OFFENSE

Scheme

The Eagles run a pro-style scheme with lots of under-center plays, formations with multiple in-line tight ends, and huddling, though against Pitt they used more hurry-up. There’s also a smattering of option in there. Most runs are from under-center. They like to bootleg off full-slide protection, so whoever’s containing the backside for Tech needs to watch for the QB coming back at them; it’ll present a similar problem to how VT’s gotten stretched trying to mind the QB on option runs. BC’s MO seems to be working the underneath and intermediate stuff until they get a feel for the defense, then they start attacking downfield.

They get a lot of press as a pass-first team, and it’s deserved. They’ve had 164 throws/scrambles this season, compared to 117 designed runs. The designed runs aren’t very effective. The lack of option plays isn’t helping, but it’s not like they’re grinding out acceptable four- and five-yard gains consistently with the traditional runs. When they do run, it’s often Split Zone, sometimes with a read element:

Backfield penetration has been as likely as not when it comes to this play. They’ve been bad at running it, and Tech’s been bad at defending it. It should be interesting. The Tech run defense is in need of major repairs, and that’ll be a focus of the Hokies this week. Boston College, though, seems to have accepted that they aren’t going to run the ball much. Does that change this week?

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