Boston College will try to turn its victory over Pittsburgh into another Atlantic Coast Conference win Saturday when it visits Georgia Tech, with an improving defense facing a test away from home. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
The Eagles enter at 3-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play after defeating Pittsburgh 27-21. Georgia Tech is 2-4 overall with the same ACC record. For BC, the matchup also presents an opportunity to improve a road record that stands at 2-10 under coach Bill O’Brien, according to Boston.com’s preview.
Defense has become a strength for the Eagles following an opener in which Cincinnati scored 34 points. Under first-year coordinator Ted Roof, BC now ranks near the top of the conference in several measures of pass defense and turnover production.
The Eagles lead the ACC with an average of 1.33 interceptions per game. Their six forced fumbles rank second in the league, as does their average of 169.3 passing yards surrendered. Opponents are gaining 5 yards per play, tying BC for fourth-lowest in the conference.
Those results extend beyond the ACC standings. Boston.com reported that BC is tied for sixth nationally in yards surrendered per completed pass, at 9.77.
Price and Palano anchor the improvement
Safety KP Price delivered a key play against Pittsburgh, making a one-handed interception near the end of the first half. He is the nation’s only player with at least 46 tackles, three interceptions and one forced fumble, according to Boston.com.
The secondary has also received increased production from Carter Davis, Marcus Upton and Charlie Comella. At linebacker, Anthony Palano ranks fourth in the conference with 51 tackles. He is among five players nationwide to reach at least 50 tackles, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks.
Up front, Demetrius Ballard and E’Lla Boykin have recorded 3.5 sacks apiece. The defensive line has been uneven, but it is producing more pressure than it did last season.
O’Brien credited Roof and his defensive assistants with emphasizing the techniques and preparation needed to create takeaways, Boston.com reported. He also highlighted cornerbacks coach Jules Montinar and safeties coach Matt Thurin for helping put defenders in position to force turnovers.
Run defense remains a concern
The progress has not erased every weakness. BC allows 159.5 rushing yards per game, placing it 13th in the ACC, and opponents have at times sustained lengthy possessions.
Georgia Tech enters with a mixed offensive profile. Led by quarterback Alberto Mendoza, the Yellow Jackets rank fourth in the conference in completion percentage at 70.5. Their rushing attack averages 127.2 yards per game, ranking 14th in the league.
For BC, that matchup puts its strong pass-defense numbers alongside a continuing need to improve against the run. Saturday’s road game is the next opportunity to build on the Pittsburgh result and move its conference record to .500.
