The Bill O'Brien Era Begins: What to Watch for as Boston College Kicks Off the Season

 

The anticipation has reached a fever pitch for football enthusiasts, as Boston College is set to launch its season on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. against No. 10 Florida State, who enters the game with an 0-1 record.

As the Eagles embark on a new chapter under the leadership of their new head coach, Bill O’Brien, there are several key storylines to keep an eye on. Among them, perhaps the most intriguing is whether O’Brien can breathe new life into the Boston College football program. The excitement surrounding his arrival is palpable, marking a level of buzz around the team that hasn’t been seen in years.

The Boston College fan base, long yearning for a spark to reignite its passion, finds itself energized by the hiring of Bill O’Brien. There’s a sense of cautious optimism, as supporters are eager to see how O’Brien will shape the future of the program, both in the immediate season and in the years to come. Although the Eagles have yet to play a game under his leadership, the potential for a turnaround feels tangible.

O’Brien’s history offers plenty of reason for hope. He has a proven ability to stabilize and strengthen programs quickly. A prime example is his tenure at Penn State in 2012, where he brought much-needed steadiness to a team reeling from a devastating child sex abuse scandal. Despite the turmoil, O’Brien managed to lead the Nittany Lions to a commendable 8-4 record, showcasing his capacity to guide a program through adversity and lay the groundwork for future success.

O’Brien emphasized that the key to achieving immediate success in a new environment hinges on the quality of the people around him.

Reflecting on his time at Penn State, O’Brien shared, “When we arrived at Penn State, it was probably the most challenging situation I’ve faced in my career, both professionally and personally. But what made the difference was the incredible people we had – a strong staff and dedicated players who stayed with us through it all. I see a lot of similarities here at Boston College.”

He pointed out the remarkable continuity within the Boston College roster, noting that 99 percent of the players remained with the program upon his arrival, and a substantial 68 percent of the team’s production from last year’s 7-6 season has returned. O’Brien has been particularly enthusiastic about quarterback Thomas Castellanos, praising his consistent development. He also mentioned that former coach Jeff Hafley had confidently predicted that this would likely have been his strongest team at Boston College.

O’Brien’s confidence extends beyond his players to his coaching staff and the wider community. His belief in the program is palpable, and it’s already having a positive effect on those around him.

BC running backs coach Savon Huggins remarked, “The level of detail and the expectations he sets for every individual – that’s what stands out. He won’t ask anyone to do something he’s not willing to do himself.”

As for the team’s goals, the question remains: Can the Eagles finally achieve an eight-win season? Remarkably, despite the success of other athletic programs at the university, Boston College football is still striving for its first eight-win campaign since 2009.

The Eagles have often flirted with that elusive eighth win, coming close in several seasons with seven victories in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and most recently in 2023. However, they’ve yet to make that leap to the next level.

The start to this season is rather unusual, featuring challenging road games against Florida State and No. 11 Missouri, with a seemingly easier matchup against Duquesne sandwiched in between. After that, the schedule balances out, with several critical games that could swing in either direction. One of Boston College’s advantages this season is their seven home games, with the added benefit of playing four of their last five contests at Alumni Stadium.

Center Drew Kendall summed up the team’s mindset, saying, “We’re all just focusing on the next game. Win that next game and then move on. We can’t afford to look too far ahead.”

As the Eagles prepare to kick off their season, the question looms: Could an upset victory over Florida State set the tone for the entire year?

Boston College is aiming for its first season-opening win against a ranked opponent since 1976. Despite being heavy underdogs, the betting line shifted from -21.5 to -15.5 following Florida State’s unexpected loss to Georgia Tech in Dublin during Week 0. When the Eagles players gathered in the locker room after practice to watch the second half of that game, they couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. Still, they reminded themselves that the result didn’t alter their challenge.

“We know it’s going to be a huge challenge for us going down there,” O’Brien acknowledged.

He also noted that having Florida State as the first opponent helped maintain the team’s focus throughout the offseason and training camp. With a powerhouse opponent looming, the Eagles understood that they couldn’t afford to slack off, and this sense of urgency was palpable across the squad.