Frank Spaziani was able to name a starting quarterback for the Boston College opener against I-AA Weber State, but the Eagles coach saw his team break camp with other questions that had to be answered.
Like:
Who was going to lead a depleted wide receiver corps that lost Rich Gunnell to graduation and top returnee Colin Larmond Jr. to a season-ending knee injury.
Would linebacker Mark Herzlich be immediately ready to play as he starts his game comeback from last year's battle with cancer? The 2009 ACC defensive player of the year was back on the practice field in time to play in the opener, but nothing was definite.
Would there be enough experienced bodies to play on the defensive line as the Eagles battled through fall practice with tackle Damik Scafe out after back surgery and fellow tackle Kaleb Ramsey out with personal problems and then a shoulder injury?
Would redshirt freshman Nate Freese be able to handle the kicking chores?
And there was more. These were just the highlights, and the timing is right for an opener against a weaker opponent. The Eagles get Kent State in week two, but then host No. 10 Virginia Tech and Notre Dame.
However, Weber State is ranked No. 18 in its national poll, enough of a reason for Spaziani to be concerned.
"There's a lot of unknown," he said. "We've never been on the field with them; there's not too much commonality. They've got a veteran quarterback, they've got big linemen, big running backs. They know how to throw the ball and run the ball. They're well-coached. Defensively, they'll blitz you, they're sound, they're tough.
"They're a good football team, and their expectations this year are a national championship. They were in the playoffs last year, (and) they're better than they were last year. This is a very difficult game in a lot of ways."
Especially with all the questions the Eagles have to answer.
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Boston College Eagles
