Massachusetts @ Boston College preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 29, 2007 ) Massachusetts 14, Boston College 24

THE STORY: Boston College’s streak of 12 straight bowl trips is in jeopardy after the Eagles missed a late field goal against Duke last week and fell to 0-3 for the first time since 1991. The Eagles are outside the top 100 out of 120 FBS teams in total offense and defense. Nothing will come easy, including a game against visiting UMass Saturday. With running back Montel Harris still doubtful as he recovers from knee surgery, the Eagles have struggle. Quarterback Chase Rettig has just one touchdown pass and three interceptions. UMass, which plays in the Colonial Athletic Association, will be a full member of the FBS in 2013. The Minutemen are ranked 19th in the FCS coaches poll.

TV: ESPN3.com. LINE: None

ABOUT UMASS (2-0, 1-0 CAA): The Minutemen scored 60 points in their first two games, but gave up 43. Senior running back Jonathan Hernandez has 379 all-purpose yards, with two touchdowns. Quarterback Kellen Pagel, the son of former NFL QB Mike Pagel, threw for 259 yards against Rhode Island last week in his second game since transferring from Bowling Green. Redshirt freshman cornerback Kirk Nelms was named FCS rookie of the week with two interceptions, including an 80-yard return for a touchdown.

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (0-3, 0-1 ACC): The Eagles have not done the job offensively, but their defense has been worse -- allowing more than 420 yards in each of the first three games. You wonder where they would be without Luke Kuechly, the ACC linebacker of the week for his 23 tackles against Duke. Kuechly leads the nation in tackles per game (19.3) and has registered double-digit tackles in an NCAA-best 25 straight games. Andre Williams has 229 yards to lead a rushing game ranked 106th nationally.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Boston College won the only two previous meetings, in 2004 and 2007.

2. Kuechly needs one tackle to become the fifth Eagles player and 32nd in ACC history to reach 400 in his career.

3. The Eagles are the only FBS team on UMass' schedule.

PREDICTION: Boston College 31, UMass 7 – The Eagles are desperate for a win, so they won't overlook the Minutemen.