Week 5: Rhode Island at Boston College

Boston College enjoyed having Matt Ryan at quarterback — so much that coaches rarely let anyone else take a snap. That philosophy worked out well on the field, but it left the Eagles with a fifth-year senior with virtually no experience (Chris Crane) under center this season.

Crane has endured his share of struggles, and BC coach Jeff Jagodzinski wants to develop some depth at quarterback. Enter redshirt freshman Dominique Davis, who saw the first action of his college career last week. Jagodzinski said Davis, who threw a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of Boston College’s 34-7 win over Central Florida, will play about 20 plays per game for the rest of the season.

That plan goes into effect this week against Rhode Island, which lost to Hofstra 23-20 last week on a field goal with 3 seconds remaining. The Rams will have their hands full no matter who plays quarterback for the Eagles, who scored 31 points in the second half last week. The Rams are allowing 450.8 yards per game, 106th nationally in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Offensively, Rhode Island will face its toughest challenge to date. The Rams average just 49.3 rushing yards per game and depend on senior quarterback Derek Cassidy to move the chains, but that won’t be easy against the Eagles. Boston College features a ferocious front seven and leads the nation in opponents’ passing efficiency. The Eagles rank seventh nationally in points allowed (8.7 per game) and 16th nationally in yards allowed (249.0 per game).

Notes/Things to watch:

Boston College leads the all-time series 4-2 and has outscored Rhode Island 135-0 in the last four meetings. The Rams can take solace in the fact that the teams haven’t played each other since 1917.

The Eagles have won 19 consecutive nonconference games, the longest streak in the nation.

Boston College has committed just four penalties for 31 yards this season. Both numbers are the best in the nation.

The Eagles appear to have a new option at tailback. Montel Harris carried 13 times for 112 yards last week in place of fellow freshman Josh Haden, who likely will return this week after sitting out against Central Florida with a sore ankle. It will be interesting to see how BC’s coaches divide the carries.

Key Player (Rams) — Derek Cassidy, QB

Cassidy registered his fourth consecutive 200-yard passing game last week, completing 18 of 32 throws for 248 yards and a touchdown against Hofstra. He will need to be even sharper this week to keep Rhode Island competitive.

Key Player (Eagles) — Dominique Davis, QB

Davis completed 4 of 7 passes for 30 yards and a touchdown last week, proving he can lead the team down the field against a legitimate opponent. Davis should have ample opportunity in this game to showcase his skills.

Boston College by 38