Boston College Eagles
2001 record: 8-4 (4-3)
Coach: Tom O'Brien (6th season, 31-27)
Starters returning: 8 offense, 8 defense, 2 kickers

Outlook: Nobody in the Big East returns more starters than Boston College, but it may not be enough to challenge the conference elite. The Eagles must make up for two huges losses -- tailback William Green and middle linebacker Scott Bradley.

Junior Derrick Knight gets first crack at replacing Green. Knight showed flashes last season, especially in a determined 78-yard outing in a near-victory against Miami.

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If Knight comes through, the offense should be in pretty good shape. Quarterback Brian St. Pierre threw for a conference-best 25 touchdown passes, including eight to senior Jamal Burke. The offensive line is solid with tackle Marc Parenteau and center Dan Koppen, a pair of 2001 second-team, all-Big East selections.

The key to the defense could center on the return to health of defensive end Antonio Garay, who missed the end of last season and all of spring practice with a neck injury. Linebackers Josh Ott and Vinny Ciurciu are solid, but replacing Bradley will be tough. Defense is a concern, but it usually is at The Heights.

Key game: Boston College hasn't beaten Miami since the "Hail Flutie" pass in 1984. The Eagles open their Big East season facing the national champions on Sept. 21. With Virginia Tech (Oct. 10) next on the conference schedule, BC could be out of the Big East race before the season is half over.

Keep an eye on: Tom O'Brien. If the Eagles enjoy another successful season, the no-nonsense coach could find his name on other schools' short lists. O'Brien isn't particularly colorful or inspiring, but he's managed to turn around a program -- on and off the field -- that was in disarray when he took over.

It's a good year if...: The Eagles beat a ranked team. Boston College had lost 21 games against ranked opponents before defeating No. 16 Georgia in the Music City Bowl last December. Prior to the Georgia win, BC's last victory against a Top 25 team was a 20-14 decision against No. 20 Virginia Tech on September 7, 1995.

Jorge Milian covers the Big East for the Palm Beach Post.