Boston College Eagles
Three years removed from a scandal that almost had the football program exiled from campus, the Boston College Eagles are headed to the Insight.com Bowl, their first post season appearance since 1994. The Eagles' 8-3 finish didn't come easy, with five of their wins being decided by five points or less. Boston College's offense features bruising back Cedric Washington, who finished the season with 976 yards and seven scores. Junior QB Tim Hasselbeck complements the running game well with his efficient, low-risk approach to throwing the football. Strong play from the offensive line has enabled B.C. to operate an effective attack -- behind OT Darnell Alford the Eagles have had time to throw and room to run. On the defensive side, B.C. lacks speed in its secondary. This was brought into focus by Virginia Tech's Michael Vick a few weeks ago, (the Hokies tallied 555 yards total offense against B.C.). Up front, Chris Hovan anchors a stingy DL. Doubters point to the Eagles' weak schedule, composed of a 1-AA opponent, two teams which finished with 1-10 records and four other foes which finished below .500.

Colorado Buffaloes
All things considered, Colorado adapted well this season to the drastic change in coaching philosophy. Former coach Rick Neuheisel's approach had more of a West Coast feel, highlighting a high-flying air attack and a laid-back style of defense. First-year Buffalo head coach Gary Barnett returned the program's identity back to what it was when he was an assistant under Bill McCartney. Barnett's run-oriented offensive philosophy was difficult to get into place, with prolific passer Mike Moschetti at QB and the talented duo of Javon Green and Marcus Stiggers at WR. However, by season's end Barnett added balanced to an offense that had once heavily favored the pass, with the help of RB Cortlen Johnson who finished with 828 yards rushing on the year and Dwayne Cherrington, (sidelined most of the year with knee trouble). Defensively, the Buffaloes subscribed to an aggressive defensive system but it didn't take until the season's midway point. The quick learners were FS Rashidi Barnes and LB Jashon Sykes -- the two keyed the defense throughout the year and are favorites of Barnett's. The successful second half of the season is indicative of what this team is capable of now that it has adapted to the coaching change.

Keys to the game
1.Buffalo OG Brad Bedell must neutralize Eagle DT Chris Hovan. This will be one of the better matchups of the day, All-American OG Bedell vs. first team All-Big East DT Chris Hovan. If Hovan is able to penetrate the Colorado front, this will force the Colorado tailbacks outside and disrupt the tackle to tackle running style of Cherrington. An upfield rush by Hovan will also force Moschetti to the outside on passing plays. Although Moschetti is a mobile QB, throwing on the run is not his specialty and forcing him to won't allow Colorado to establish tempo through the air. Bedell has made great strides with his quickness this season. He must use this in order to stop Hovan.

2.Colorado must make the field "big" on offense to utilize its speed advantage. Barnett is accustomed to a ball-control ground game, however he has multiple spread sets within his offensive repertoire. Along with his diversified collection of formations, Barnett also has the talent and speed on offense to scatter the ball around the field successfully. Colorado has a significant edge in speed when matched against B.C. Using it to early and often could prove lethal.

3.B.C. must control tempo of the game -- no turnovers. Colorado is better then B.C. at almost every position, but this is a game where you throw the records out the window. B.C. must install a running game early. If Cedric Washington runs hard it will allow the Eagles to control the clock and keep Hasselbeck from throwing at the ball-hawking Colorado CBs, Ben Kelly and Damen Wheeler.

War Room Edge: Colorado Buffaloes
The truth is in the numbers. B.C.'s schedule was watered down and to make matters worse the Eagles were thrashed in their season finale at Virginia Tech. Colorado won't need to get cute, keeping the ball on the ground and pounding it at the Eagles will bring success. Boston College doesn't have the firepower on offense to run with a high octane power like Colorado. Buffs in a blowout.

Material from The War Room. Visit their web site at http://www.nflwarroom.com