Military Bowl (ECU vs. Boston College: Final Preview & Predictions
On Monday, Boston College (6-6) will try to win their first bowl game in five years as they face off with AAC foe East Carolina. The Pirates are playing great football of late, winning four of their last five, with the lone loss coming to playoff bound Cincinnati. For Jeff Hafley's squad, this will be the opportunity to end the season on a high note, as they prepare for the '22 season. Quarterback Phil Jurkovec's health will be something to watch for as he clearly was not 100% at the end of the regular season.
Matchups
When Boston College Throws The Ball: Not going to use statistics for this, because it doesn't accurately reflect what the Eagles can do. Why say the Eagles can't throw the football when 6/12 games was under a backup quarterback, and the final four had a rushed back still injured Jurkovec. BC's passing attack should be ready to go, though the status of the offensive line is certainly something to monitor. Edge: Boston College
When Boston College Runs The Ball: Patrick Garwo rushed the ball for 1045 yards this season, and gives the Eagles a nice physical edge against a Pirates rushing defense that is 80th in the country Edge: Boston College
When ECU Throws The Ball: The Pirates, and Holton Ahlers can certainly move the ball through the air, with the 23rd ranked passing attack in the country. BC has the 4th ranked passing defense, but allowed six passing touchdowns their final two games. Josh DeBerry is back and this is absolutely critical against this potent offense. Should be a good challenge for the Eagles, but if they play well, tackle well and limit mistakes they should have a slight edge Edge: Boston College
When ECU Runs The Ball: East Carolina has a solid tandem of running backs in Keaton Mitchell (1000+ yards) and Rahjal Harris (575 yards). BC has been beaten by the rushing attack recently, and if they can't get off the field this could be a problem. Edge: ECU
Beer of the Game: Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA
How are you celebrating today? 📸 @syracusebeergeek#celebrationipa #hoppyholidays pic.twitter.com/1QDJcB0cWX
— Sierra Nevada Beer (@SierraNevada) December 25, 2021
Folks have been asking what the go-to beer has been for the holiday season, and it is Sierra Nevada's Celebration IPA. One of my absolute favorite brews of the season. Crisp, with a delicious flavor, you need to check it out.
Song of the Game:
Fan Thermometer: 7/10
Although the Eagles dropped their final two games, and the Military Bowl seems like it doesn't meet pre-season expectations, this is still a big one. With news buzzing about a healthy Jurkovec, and the announcements of Zay Flowers and DeBerry returning in '21, the excitement is still there.
Podcast: Loads of prediction, and analysis from the past two weeks. Check them all out below!
Prediction: There are a few factors that could impact this game. First and foremost is the health of Jurkovec. If his hand is healed, and say he is 90%, the Eagles should feast on the ECU defense, that has had troubles with coverage and broken tackles. But if BC's offensive line is filled with new names, that could be a challenge as well. That being said, BC when healthy, is a statistically better team. If they can survive an initial surge from a ECU attack, go with BC in this one. Prediction: Boston College 34 ECU 20
Notable Boston College Football Transfers
Which Eagles are planning on playing elsewhere in 2022?
Jahmin Muse - Safety
Transferred to Buffalo
Deon Jones - Safety
Transferred to James Madison
Joseph Sparacio - Linebacker
Transferred to Eastern Michigan
Kobay White - Wide Receiver
Destination Unknown
Aaron Boumerhi- Kicker
Destination Unknown
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Twitter: @BulletinBC, @AJBlack_BC
Editor and publisher of BC Bulletin. '06 graduate of Boston College, who has followed the program as long as he can remember. Has been covering the Eagles for the past nine years, giving expert analysis, recruiting news and breakdowns. Also the host of Locked on Boston College, a daily BC podcast that is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. When he is not writing or producing content on the Eagles, he can be found running, skiing, enjoying craft beers, or spending time with his family. You can follow AJ Black on Twitter @AJBlack_BC and our official site Twitter account is @BulletinBC