To win the Atlantic, the BC offense must improve this year under new offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers. That unit BC ranked last in the ACC in scoring and total offense in 2010. Quarterback Chase Rettig was thrown into the mix during his true freshman season and showed flashes of being a good one after taking over as the unquestioned starter midway through last year. A classic drop-back passer with a big arm, he completed 51 percent of his passes for 1,238 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. But the focus of the offense will be running back Montel Harris. He rushed for 1,243 yards and ranked second in the ACC in rushing despite missing his team's final regular season game and bowl with a knee injury. He is 126 from becoming BC's all-time leading rusher and 1,003 yards shy of breaking Ted Brown's ACC career rushing record. Overall seven starters are back on offense but the line must replace three players.

The defense also brings back seven starters. Last year, BC's defense led the nation against the run last season, allowing just 82.8 yards per game, and ranked 14th in scoring (leading the ACC) at 14.1 points per game. The defensive line lost three starters but middle linebacker Luke Kuechly is on a pace to set the NCAA record for tackles and should be a favorite for the Butkus Award and ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

Boston College opens the season Sept. 3 against Northwestern.

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