Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec has been a blitz magnet in two video games this season.
The Eagles’ inexperienced and injury-riddled offensive line, mixed with the shortage of a reputable floor assault, made Jurkovec honest recreation for cross rushers in BC’s opening losses to Rutgers and Virginia Tech.
The Scarlet Knights protection sacked Jurkovec 4 instances for a lack of 28 whole yards with eight quarterback hurries and two interceptions. The Hokies had been one sack higher, planting Jurkovec on 5 events for destructive 37 yards, recording with 5 hurries and a choose.
The indignity of a sack is measured in misplaced yards, however it’s the hits a quarterback absorbs when releasing the ball that has probably the most devastating impression on his efficiency. Jurkovec has been on the enterprise finish of a a number of crushing hits this yr.
Jurkovec can count on an analogous reception from the Maine protection when the Eagles (0-2) host the Black Bears (0-2) in a nonconference match on Saturday night time (7:30) at Alumni Stadium. BC coach Jeff Hafley believes Jurkovec has responded properly to all of the rising consideration.
“I think the last week was as good as he’s had. He made a couple of hot throws that we hadn’t seen in the past,” mentioned Hafley. “We are underneath strain rather a lot and we have now to anticipate that that’s going to proceed.
“Phil is seeing it and getting the ball out and protecting himself and obviously us protecting him. He was seeing the pressure and getting it out better. Hopefully he will continue to do so because that is probably how we are going to get attacked.”
BC employed an up-tempo strategy on its two scoring drives towards the Hokies, a tactic that gave Jurkovec time to look downfield. Jurkovec accomplished 15-of-28 passes for 135 yards and a landing within the Virginia Tech contest, whereas going 23-of-41 for 283 yards and three touchdowns towards Rutgers.
“That (up tempo) depends on how you are doing on defense,” mentioned Hafley. “Sometimes if you end up going tempo and it’s shortly three and out, three and out and your protection will get worn down.
“You have to play complimentary football and you have to mix it in. You have to do both.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com