Five things to look out for against Boston College
The Central Michigan football team (2-2) is on the road to battle their third Power Five opponent of the season, Boston College (1-3).
While the Eagles have lost three straight games, they were tied with No. 2 Clemson heading into the fourth quarter Saturday.
Here are five things too look out for when CMU meets Boston College for the fourth time in history.
Eliminating Big Plays
It has happened since week one against Rhode Island.
CMU’s defense is leading the nation with nine interceptions.
Saturday, the Chippewas allowed two touchdowns that were over 30 yards.
The Chippewas allowed 394 total yards on 59 plays, which is just under seven yards per play.
Senior defensive back Amari Coleman said it can be fixed.
“It’s about staying discipline and working on our responsibilities,” Coleman said. “If we stay true to our technique and what we run at practice, the big plays will stop.”
Running Game
Sophomore running back Jonathan Ward has rushed for 295 yards on 62 carries and one touchdown. But, that's about it.
In the first two games of the season, the Chippewas totaled 369 yards on the ground. In the last two weeks, CMU has only totaled 222 yards rushing, a significant drop in production.
BC has allowed 1,243 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns to opponents in four games this season. In the air, the Eagles have only allowed three scores and 590 total yards passing.
“It’s all fundamental execution,” CMU head coach John Bonamego said. “I can’t tell you how many times we are one block away. I’m happy with how we’ve stayed consistent with it, we just run into tough defenses sometimes.”
Red Zone Production
Against Miami, CMU was in the opponent's territory when quarterback Shane Morris threw an interception on two different occasions.
BC is allowing 34.3 points per game, good for No. 106 in the nation.
Senior wide receiver Eric Cooper said the team needs to get back to basics.
“You can’t really win without instilling those fundamentals and I think we shied away from that on offense last week,” he said.
Coming out strong
The Chippewas allowed 14 points before they got on the scoreboard against Miami.
In 2017, CMU has been outscored 27-10 in the first quarter of four games, but hold a 58-31 advantage in the second quarter.
“We have to be prepared because Boston College is a good team, no one is going to show you mercy, thats just the way it in football,” Bonamego said.
Dealing with Landry
CMU's offensive line has only allowed two sacks in 2017.
BC defensive end Harold Landry set a single-season record for the Eagles with 16.5 sacks in 2016.
The senior only has one sack this season, but CMU offensive coordinator Chris Ostrowsky said they need to be focused on his location before the ball is snapped.
"(Landry) is a heck of a football player, there is no doubt about it and we need to keep him off track," he said.
