The Holy War Returns To South Bend

Despite currently sitting atop the ACC's Atlantic Division, Boston College still has not won a single road game this season. The Eagles, who are coming off a 52-20 home victory over NC State, look to break a two-game road losing streak on Saturday when they travel to South Bend to face Notre Dame.

BC struggled at its previous two away contests of the season, losing to Clemson, 25-7, and Virginia Tech, 48-14. This time, the Eagles' players believe they have gotten the road jitters out of their systems.

"We have to make it better," said quarterback Dave Shinskie. "Our games on the road have been just miserable. I think what we have to do is take the energy from how we play at home and take it on the field this week. It's going to be simple because we are going to Notre Dame, and you have to bring your 'A' game to beat a team like that."

In addition to the challenge and tradition that Notre Dame Stadium presents, the Fighting Irish have a borderline Top 25 team for the first time since 2006. Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen, the nation's top high school recruit in 2007, has finally started to reach his potential. The junior has thrown for 1,804 passing yards and compiled a 166.3 quarterback rating, the third-best mark in the nation.

"He is different from what we've played the past two weeks," said defensive end Jim Ramella. "[He is] just a pure passer. He makes all the throws, all those tough throws that most quarterbacks can't make, and that's the difference."

Last year, Clausen had what Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis called his worst game of the season against BC. Clausen threw a career-high four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Paul Anderson.

"We had pressure on him early," Ramella said. "We forced him to make throws that I don't think he wanted to make. We had great coverage downfield, and that's something we need to work on."

Clausen's favorite target this year has been Golden Tate, who has 719 receiving yards so far. Tate appears to be on his way toward surpassing his numbers from last season, when he had 1,080 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

"This team has the most weapons," said captain Mike McLaughlin. "[Clausen] has the best weapons we have faced all year in the tight end Kyle Rudolph and the wide receiver Golden Tate. It's scary to say, but this is the best offense we have faced all year."

If BC expects to win Saturday's game, it will need a solid performance from its offense for the second consecutive game. Last week against NC State, the Eagles scored 52 points and amassed 482 yards. Many of those came from the feet of Montel Harris, who ran for a school-record 264 yards and five touchdowns. Harris' contributions opened up the passing game for Shinskie, who threw for 187 yards and two touchdowns against the Wolfpack.

"Their linebackers are quick, and their guys up front are really active," Shinskie said. "We're trying to scheme up some protections and stuff, but it's going to be difficult to go up against this defense because they blitz so much."

Notre Dame's blitz could provide BC with opportunities downfield if the Eagles' blockers give Shinskie time to let the play develop before throwing the ball. BC's offensive line has improved since its initial struggles this season and has been opening holes for the run game to keep the defense honest.

"I think they are starting to play more together, like brothers," Harris said about the offensive line. "In practice, when they break the huddle, they all hold hands like a chain. I think it's pride. They don't want to let the team down, so I think they give that extra push."

As a rivalry game between two of the nation's premier academic and athletic Catholic universities, "The Holy War" should provide even further incentive for BC's players. The Eagles have won six consecutive games against the Fighting Irish, including the last three games played in South Bend. And while Touchdown Jesus, the Golden Dome, and a potentially raucous crowd await the Eagles, McLaughlin said he does not believe BC will be intimidated by the hostile environment.

"I just know that I haven't lost to them, and I'm not planning on ending [the winning streak] on my watch," Ramella said. "I'm sure they're hoping they can get back at us this year, but it's not happening."