FACTS & STATS: Site: Alumni Stadium (44,500) -- Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Television:ESPN. Home Record: ND 4-1, BC 3-2. Away Record: ND 1-2, BC 1-1. Neutral Record: ND 0-0, BC 1-0. Conference Record: ND 0-0, BC 2-3. Series Record: Notre Dame leads, 9-8.

GAME NOTES: A couple of teams trying to find their way back into the win column clash at Alumni Stadium this weekend, as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tangle with the Boston College Eagles in Chestnut Hill. The Irish were involved in a thriller this past weekend, unfortunately, they ended up on the short end of a 36-33 four-overtime decision against Pittsburgh. It was the second setback in the past three games for ND, which dipped to 5-3 on the campaign. To make matters worse, the Irish now head back out to the road, where they have won just once in three tries. As for BC, it too is coming off a loss, suffering a 27-21 setback at the hands of Clemson. It was the second straight defeat, as the Eagles fell to 5-3 overall and 3-2 at home. BC, though has owned ND of late, winning the last five meetings dating back to 2001. The Irish however, still own a 9-8 edge in the head-to-head series.

Offensively, Notre Dame has improved greatly from a season ago, as it is gaining 121.8 ypg on the ground and 263.7 ypg through the air for an average of 27.4 ppg. Last weekend, the Irish totaled 386 yards of offense, but they had to settle for four field goal attempts in the overtimes, failing on their last try in a 36-33 loss to Pittsburgh. Jimmy Clausen guided the club in defeat, converting on 23-of-44 pass attempts for 271 yards and three touchdowns. It was another solid outing from the emerging quarterback, who has now thrown for 2,103 yards, with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions on the season. Michael Floyd and Golden Tate are his two most dangerous weapons in the passing game and they have accounted for 78 catches, 1,309 yards and 12 touchdowns. In last weekend's loss, Floyd grabbed 10 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, while Tate pulled in six balls for 111 yards and a score. Armando Allen paced the ground attack with 73 yards on 19 carries versus Pittsburgh, and he continues to lead the team with 433 yards on the season.

The Irish aren't the best defensive team around, but they have done a rather nice job in holding opponents to only 20.9 ppg. The unit is limiting foes to 127.8 rushing ypg and 206.8 passing ypg and has forced 17 turnovers, including 10 by way of interception. Last weekend, ND did a decent job in limiting Pittsburgh to 346 total yards, although the defense gave up a majority of those yards in the fourth quarter and overtime. The defense though, did record three interceptions and two sacks, giving the Irish a chance to win. David Bruton guided ND in the loss with 16 stops and interception, while Raeshon McNeil had two picks of his own. Bruton now ranks second on the team tackles (73) and first in interceptions (three) and he also has two forced fumbles to his name.

Behind 149.9 rushing ypg and 184.8 passing ypg the Eagles have been able to produce 28.0 ppg this season, but that number would be higher if they could just hang onto the ball, committing 20 turnovers. Last weekend, BC turned the ball over twice and managed just 236 total yards in a 27-21 loss to Clemson. Quarterback Chris Crane completed just 18-of-39 tosses for only 116 yards and a score and he added 27 rushing yards on four carries in the setback. The versatile quarterback has struggled some this season and has thrown just eight touchdowns against 12 picks. He however, does pace BC with seven rushing scores. Brandon Robinson is Crane's top target with 27 catches and 444 yards, and he performed well last weekend, snaring five passes for 60 yards and a score. In the backfield, BC is led by the duo of Montel Harris and Josh Haden, who have combined for 684 yards and five touchdowns.

Defensively, BC had gotten off to a good start this season but has shown some vulnerability of late. After holding foes to just 6.5 ppg through their first four outings, the Eagles have surrendered 31.5 ppg over their past four contests. Still, the defense has done great work in limiting foes to just 274.8 total ypg, while forcing 22 turnovers (14 interceptions). In last weekend's loss, BC's defense played rather well, holding Clemson to 339 total yards and forcing four turnovers. Mike McLaughlin had seven stops and a pick in the game, while Mark Herzlich logged six tackles and an interception. Herzlich currently leads the Eagles in tackles (68) and TFLs (seven) and he is tied for first with three interceptions.

The Irish appear to have the more potent offense here, but the Eagles have the edge on defense. BC also has a big advantage hosting this game and with the support of its home crowd and a stout effort from the defense, look for the Eagles to emerge victorious in this one.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Boston College 27, Notre Dame 24

Saturday, November 8th, 8:00 p.m. (et)