed to find Flowers when wide open deep downfield on at least two occasions. Connect on these and a different ballgame might have been imagined.

Jurkovec was steady in the first-half but struggled in the second, going 5-12 for only 47 yards. He finished 20-38 for 221 yards and the one touchdown pass while running for another.

Two more offensive line starters missed the game, and the fear was Jurkovec would be in trouble all day. Pass protection, however, was not too bad. The unit gave Jurkovec time, often time with an extra blocker. But whether it’s the routes being run, Jurkovec’s progression, or simply receivers not getting open, struggles continued.

Jurkovec was only sacked twice but the line struggled with penalties, bad snaps, and miscommunication. And Boston College couldn’t get the running game going.

Pat Garwo III found one hole for a 14-yard run in the third quarter but finished with only seven carries for 17 yards. Playing from behind, too, doesn’t help matters in getting solid run game contributions.

Aside from Flowers, Joe Griffin had four catches for 50 yards. It’s been nice seeing Griffin’s progress and that’s translated to more playing time in the early going of games.

The offense displayed moments of how explosive it can be but really needs to do more to help out an exhausted defense.

Depleted defense for Boston College Eagles

The defense for the Boston College Eagles has been asked to do a lot this season. And it’s even more daunting when injuries pile up and facing one of the best offenses in the ACC.

Inopportune, silly penalties also contributed today, as did allowing big plays on thirds-and-long And when playing the caliber of a ranked-team like Wake Forest (6-1), stuff like that is difficult to overcome.

The secondary was depleted, with vets Josh DeBerry and Jason Maitre often playing out of position. Maitre was all over the field Saturday. He ended with zero tackles but Maitre had three pass breakups and was in the offensive backfield with quarterback pressures multiple times.

Freshman defensive back Amari Jackson was picked on early but finished with seven tackles. And sophomore Cole Batson saw extensive playing time, collecting eight tackles.

Batson also had an interception off a tipped ball.

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The run defense was impressive for three quarters, allowing only 56 yards on the ground. Boston College allowed 59 yards on the ground in the fourth but Wake Forest was running more and, at that point, the game was out of reach.

Mostly, it was the Sam Hartman show for Wake Forest. Hartman accounted for all six touchdowns, throwing for five. He was 25-40 for 313 yards.

Jaiden Woodbey had eight tackles in one of his best game’s this season, while Vinny DePalma collected one of two Boston College sacks on the day.

The 2022 season seems to have pivoted in some regards as one building towards the future. Boston College has been forced into that, with all the injuries mounting up and all the underclassmen seeing the field. The young players are gaining valuable in-game experience to be used as building blocks. Wins will one day come, perhaps even next week against UConn. For now, it’s a chance to learn and grow, with a more promising future in the works.