Preview & Prediction: Boston College Football vs Pitt

On Saturday afternoon, the Boston College football team will have their homecoming weekend as they face off against ACC rival Pitt at Alumni Stadium. The Panthers are off to a hot 5-1 start to the season, but lost star quarterback Mason Heintschel and are vulnerable to an upset. Coming well rested off of a bye week, Boston College will give it their best shot and try to improve back up to a .500 record.

Who: Boston College Eagles (2-3) vs Pittsburgh Panthers (5-1)

Where: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA

How to Watch: This game will be broadcast live on ESPN2

Our writing team has put together some great content ahead of this match-up, take a look!

• Can McKenzie actually complete some downfield throws? He’s been inconsistent to say the least. Pitt’s run defense is the best that the Eagles have faced all season up to this point, so they’re not going to be able to entirely rely on McKenzie’s legs, especially when the Boston College offensive line is playing rather poorly.

• Don’t let Geriner get comfortable. The back-up Panthers QB threw two interceptions last week against UNC. In order to win, BC needs to generate turnovers and keep this a low scoring affair, which is very do-able! BC managed to contain SMU’s powerful offense in their last game and should have an easier time doing it at home this week against a back-up.

• Be disciplined. BC fumbled three times last week and lost one of them. They also committed 11 penalties for 95 yards. If this game is going to be a slugfest, field position will be more crucial than ever. And I don;t think you can trust the other team to hand over the ball three times like Rutgers did in Week 2.

Can McKenzie actually complete some downfield throws? He’s been inconsistent to say the least. Pitt’s run defense is the best that the Eagles have faced all season up to this point, so they’re not going to be able to entirely rely on McKenzie’s legs, especially when the Boston College offensive line is playing rather poorly.

Don’t let Geriner get comfortable. The back-up Panthers QB threw two interceptions last week against UNC. In order to win, BC needs to generate turnovers and keep this a low scoring affair, which is very do-able! BC managed to contain SMU’s powerful offense in their last game and should have an easier time doing it at home this week against a back-up.

Be disciplined. BC fumbled three times last week and lost one of them. They also committed 11 penalties for 95 yards. If this game is going to be a slugfest, field position will be more crucial than ever. And I don;t think you can trust the other team to hand over the ball three times like Rutgers did in Week 2.
Pitt 17 Boston College 10

If you’re betting, take the under in this game. BC’s defense has actually been a bright spot for the team this season and not everyone has caught up. Against a back-up QB in an offense that could struggle without its star, I expect the Eagles to keep this game close. But I trust the BC offense even less, especially when going against a great Panthers run defense. Maybe the Eagles will be able to eke this one out, but I think it’s more likely that Pitt takes a close and low-scoring victory.