Boston College vs. Syracuse: Three Key Matchups

What are the key matchups in this weekend's matchup?

Boston College will face off against Syracuse tomorrow at noon in their annual rivalry game. This is an enormous game for the Eagles, and has huge implications for bowl eligibility and the future of the program. But what about the individual matchups? Let's take a look at the three biggest matchups. 

Hunter Long vs. Andre Cisco

The injury to Anthony Brown has been devastating to the Boston College passing attack which has only managed to average 93 yards a game the past two weeks. However over that time tight end Hunter Long has been the most consistent grabbing all but 70 of those yards. He's quick, and his yards after receptions have helped the Eagles move the ball through chunks. 

For Syracuse, safety Andre Cisco named a Jim Thorpe Watchlist this preseason is the perfect defender for Syracuse to stick on Long. Last year as a freshman he led the country in interceptions, but since then he has added some bulk according to Dino Babers "He went down to Wal-Mart, got him some bi’s, some tri’s, and some pecs now. He must have got the pecs off the shelf, around aisle five. He has an upper body that is no joke."

Tommy Devito vs. Max Richardson

As mentioned on this site this weekend's matchup lines up a weak Syracuse offensive line vs. a weak Boston College defensive line. BC's front four has failed to apply pressure when it's just that group applying pressure, but when Bill Sheridan adds in additional blitzers they saw success against NC State. The perfect play maker is Max Richardson, who is quick and was a whirlwind against the Pack two weeks ago. 

Syracuse on the other hand specifically struggled in pass protection when extra defenders were sent. In the FSU game, the Seminoles would overload and delay blitzers and had Devito and the offensive line completely off balance. John Lamot, Joe Sparacio and the safeties may not be the quickest and therefore could be more of a liability in the blitz than an asset, but moving Richardson around and sending him after Devito could be a way to disrupt Syracuse's offense. 

John Phillips/Zion Johnson vs. Alton Robinson/Kendall Coleman

Last week, BC ran into as Steve Addazio said "a buzzsaw". Clemson dominated Boston College in every facet of the game, including Boston College's celebrated offensive line. This group needs to have a big game again, and show they can dominate again. Last week against FSU the Orange got pushed around up front while Cam Akers ran for 144 yards, and Addazio and company will want to mimic those results to increase their chances of winning that game. 

Robinson/Coleman are two of Syracuse's best players in causing disruptive plays. Between the two of these defensive ends they have 12 tackles for loss, and five sacks. The Eagles can ill afford to fall behind the sticks and be forced to rely on Dennis Grosel's arm, which means that John Phillips and Zion Johnson are going to need to win these matchups up front.