Boston College Eagles vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Point Spread Picks

A pair of boring...err, conservative offenses clash here. Rutgers returns a lot of starters on offense, but it still has a below-average offensive line. They ranked 120th in the nation in 2021 in total offense and scoring. Rutgers is on a 20-7 run UNDER the total on the road, as well as 9-0 UNDER versus the ACC. Boston College returns QB Phil Jurkovec, but he has to learn a new playbook as they've junked the pro-style attack that ranked 103rd in the nation in yards last season and 96th in points (22.2 per game). New offensive coordinator John McNulty was the tight ends coach with Notre Dame in 2021, and he brings in a run-pass ball control offense. Not only is everyone learning a new playbook, but the offensive line had only one returning starter. Plus, right guard Christian Mahogany is now out for the year after a torn ACL. Boston College is far better defensively, third in the nation against the pass and 27th in opponent's completion percentage (57.9), and with Rutgers 43-26 UNDER in non-conference action, look for a defensive duel. Play this one to stay UNDER the total.

Last week Boston College looked like it was business as usual, beating up on Kansas. They were up 17-7 after the first quarter, but then the roof fell in. Kansas won the game from that point on 41-7. Either BC fell asleep or Les Miles is making an immediate impact at Kansas. Either way, expect a tough week of practice and a response from the BC defense this week that had allowed just 20.5 points per game in their first two. Rutgers has a very limited offense and if McLane Carter can't go this week they are in even more trouble. Carter suffered a concussion in a shutout loss last week vs. Iowa. I don't see Rutgers getting more than 10 points here and with a rather high total, BC would need to do some heavy lifting on offense to push this OVER the top and I don't see it. Play the UNDER here.