Again, as in 2008, Boston College is not predicted by pundits to be very good this 2009 College Football season. The Eagles are predicted to finish near the bottom of the ACC and have little chance of bringing home a BCS Championship to Chestnut Hill.

Oddsmakers at online sportsbook Bodog.com, currently have the Eagles chances of winning a national championship lined at 100-1 odds on its 2010 BCS betting board.  

The big question for Boston College is who will be taking snaps under center when its season kicks off against Northeastern on Sept. 5. Dominique Davis was expected to be heir apparant at the position, but transferred out following his suspension for academic reasons. A battle for the starting job ensued in spring drills between former fullback Codi Boek and redshirt freshman Justin Tuggle but none of the candidates stood out from the group. Joining competition for the quarterback job once August drills commence will be former minor-league baseball player David Shinskie. The 25 year old Shinskie had committed to playing quarterback at Delaware following the 2003 season but opted to sign a baseball contract instead. After six years in the minors, Shinskie has given up on his baseball hopes and signed on with Boston College in June.

With exception of the quarterback position, overall the offense has some quality talent returning throughout. The running game returns solid performers from 2008 in sophomores Montel Harris and Josh Haden. The Eagles will miss Brandon Robinson at Wide Receiver but expect big things out of Rich Gunnell, Ifeani Momah and Justin Jarvis. Tight End will be filled by Lars Anderson who will be expected to do plenty of blocking for the running game. If the offense has a strength it will be the line. Left tackle Anthony Castonzo and Center Matt Tennant, preseason All-ACC picks, headline this group.

Head coach Frank Spaziani, joined the Boston College coaching staff in 1997 and until taking the reins at the end of last year, has coordinated the defense since 1999. While retaining a head coach has been a problem for the Eagles, the defense has been in good hands with Spaziani and looks to be a good unit in spite having to fill a number of key slots from players who vacated to the NFL.

The Eagles have needs at linebacker after the graduation of Robert Francois and Brian Toal. Hopefully Dominick LeGrande and Will Thompson can fill those needs. The secondary has some experience returning  as Marcellus Bowman and Wes Davis along with corners Donnie Fletcher and Roderick Rollins all started last year at different times.

The bottom line for Boston College is, while they have some talent, they lack experience in too many areas to be competitive in the improving ACC Atlantic Division. This season will be a rebuilding campaign.