GAME NOTES: The Boston College Eagles have climbed all the way up to the seventh spot in the most recent AP poll, and they are clearly favored in this weekend's non-conference clash with the Bowling Green Falcons. Bowling Green is 3-1 so far this season, including wins in each of the last two outings. This past Saturday, the Falcons put forth a strong offensive effort in a 41-21 triumph over Western Kentucky. Bowling Green has now scored 89 points in its last two games, but Boston College obviously represents a major spike in competition level. Speaking of the Eagles, they moved to 5-0 with a 24-14 decision over a tougher-than-expected UMass squad last weekend. The Eagles began the campaign with three straight wins over ACC foes and remain atop the league standings. This weekend's tilt marks the third of what will be four straight against non-league opponents for Boston College. The Eagles have never faced Bowling Green in football.

Despite the fact that it features a one-dimensional offensive attack, Bowling Green is averaging 34.5 ppg and 431.5 total ypg. Quarterback Tyler Sheehan is expected to generate most of the offense with his arm, and he has excelled thus far. Sheehan has completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 1,304 yards and 10 touchdowns with only four interceptions. While many receivers have made positive contributions thus far, Freddie Barnes leads the group with 29 catches for 318 yards and three touchdowns. The Falcons racked up 28 first downs and 425 total yards in the victory over Western Kentucky last weekend. Sheehan was outstanding in that tilt, as he connected on 31-of-42 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Once again, the passing game carried the load, as the ground attack remains rather weak.

Considering that Bowling Green is yielding 28.8 ppg and 410.0 total ypg this season, there is obvious room for improvement on the defensive side of the ball. The Falcons are giving up over 200 ypg both on the ground and through the air. Sure, they have posted a rather high total of eight interceptions, but nine passing touchdowns surrendered tempers the excitement. John Hanelin leads the club with 46 total tackles. Give the defense plenty of credit for its play against Western Kentucky last weekend. Sure, the Falcons surrendered three touchdowns, but two of the scores came in the final four minutes of the contest after the outcome had long been decided. Over 300 rushing yards were allowed, an obvious area of concern, but a stellar effort against the pass that included four interceptions proved to be the difference in the game.

An early candidate for ACC Player of the Year, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan has been a strong performer. Ryan has completed 61 percent of his throws for 1,545 yards and 11 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He has spread the ball around effectively to a number of different receivers. As for the tailbacks, Andre Callender leads the group with 463 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Callender rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries against UMass. While the standout's longest run was only 13 yards, he showed a great deal of toughness by continuously butting heads with the Minutemen defenders. As for Ryan, he completed 24-of-42 passes for 204 yards and one touchdown. Most importantly, Ryan was not intercepted in the tilt, as the veteran signal caller made solid decisions. Rich Gunnell led all BC receivers with six catches for 97 yards.

Opponents are scoring 17.2 ppg against Boston College, which is yielding just 46.8 rushing ypg on an average of 1.7 yards per attempt. Sure, yards have been much easier to come by through the air against the Eagles, but the fact that the defense has registered 10 interceptions speaks to the big-play ability that is present. The Boston College defense put forth a strong effort against UMass, limiting the Minutemen to 14 points and 277 total yards. Once again, the Eagles were tough against the run, limiting UMass to 69 rushing yards on 30 attempts. The pass defense wasn't quite as strong, as both Minutemen touchdowns came through the air.

Boston College is clearly the better of these two teams and has the advantage of playing at home. Expect the Eagles to take care of business, as a big day by Callender and company is likely.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Boston College 44, Bowling Green 17