18 BOSTON COLLEGE

When Boston College takes on the role of underdog, it doesn't
mess around. Having said farewell to last year's brightest
stars, including All-America tight end Pete Mitchell, linebacker
and leading tackler Stephen Boyd, and sack master-defensive end
Mike Mamula (the No. 7 pick in the NFL draft), the Eagles now
face college football's nastiest schedule.

Among the dozen opponents lining up against BC will be Notre
Dame--sure to be a bit testy after two consecutive upset losses
to the Eagles (page 24)--Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Michigan,
Michigan State, West Virginia and Miami. Says defensive
backfield coach Bill McGovern, "We have to be the only team in
America playing in the Big East and the Big Ten."

Add to that lineup the pressure of playing at least four times
on national television, and things are bound to get hot in
Chestnut Hill. "This team will be under the gun on many
occasions," says coach Dan Henning. "Their individual talents
are not as significant as how well they meld as a team."

And melding should not be a problem. "BC football is really like
a family," junior quarterback Mark Hartsell says. "On the
practice field we squabble all the time, just like brothers."

The Eagles have further bonded through the common misery of
Henning's 6 a.m. spring practices, a rite he initiated last year
when the renovation of Alumni Stadium forced the team to grab
the only available field time at nearby Boston University. "I
love it," says Henning of the early start. "No class conflicts,
and no media or girlfriends to create distractions."

Without much overall speed, BC's biggest strengths will be up
front. With four of five starters returning, including
All-America candidate Pete Kendall at left tackle, the O-line
looks much like the one that gave up just 15 sacks in 359
passing plays in '94. On defense, tackles Joe O'Brien and Chris
Sullivan and noseguard Tim Morabito form the nucleus of a solid
wall, with the formidably named, 6'6" junior Stalin Colinet
taking Mamula's place at end.

Although Henning says the Eagles' offensive deep threat "isn't
there yet," Hartsell has tried-and-true receivers in senior
flanker Greg Grice and in junior split end Kenyatta Watson, who
led all of BC's wideouts last year, with 43 catches for 568
yards and three TDs. Replacing running back David Green, who
rushed for 1,018 yards in '94, will be senior Justice Smith and
sophomore short-yardage specialist Omari Walker, whose nine TDs
led the Eagles last year.

The defensive backfield will be sparked by 5'9" junior
cornerback Daryl Porter, a former running back who racked up 76
tackles last year. "Daryl is very explosive, in every sense of
the word," says McGovern. "He always looks like he's ready to
bust at the seams, he's so excited to be out on the field. The
guy really loves a challenge."

This year he and his teammates will have many.

--Kelli Anderson

COLOR PHOTO: DAMIAN STROHMEYER Besides Miami, Sullivan (93) and BC will tackle a brutal nonconference schedule. [Chris Sullivan tackling University of Miami player]

THE DATA BOX

Head coach: Dan Henning
Career college record: 7-4-1
Second year at Boston College (7-4-1)

1994 RECORD: 7-4-1
Big East record: 3-3-1 (fourth)

L at Michigan 34-26
L Virginia Tech 12-7
W at Pittsburgh 21-9
W Notre Dame 30-11
W Temple 45-28
T Rutgers 7-7
W at Army 30-3
W at Louisville 35-14
W Syracuse 31-0
L at West Virginia 21-20
L at Miami 23-7
W Kansas State 12-7 (Aloha Bowl)

Final '94 ranking: 23 AP, 22 USA Today/CNN

Lettermen lost: 15
Lettermen returning: 37
Returning starters, offense: 7
Returning starters, defense: 6

KEY GAMES:
Sept. 16 Michigan
Oct. 28 at Notre Dame
Nov. 11 Miami