ACC Football Power Rankings: Can anyone topple Clemson?

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Nov 28, 2020; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles players take the field while led by head coach Jeff Hafley (front) before their game against the Louisville Cardinals at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Boston College Eagles

Key returning players: Phil Jurkovec, Zay Flowers

Key losses: David Bailey, Hunter Long

Season Outlook: Year one of the Jeff Hafley experience could not have improved for the Boston College Eagles. Notre Dame transfer Phil Jurkovec had an outstanding first season as the quarterback, and BC looked prepared and ready to play every game.

Four of Boston College’s losses were by two possessions or less. The only game where the Eagles got their doors blown off was against Virginia Tech. Though the season was solid, there were some significant holes on the roster.

The defense was terrible last season. The Eagles gave up 20 points or less in just three games last season. They were also three of the worst offenses in Division I (Duke, Texas Southern, and Syracuse) and two of the worst offenses in the ACC.

Boston College finished 82nd in the country in pass yards allowed and 73rd in the country in rushing defense. Coming into this season, Haffley has to hope the defense takes a step forward without last season’s best player Isaiah McDuffie.

Offensively, Jurkovec found wide receiver Zay Flowers or tight end Hunter Long quite often last season. There was not much else to write home about offensively. The offensive line did not run block well, and the run game struggled.

Improved offensive line play and defensive play are the keys to an improved season in Chestnut Hill.

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