At a glance: Boston College

Coach: Tom O'Brien (57-39, ninth year).

2004 record: 9-3 (4-2 Big East, tied 1st).

Players to watch: DE Mathias Kiwanuka, an All-America candidate who was voted ACC Preseason Player of the Year; WR/CB/KR Will Blackmon, who will make the switch to offense and could become the first three-way player in O'Brien's tenure at The Heights; C Patrick Ross, cocaptain and anchor of an offensive line that returns all five starters; RB L.V. Whitworth, a former Catholic Memorial standout who had a strong spring and will compete with Andre Callender for the starting job; QB Quinton Porter, returning to the starting lineup after a year on the scout squad; LBs Ray Henderson, Brian Toal, and Ricky Brown, a trio of returning starters who form the backbone of BC's defense.

Key New Englanders: Blackmon, Cranston, R.I.; QB Tyler DiPace, Acton; Porter, Portland, Maine; QB Rob Swanke, New Hartford, Conn; SS Ryan Glasper, Southington, Conn; WR Tony Gonzalez, Framingham; Whitworth, Milton; LB Mike McLaughlin, Woburn; LS Patrick Sullivan, Boston; SS Jamie Silva, East Providence; DE Jake Ottolini, Dummer, N.H.; OL Austin Giles, Marshfield; DL Ron Brace, Springfield; OL Nick Rossi, Walpole; LS Dan Lennon, Milford, Conn; TE Mike Naples, Hamden, Conn; DE Keith Willis, Stoughton; TE Jon Loyte, Gloucester; DE Jerry Willette, Mansfield.

Outlook: After being a lame duck in the Big East for the better part of two seasons, the Eagles are set to soar in their inaugural ACC campaign. O'Brien, who returns seven offensive and eight defensive starters, should have the talent to contend for a seventh consecutive bowl trip.

Predicted finish: Second, Atlantic Division.

Compiled by Michael Vega