By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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As the Eagles look to get back on track, here are three important keys.

Boston College went 0-8 in ACC play a season ago, going just 3-9 overall one year after finishing with a winning record. As the Eagles look to get back on track, and snap an eight-game losing streak dating back to last September, here are three important keys:

1. Improve the Passing Game — Boston College ranked 125th nationally with just 110.9 yards per game. Injuries and youth obviously opened the door for the struggles, but considerable improvement must be made. Now-healthy Darius Wade and Kentucky graduate-transfer Patrick Towles are the top contenders for the starting job. Wade had the more productive spring game; Towles threw 24 touchdowns and 24 interceptions during his career with the Wildcats. Whatever the scenario, the Eagles will need improved efficiency and production.

2. More Big Plays — This, of course, directly relates to the struggles through the air, but Boston College had the fewest plays of ten yards or more of any power five team in 2015. New offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler, formerly of Auburn and Virginia Tech, will have to find ways to expand the playbook, which he should be able to do with experience under center, and get the football downfield and to the perimeter. Both with the passing and running game, the Eagles need to get their playmakers in space.

3. Success in Close Games — Dominant defensive performances kept Boston College in most contents. In order to finish with wins, however, the Eagles, mostly with their offense obviously, will have to be better in the fourth quarter; that includes improvement in the swing moments of games. Boston College lost a staggering five outings by three points or less last season. Better play offensively will, needless to say, help considerably; but the Eagles, overall, must come through in key situations.