By Scott Haynes Aug 25, 2007, 17:09 GMT
OFFENSE: The Eagles generated 355.6 yards of total offense last year and with Preseason Player of the Year Matt Ryan back under center, there is every reason to believe the offense will actually improve. Ryan led the ACC in total offense in 2006 and with a pair of capable tailbacks in L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender back in the fold, expect a smooth offensive transition in Jagodzinski's first season at the helm. Whitworth and Callender are more than just serviceable, as the pair have combined for over 4,000 yards rushing in their careers. The arsenal downfield will miss steady performer Tony Gonzalez, but will feature last year's leading receiver Kevin Challenger (47 receptions, for 543 yards, five TDs). All-American guard Josh Beekman is no longer in the trenches for BC and his absence will not go unnoticed. However, three of the team's five starters are back up front, including senior Gosder Cherilus on the outside.
DEFENSE: Jagodzinski inherits a wealth of talent on the defensive side of the ball as well. Nine starters are back from a squad that allowed just 15.7 points and 310.8 yards of total offense per outing in 2006. The secondary is where some changes will be made, but holdovers Jamie Silva (safety) and DeJuan Tribble (cornerback) are a formidable pair. The duo combined for 11 interceptions in 2006, including seven from Tribble, who picked up All-ACC honors as a result. The linebacking corps returns intact, headlined by seniors Jolonn Dunbar (team-leading 92 tackles in 2006) and Brian Toal (50 tackles last season). Pressure up front will come from another pair of veterans in senior end Nick Larkin and senior tackle B.J. Raji. With the entire front seven returning, this is a defense that should once again thrive.
SPECIAL TEAMS: The team returns both its placekicker and punter from last season. Steve Aponavicius was responsible for half of the team's field goal attempts, hitting 8-of-11 on the season. Although his longest was just 37 yards, it was the game-winner against Navy in the Car Care Bowl. Johnny Ayers will once again handle the punting duties, after averaging 42.1 yards per punt. He placed 20 of his 59 punts inside the 20-yard line and had a long of 60 yards.
2007 OUTLOOK: Unlike a lot of new head coaches, Jagodzinski has plenty to work with in Chestnut Hill. The offense will be as good as Ryan is and if he's on his game, this offense will thrive. The defense will be better than 2006, so expect this team to have another highly successful season. The non-conference schedule features three straight home games against Army, Massachusetts and Bowling Green and caps off the following week with a road trip to South Bend to take on Notre Dame. All four games are winnable, leaving just conference business to attend to. Things get interesting right off the bat, with the season-opener welcoming ACC champion Wake Forest to Chestnut Hill. Other ACC battles at home include NC State, Florida State and Miami. The road slate includes treks to Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Clemson. Can the Eagles win the ACC? The second half of the schedule will tell the tale. If they even come close, Jagodzinski may just be tabbed ACC Coach of the Year.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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