51 attempts, 34 completions and 428 yards later...

...State's passing defense made Boston College's Chris Crane look more like Matt Ryan on his best days.

I think we all knew that losing Alan Michael Cash and Nate Irving on defense would impact the Pack's effectiveness on pass defense.

I had no idea it would be to this degree.

(Continues)

That Crane had 17 incompletions is probably the more incredible stat. I can't think offhand of any moment in the game where State's pass defense seriously contended a pass. The Pack's pass rush was ineffective all game long, regardless of whether the front four was aided by blitzing backers or not.

Credit should be given to Steve Logan for calling a good game plan, and to Crane for executing it. Also to the stellar play of the BC offensive line.

But without Cash occupying extra blockers in the middle, the ends were neutralized and unable to generate a decent pass rush, giving Crane all day to pick apart our zone defense. Zero pass rush makes any quarterback and offensive coordinator look like world beaters.

Too, not having Irving patrolling the middle of the field, where he's already had three interceptions against less-than-wary quarterbacks this season, gave Crane's crossing receivers enough space to make drive-extending catches on third downs (BC was 8-of-16 on 3rd down conversions).

I'm afraid that this pattern will remain until one of two things occur:
1. Cash and Irving return, and play back to their prior levels that had State's offense respectable, or;
2. Mike Archer finds a way to coach up the players we do have on the field to get the job done.

If neither occurs, we could see future opponents putting up similar, inflated passing numbers against the Pack.