College Football: 10 schools likely to bounce back in 2022

3. Boston College Eagles

2021 Record: (6-6, 2-6 ACC)

Key Departures: Ben Petrula (left tackle), Tyler Vrabel (right tackle), Isaiah Graham-Mobley (linebacker)

Returning Starters: Phil Jurkovec (quarterback), Zay Flowers (wide receiver), Marcus Valdez (defensive end), Kam Arnold (linebacker)

Key Newcomers: Joseph Griffin (wide receiver), George Tackas (transfer, tight end)

Why Boston College bounces back: It seemed like the Boston College Eagles played two separate seasons; the games quarterback Phil Jurkovec played in and the games he did not. The Eagles looked like two different teams.

Jurkovec has so much responsibility; B.C. can’t be the same team when he does not play. The Notre Dame transfer is healthy and ready to play an entire season. Wide receiver Zay Flowers also returns. Keep an eye on true freshman Joseph Griffin to be a solid second or third option at wide receiver.

Boston College has to run the football better next season. The run game cannot be just all Jurkovec; he needs a pitch man that defenses have to respect.

Head coach Jeff Haffley had to like the defense’s strides last season. Boston College was six points better in 2021 than in 2020. The Eagles’ two best defenders, Marcus Valdez and Kam Arnold, return next season.

With the Atlantic fairly wide open this side of Clemson, the Eagles could do well this season if things break their way.