The Boston College Eagles (6-6) went 4-4 in the ACC, finishing tied for third with two other teams in the Atlantic Division. Those teams were the Syracuse Orange and Florida State Seminoles. Note, they finished four games behind the conference champion #3 Clemson Tigers. In contrast, the Cincinnati Bearcats (10-3) finished first in the AAC East. They were 7-1 in the conference and finished one game ahead of the UCF Knights. Consequently, the Bearcats played the #17 Memphis Tigers for the conference title. The Tigers beat the Bearcats 29-24. As a result, Memphis took the ACC crown.
2020 Birmingham Bowl Pick – Regular Season
Conversely, the Bearcats started their season with a win and a loss. That win was 24-14 against UCLA. In their next game, Ohio State destroyed the Cats 40-0. After that, Cincinnati ran off nine wins in a row. In that nine-game run, they beat #18 UCF, South Florida, and Temple. However, Cincinnati’s season did not end well as they lost their final game of the season. Ironically, or perhaps logically, it was the #18 Memphis Tigers who took down the Bearcats 34-24. As noted already, our 2020 Birmingham Bowl pick reiterates that those same Tigers would beat the Cats in the AAC championship game.
Boston College Eagles vs Cincinnati Bearcats – Stats
Although the Eagles appear to have the edge on offense, they do not enjoy the same advantage on defense. The Bearcats are allowing opponents 21.7 PPG. Contrasted to that stat is that of the Eagles who are giving up 31.7 PPG. In terms of yardage, Cincinnati allowed 376.6 per game with 233.2 in passing and 143.4 in rushing. Compared to those figures, the BC Eagle defense was porous, giving up 299.6 passing yards, 180.8 rushing yards, and 480.3 total yards.
Boston College at Cincinnati – Players
Boston College is down some of its biggest players on offense. Plus, it’s defense is weak. The Bearcats are deep on both sides of the ball. They can certainly score as well as stop opponents from scoring.
Boston College Eagles
The BC defensive stats are not very impressive. They’ve recorded 16 sacks, 10 interceptions, 40 PD, and seven FF with seven recovered. They do have one pick six. On this side of the ball, LB Max Richardson is the anchor. Richardson has 72 solo tackles, 108 total tackles, and 3.5 sacks. DB Mike Palmer has recorded two INTs and three PD.
Cincinnati Bearcats
The Bearcat D has posted three pick-sixes and has amassed 16 INTs, 13 FF, and 29 sacks. They’ve also defended 46 passes. Safety Darrick Forrest leads the Cincinnati defense. He tops the team with 61 solo tackles and 104 total tackles. Forrest has recorded three INTs and three PD. Safety Ja’Von Hicks brings five picks to this game, while LB Michael Pitts leads the team with 5.5 sacks.
Five Keys to the Game
This 2020 Birmingham Bowl pick notes the following keys to this game:
- BC is down a QB and RB
- Bearcats have a tough D
- Eagle defense is problematic
- Cats offer consistency
- Boston College is in disarray
Our 2020 Birmingham Bowl Pick
Our 2020 Birmingham Bowl pick notes that along with missing their primary offensive weapons, the Eagles will be coached by interim head coach Rich Gunnell. Gunnell, a former BC receiver and assistant coach, replaced Steve Addazio who was recently fired. With gaping holes on both sides of the ball, Boston College is at a major disadvantage in this game. Plus, the Cincinnati Bearcats come in purring on all cylinders. We’re going with Cincinnati at -7.5. We’re taking the under at 55.0. Although we feel as if the Bearcats will run up the score, we also think the Eagles will have a tough time permeating the Cat D.
