Boston College Football 2015 – Better, Worse or about the Same?

OFFENSE

I think the offense will probably be a little worse than last year. Leading rusher Tyler Murphy has graduated and it’s now on a first year signal caller (Darius Wade) to dictate the offense. He is not the same type of rusher as Murphy, however he has a much improved arm. BC will still have a great stable of running backs behind them with Jon Hilliman leading the charge. Given BC’s tendency to run, that should help alleviate pressure on Wade. However, I still think the holes in the offensive line and lack of proven weapons at receiver could hurt the offense.  

DEFENSE

I think the defense will be better than last year. BC only lost a handful of role players this year, and will be bringing back most of the talented linemen that helped them have a Top 30 defense in 2014. Kevin Kavalec is on the cusp of becoming a premier passer rusher, Malachi Moore is getting better every day and Connor Wujciak/Truman Gutapfel are two of the best defensive linemen on the team. The only question mark is the secondary, where BC lost almost everyone. However if the front seven can pressure, they may be able to mask this possible weakness. 

BUYING OR SELLING?

I am going to give BC a soft buy this year. I don’t think they are going to be barn burners, but I do see them being a bowl eligible team again (they are going to need 7 wins due to scheduling 2 FCS schools). I’m a huge believer in Steve Addazio, and I think he learns more and more about his own style and his team every year. I like BC’s chances as well at beating another Top 25 team like they did last year against USC. This could be a rebuilding year in many senses for BC, but they will be dangerous.

---

AJ Black of BC Interruption provided the information for our Boston College Football 2015 Spring recap. For more BC football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow AJ on Twitter @BCHysteria. 

---

 

Washington State Football 2015 – Better, Worse or about the Same?

OFFENSE

Worse. Not that the offense won’t still be productive, but it’s going to be a process to replace QB Connor Halliday and WR Vince Mayle (NFL 4th round). There is still plenty of talent at wide receiver and WSU has options at quarterback. They aren’t going to drop off a cliff, but there will at a minimum be some growing pains. The entire starting offensive line returns, so that is a major positive and Gabe Marks is back at receiver after a redshirt year. They are still going to throw for a ton of yards, just maybe not record-setting amounts.

DEFENSE

Better. The hope is that new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch will improve things just by putting people in better positions to succeed. The secondary is a year older and more experienced and they won’t be starting a converted RB at safety in the season opener. The talent level still isn’t where it needs to be, but it’s coming along and the new scheme should help.

BUYING OR SELLING?

Buying. In part because they weren’t very good last year so the bar is set low. The offense may not be as good, but it will still be productive. If the defense and special teams can even take small steps forward, the team should be much improved. Above average on offense, but not great. Below average on defense, but not terrible. And average on special teams and they should win more games than a year ago.

---

Mark Sandritter of Coug Center provided the information for our Washington State Football 2015 Spring recap. For more WSU football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Mark on Twitter @MarkSandritter.

---