Kent State @ Boston College preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 12, 2009 ) Kent State 7, Boston College 34

Boston College looks to improve after an unimpressive opening win over Weber State, when Kent State visits Chestnut Hill Saturday.

The Eagles handled Weber State last week 38-20, but there are many reasons for concern.

For starters, Boston College allowed 381 yards of total offense, and the Eagles' offense was shut out in the second half by Weber State.

That's why second-year coach Frank Spaziani was cautious in his praise after the win. He knows the Eagles (1-0) still have a long way to go to be ready for ACC play.

Sophomore quarterback Dave Shinskie completed 10 of 20 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns. But he also threw two interceptions and looked lost at times. On the Eagles' opening possession, Shinskie mistakenly lined up behind the guard instead of the center and then realized the error in time to throw an interception.

The offense got on track and scored on the next five series but only one came on the ground. Star running back Montel Harris was held to just 93 yards and a touchdown.

BC's defense, inspired by the return of senior linebacker Mark Herzlich from his battle with cancer, ran out of gas in the second half and allowed Weber State to control the ball. The Eagles had a 13-minute deficit in time of possession.

BC will have to correct those problems against the Golden Flashes (1-0), who rolled up 412 yards of offense and blew out Murray State 41-10 in their season debut.

Kent State quarterback Spencer Keith was impressive in his second season as the starter, completing 24 of 35 passes for 275 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.

The Flashes' ground game left a lot to be desired, though. Running back Eugene Jarvis rushed 11 times for 45 yards and a score.

Both teams fared well injury-wise: BC defensive tackle Damik Scafe will play with a sore back, and Kent State will be without pass-rush specialist Monte Simmons.

This is the third consecutive season these two teams have met with BC winning both handily - 34-7 last season at Chestnut Hill and 21-0 in 2008 at Kent State.