Boston College
8th ACC4-8
Notre Dame
1st IA-INDEPENDENTS8-4
Boston College @ Notre Dame preview
Notre Dame Stadium
Last Meeting ( Oct 2, 2010 ) Notre Dame 31, Boston College 13
THE STORY: Notre Dame looks to lock up its first eight-win regular season in five years when it hosts Boston College. The Fighting Irish, who have won two straight against the Eagles after losing six in a row from 2001-08, are playing a third straight ACC foe after defeating Wake Forest and Maryland. Boston College won for the second time in three weeks last Saturday, edging North Carolina State 14-10.
TV: NBC. LINE: Notre Dame -24.5.
ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (3-7, 2-5 ACC): The Eagles have been anemic offensively, ranking 112th nationally in total yardage (298.0) and 104th in red-zone efficiency. About the only bright spot this year has been the continued dominance of junior LB Luke Kuechly, who leads the nation in tackles by a wide margin with 168 (16.8 per game). Despite Kuechly's strong play, Boston College is just 56th in scoring defense (24.9) and 69th in total defense (394.8).
ABOUT NOTRE DAME (7-3): The Fighting Irish have won three in a row and seven of eight thanks in large part to their improved ground game. Senior Jonas Gray and junior Cierre Wood have totaled nine touchdowns in the last three weeks, and the duo combined for 235 rushing yards in the lopsided 45-21 victory against Maryland. Senior WR Michael Floyd has caught 77 passes for 922 yards. Notre Dame still ranks last nationally in punt returns (0.3) and 115th in turnover margin (minus-1.1).
EXTRA POINTS
1. Notre Dame leads the overall series, 11-9, but Boston College has won seven of the last 10. The Eagles have won in South Bend five times, most recently in 2007.
2. Boston College ranks 116th nationally in sacks (0.9), while Notre Dame is 10th in sacks allowed (0.8).
3. Kuechly has reached double digits in tackles in each of his last 32 games, collecting 18 last week against North Carolina State.
PREDICTION: Notre Dame 31, Boston College 13 -- Unless it can find a way to start moving the football, the Eagles figure to be easy prey for a streaking Notre Dame squad.