Boston College entered the 2005 with a string of six consecutive bowl appearances as well as having posted at least seven wins in each of those campaigns. For good measure, BC had defeated Notre Dame four straight years in the “Holy War” that was discontinued entering the 2005 season. The 2004 season was not without disappointment however as the Eagles blew a chance to win the Big East title when they were embarrassed by lightly regarded Syracuse 17-43 on the season’s final day as 11.5-point home chalks.
Facing their greatest challenge yet
Head coach Tom O’Brien had developed a reputation for running a clean and disciplined program at BC. BC had perennially fielded solid defenses that kept them in games, (and within the number). O’Brien and the Eagles would be facing their greatest challenge yet, however, in 2005 as BC defected from the Big East to the Atlantic Coast Conference, at least one step up in caliber.
O’Brien would see seven starters return on both sides of the ball for 2005 but without starting quarterback Paul Peterson, who graduated.
In the black since 1999
With this major upgrade in competition, Boston College Golden Eagles string of consecutive profitable seasons would face a supreme test. The Eagles had been in the black since 1999 each and every season, serving savvy college football bettors well as one of the most efficient and yet quietest plays and bargains on the betting boards.
A promising 2-0 start for the Boston College Golden Eagles
Boston College Golden Eagles kicked off the 2005 season at BYU who was rebuilding under a new coach. The more established and veteran Eagles were 2.5-point chalks and dispatched of the Cougars with ease, 20-3. The home opener was next against the Army. BC was installed as a seemingly hefty 27.5-point chalk, which sucked in some money to the Army trap as the Eagles won going away 44-7 to get off to a promising 2-0 start both straight up and against the spread.
Reality Check was followed by an impressive rebound
BC’s next game was a nationally televised Saturday Night affair at home versus traditional ACC power Florida State . The oddsmakers set another trap as Boston College Golden Eagles was installed as a 1-point dog against the struggling Seminoles. The proven FSU squad got the cash in a convincing 28-17 win. A tough road assignment to “ Death Valley ” against Clemson loomed ahead. BC scored a thrilling 16-13 win as 3-point dogs as their reality check was followed by an impressive rebound.
Overvalued Boston College Golden Eagles
Boston College Golden Eagles entered the meat of their schedule looking solid at 3-1 both straight up and against the spread. The Golden Eagles were to prove to be overvalued, however, starting with their next game at home vs. Ball State , where they won 38-0 as 39.5-point chalks. This was followed by an impressive 28-17 ACC home win over Virginia as 7.5-point chalks.
Starting to bleed red ink
Standing at a typical 4-2 against the spread, BC would uncharacteristically lose three straight games to the oddsmakers. First was a 35-30 home win over Wake Forest as 13.5-point home chalks. This was followed by another reality check, a 10-30 loss at Virginia Tech as 13.5-point dogs. The next failure was at North Carolina , a 14-16 loss as 4-point chalks as BC was starting to bleed red ink.
Boston College Golden Eagles closed back to form
BC returned home standing at 6-3 straight up and 4-5 against the spread with their consecutive string of profitable seasons in serious jeopardy. With some of their value restored, BC closed back to form with three straight wins and covers, however. They clobbered NC State 30-10 as 5-point home chalks, then won at Maryland 31-16 as 1-point chalks and covered their fifth straight bowl in a 27-21 win over Boise State as 3-point chalks. BC’s first year in the ACC was a success and something for them to build on.