4 Keys to a win against Stanford

Is it me, or does it feel like the Michigan State game was like, yesterday?

BC didn’t dwell on it and looked sharp in practice for the majority of the three sessions this week.

There was some bad news though, with Jackson missing the week despite announcing that three of the top defensive backs (Amari Jackson, Syair Torrence and Ashton McShane) would be out. The Eagles were in California mid-afternoon Friday and even held a light shorts-and-t-shirt walkthrough Friday night.

BC seems set for the first ACC test of 2025 when they take on Stanford in another prime time matchup, although this one is in that ‘after dark’ window that used to be reserved for the Pac 12.

BC is banged up on defense, but the offense showed what it’s capable of in the 40-point performance seven days ago. There’s also some pretty terrible stats that say the Cardinal simply won’t be able to keep up.

Here’s what I believe are the keys to a comfortable Eagles win heading into an early bye week that could actually be coming at a perfect time:

Lonergan does it again

If he’s going to do what he did last week every game, BC will win more games than not. Whether the offense can keep up with the upper echelon of the conference remains to be seen, but if the quarterback, wide receivers, running backs, tight ends and O-line are as good as it appears they can be, Stanford loses by at least 14-17 points.

The Cardinal defense has given up 23 points to Hawaii (in a loss) and then 27 to BYU a week ago. The depth at each skill position for BC is far better than either of those two teams. If Lonergan is suddenly a star in the making that he could be, this is a game where he puts Stanford away with a show for the late night audience.

Gotta run the ball, though

Bill O’Brien’s talked about it this week. Kevin Cline talked about it this week. Turbo Richard talked about it this week. They all know the running game has to be better and it should be. Stanford gave up 96 yards on the ground to Hawaii and BYU had 157.

We all know the names and the depth the Eagles have. Whether it’s Richard, Jordan McDonald, Alex Broome, Bo MacCornkack or Mekhi Dodd, you have to think this is the night it finally gets going. I’ve also been surprised at how quiet Broome has been lately, could this be a night we get a big play or two out of No. 20?

Next man up in the secondary

All eyes on Max Tucker, Carter Davis, Isaiah Farris, Marcelous Townsend, Ashton Cunningham, Rae Skyes Jr., Njita Sinkala and Marcus Upton. With the Top 3 down, it’s all-hands on deck.

The good news is that Stanford’s offense is pretty terrible.

In two games, the Cardinal have a total of 251 passing yards. Quarterback Ben Gulbranson doesn’t have a passing touchdown. The team’s top receiver Bryce Farrell has five catches for 68 yards. CJ Williams has seven for 61. I think Tucker and others are good enough to cover those guys without much issue, even if they make a big play here or there. The one thing BC does have to worry about a little bit though, is running back Micah Ford, who has 134 yards on 38 carries and Stanford’s only rushing touchdown.

Guys like KP Price and Carter Davis were routinely noticeable in the run game during camp, so that shouldn’t be much of a problem as far as filling the role Torrence brings with physicality defending the run.

This pash rush should be able to get the same kind of pressure they did last week and force some bad plays for Gulbranson without worrying about the ridiculous mobility of a guy like Chiles.

Can’t go backwards on special teams (and kickoff has to be better)

Luca Lombardo was probably like, second or third in line for team MVP last week behind Lonergan and Jeremiah Franklin. BC needs continued stability at the kicker position and he can provide it with a booming leg.

Kickoff return coverage obviously has to be better and was another thing addressed during the week, both on the field and off of it with us in the media. Punting was above average and the Eagles have to be able to flip the field at times.

If BC is going to win games – especially games they’re supposed to win – the special teams has to continue improving and not take a step back.

Prediction

BC 34, Stanford 10 – I don’t even think Stanford gets an offensive touchdown. Maybe they catch a break with a return or a turnover by BC for a TD, but after seeing what the guys up front and linebackers can do pass rushing wise last week, I believe it’s a long night for the Cardinal. This offense is legitimate and has a chance to build even more confidence heading into the bye week.

1-0 in the ACC.