College Sports
BC defensive back Charlie Comella (32) came up with a big interception in last Saturday’s win over Pittsburgh. Barry Chin/Globe Staff
October 22, 2026 | 4:56 PM
3 minutes to read
As Boston College football training camp unfolded, it became clear that the defense had the potential to blossom into one of the better units in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
A 34-point barrage from Cincinnati in the season opener temporarily curtailed that vision and left the Eagles with more questions than answers. In the weeks since, though, the defense has bounced back convincingly and started to actualize its potential.
“We understood that the odds were stacked against us,” said linebacker Anthony Palano. “We just attacked it and attacked the challenge.”
BC has the most interceptions per game (1.33) and second-most fumbles forced (six) in the ACC. The Eagles have allowed the second-fewest passing yards per game (169.3) and are tied for the fourth-fewest yards per play (5) in the conference.
The Eagles (3-3, 1-2), who will face Georgia Tech (2-4, 1-2) on the road Saturday at 3:30 p.m., are tied for the sixth-fewest yards allowed per completion in the nation (9.77).
It hasn’t been perfect, and those involved know there is still room to grow, but they are proud of how far they have come under first-year defensive coordinator Ted Roof.
“The sky is the limit,” said safety KP Price. “The sky really isn’t even the limit. We can go above and beyond. We’re not putting a cap into who we can become.”
Price is the only player in the nation with at least one forced fumble, three interceptions, and 46 tackles. His acrobatic, one-handed pick late in the first half against Pittsburgh last Saturday helped BC secure a pivotal 27-21 triumph.
“That brings momentum, playmaking ability, juice to the team, to us and the crowd,” Price said. “We hear it. That’s what changes games.”
Carter Davis, Marcus Upton, and Charlie Comella have elevated their productivity to accompany Price in the secondary.
Palano is fourth in the ACC in tackles (51) and one of five players in the nation with at least 50 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. He has stabilized a steadily improving linebacking corps that has kept offenses off balance.
“We have confidence in ourselves,” Palano said. “We have some swagger to us.”
The defensive line, led by Demetrius Ballard and E’Lla Boykin (3.5 sacks each), has had its ups and downs but has generated more pressure than it did last year.
Coach Bill O’Brien credited Roof and the rest of the defensive staff for their daily work practicing technique and strategy for generating takeaways.
He said there is “no ego” in the group and that Jules Montinar (who coaches the cornerbacks) and Matt Thurin (safeties) have put players in positions to force turnovers.
“I remember my first year here, we did a good job of that,” O’Brien said. “Last year, we didn’t get any, hardly. This year, it’s been back to what we believe we can be when it comes to takeaways.”
The next step for the defense is to sharpen its ability to stop the run. BC is 13th in the conference in rushing yards allowed per game (159.5) and has allowed the opposition to cobble together long drives at times.
BC will face a middling Georgia Tech offense, led by quarterback Alberto Mendoza, that has the fourth-best completion percentage in the ACC (70.5) but just the 14th-most rushing yards per game (127.2).
The Eagles, who are 2-10 in road games under O’Brien, know they have a chance to make a major splash.
“It’s really about sustaining it for the whole game,” Price said. “Starting good and finishing great.”
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BC running back Evan Dickens is out Saturday with an injury he suffered against Pittsburgh. Dickens, a Liberty transfer, has 407 total yards and five touchdowns in six games.
Bo MacCormack, Mekhi Dodd, and Nolan Ray will team up in his absence.
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