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Boston College - Pittsburgh Matchup
The Boston College Eagles will look to improve their Big East record to 2-0 when they take on Pittsburgh
this week at Heinz Field. The game will be televised on ESPN2 beginning at Noon. The Eagles will be coming
off a bye week. The Panthers scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to defeat Temple 27-22 on Saturday.
Pittsburgh has beaten BC two consecutive years and three of the last four times in Pittsburgh.
| The Quarterbacks |
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Paul Peterson -- 59.3% comp, 1,035 yards, 8 TD, 6 INT |
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Tyler Palko -- 55.0% comp, 1,115 yards, 7 TD, 5 INT |
| Top Rushers |
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Andre Callender -- 291 yards, 4.2 ypc, 1 TD |
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A.J. Brooks -- 280 yards, 6.4 ypc, 3 TD |
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L.V. Whitworth -- 201 yards, 5.6 ypc, 1 TD |
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Raymond Kirkley -- 344 yards, 3.7 ypc, 3 TD |
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Tyler Palko (QB) -- 97 yards, 1.7 ypc, 1 TD |
| Top Receivers |
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Grant Adams (WR) -- 15 catches, 242 yards, 2 TD |
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Mark Palmer (RB) -- 15 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD |
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Joel Hazard (WR) -- 12 catches, 124 yards, 2 TD |
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Greg Lee (WR) -- 22 catches, 480 yards, 4 TD |
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Joe DelSardo (WR) -- 17 catches, 213 yards, 1 TD |
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Raymond Kirkley (RB) -- 15 catches, 117 yards, 0 TD |
| Top Defenders |
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Mathias Kiwanuka (DE) -- 25 tackles (9 for losses), 4 sacks |
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Will Blackmon (CB) -- 26 tackles, 2 INT |
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T.J. Stancil (FS) -- 25 tackles, 1 INT |
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H.B. Blades (LB) -- 44 tackles (7.5 for loss) |
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Clint Session (LB) -- 38 tackles, 1 INT |
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Derrelle Revis (LB) -- 20 tackles, 8 passes broken up |
| The Kickers |
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Ryan Ohliger -- 5/8 FG, 11/12 PAT |
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Josh Cummings -- 7/9 FG, 15/15 PAT |
| The Punters |
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Johnny Ayers -- 41.8 yards per kick |
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Adam Graessle -- 42.7 yards per kick |
| The Kick Returners |
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Will Blackmon -- 35.8 yds per KO return (1 TD),
10.9 yds per punt return |
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Marcus Furman -- 28.5 yards per KO ret |
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Allen Richardson -- 3.4 yards per punt return |
Final Analysis
The Eagles have suffered crushing defeats against Pittsburgh the past two years. In 2002, the Eagles were
practically running out the clock before a furious Pitt comeback in the final two minutes of the game
ruined what would have been a big road win. Last season, the Big East referees played a large role late in
the game. This year, there is no reason why this game should be close in the fourth quarter. The Panthers
are not nearly as good as their 3-2 record indicates. Pitt needed to score 21 fourth quarter points to beat
both Furman and Temple. That's the same Temple that gave up 70 points to Bowling Green the week before.
Offensively, the Panthers best chance is with the passing game. Wide receiver Greg Lee is no Larry
Fitzgerald, but he is on pace for a 48 reception, 1,000 yard season. The BC defensive line should be able
to dominate the line of scrimmage as Pitt ranks 100th in the nation in rushing offense despite their weak
schedule. Mathias Kiwanuka should be a factor against a Pitt offensive line that has given up 16 sacks in
five games.
The BC offense should also have success against a Pitt defense that has been mediocre against
both the run and the pass. Still, the Eagles cannot take Pittsburgh for granted. This is a road game and
Pitt has shown the ability to score quickly late in the game. If the Eagles play smart, they should come
away with an easy win.
Final Score: Boston College 30 Pittsburgh 17
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Pittsburgh by the Numbers
Pittsburgh has outscored their opponents 56-19 in the fourth
quarter, but the Panthers have been outscored 49-16 in the second quarter.
Pitt quarterbacks have been sacked 16 times through five games.
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| Statistic |
BC |
PITT |
| Offense - Run |
32 |
100 |
| Offense - Pass |
58 |
39 |
| Defense - Run |
8 |
50 |
| Defense - Pass |
18 |
49 |
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