OFFENSE

If the Eagles want to challenge in the ACC Atlantic Division, they must improve an offense that averaged an anemic 299.1 yards per game and ranked 109th in the nation. New offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers will oversee the turnaround.

Quarterback Chase Rettig was thrown into the mix during his true freshman season. He never looked overwhelmed by the moment and showed flashes that he could indeed be the first top-flight quarterback at BC since Matt Ryan. But he does need to make some strides with his touch and footwork. Former starter Dave Shinskie could play in a pinch.

The running game should be an area of strength, provided the key players remain healthy. Montel Harris is returning for his senior season and, with 3,600 career yards, is just 125 yards shy of the Eagles’ all-time rushing record currently held by Derrick Knight. Harris should have a great change-of-pace backup in sophomore Andre Williams.

The receiving corps is a question mark that could turn into a resounding exclamation point. Colin Larmond (20.6-yard average in 2009) returns after missing the ’10 season with a knee injury. He joins 6'6", 240-pounder Ifeanyi Momah, last year’s leading receiver Bobby Swigert and Johnathan Coleman, who has the size and speed that most of the BC receivers have lacked over the years.

There is concern on the offensive line. Gone are both the workhorse tackles from a year ago, Anthony Castonzo and Rich Lapham, as well as guard Thomas Claiborne. It looks like junior John Wetzel will fill the big shoes left by Castonzo at left tackle, while junior Emmett Cleary will be Lapham’s replacement.

DEFENSE

Luke Kuechly is on a pace to set the NCAA record for tackles and should be a favorite for the Butkus Award. While solid against the run from the get-go, the junior middle linebacker has improved greatly in pass defense. His stellar play last year overshadowed a terrific debut season from weak-side backer Kevin Pierre-Louis.

The defensive line surprised even coach Frank Spaziani last year by performing extremely well against the run. And even with the loss of tackle Damik Scafe and end Alex Albright, there’s no reason to believe the same won’t be true this year. What the Eagles’ D-line has been lacking is a pass-rushing threat coming off the edge. Junior Max Holloway could be ready to fill that role.

Thanks to the way the front seven has played against the run, the secondary has been able to feast on opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons. The Eagles came away with 20 picks last year. This group is in a bit of a transition, however, with the loss of cornerback DeLeon Gause and safety Wes Davis.

SPECIALISTS

Sophomore placekicker Nate Freese was a consistent weapon last season, hitting 22-of-25 field goals and 24-of-25 extra points. Senior Ryan Quigley dropped 26 punts inside the 20 and averaged 41.5 yards per kick. The return games weren’t productive.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Boston College should be solid on defense once again, the running game will be sound with Harris and Williams leading the way, and the kicking game should be outstanding.

If Rettig and the young corps of receivers can find a way to move the ball consistently through the air, the Eagles will be a factor in the ACC Atlantic Division. Florida State is clearly the team to beat, but the rest of the division is wide open.