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It’s typically rare to see a conference matchup as a team’s season opener, but for Boston College and Notre Dame, they will quickly get a feel for the ACC coming off an average regular season slate. In 2017, the Eagles finished 3-4 in the ACC, while the Irish had a slight edge with a 4-3 record.

However, the tides shifted in the postseason, with the Eagles soaring into the final four for the first time in program history, meaning this season-opener may not predict where they will rank come May.

 

NO. 9 BOSTON COLLEGE AT NO. 14 NOTRE DAME 
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 12 p.m. 
WATCH: ACC Network Extra/WatchESPN

 

The last time these two teams met was in the ACC quarterfinals, a 17-14 win for Boston College, just five days after Notre Dame fell to the Eagles 16-10 in their regular season finale.

With two losses in five days, the Irish will avoid back-to-back ACC tilts when the postseason looms. They finish the regular season against San Diego State, while the Eagles have in-conference rival Syracuse as their last match before the ACC tournament is set.

Boston College is “hungrier” entering 2018, said coach Acacia Walker, coming off a historical season with just a three-goal loss to Maryland in the NCAA championship. Even without ice hockey star Kenzie Kent to begin the season, the Eagles are poised for another hot streak thanks to the returning offensive firepower, including Sam Apuzzo, a dual threat as a goal scorer and draw specialist. The biggest concern, however, could be on defense with goalie Zoe Ochoa graduating.

Meanwhile, changes are in store for Notre Dame. It’s the first time in 14 years the Irish haven’t returned an All-American, so many new players will be looking to make a name for themselves, including the nation’s top recruit and former U.S. silver medalist Andie Aldave. A win for the Irish would make a statement.

Other games higlighting the weekend include:

  • No. 3 North Carolina at No. 17 James Madison
    Saturday, 12 p.m., Madizone

    The Tar Heels have one of the top midfield units in the country led by Marie McCool and bolstered by a returning Maggie Bill, but James Madison returns four starting defenders from the 10th-ranked defense in the NCAA. 

  • No. 8 USC at No. 20 Virginia Tech
    Saturday, 12 p.m., ACC Network Extra

    In coach John Sung’s second season, the Hokies open with a challenge that could set the tone for the season. A win over the Pac-12 favorite, led by U.S. gold medalist goalie Gussie Johns and midfielder Kerrigan Miller, would be huge. 

  • No. 16 Colorado at No. 6 Florida
    Sunday, 12 p.m., ESPN3

    This game represents a big test for both teams in its first matchup against each other, with Colorado coming off a historic season and Florida looking to bounce back, but it means more as they play for Buffs senior Julia Sarcona, who died in a car accident Jan. 13. 

  • Three teams also make their Division I debut this weekend – Arizona State, East Carolina and Wofford:

    • Arizona State at Kennesaw State (Friday, 3 p.m.)

    • Arizona State at Stetson (Sunday, 12 p.m.)

    • George Washington at East Carolina (Saturday, 12 p.m., Pirates All Access)

    • Gardner-Webb at Wofford (Saturday, 11 a.m., SoCon Digital Network)

More Games On Our Radar

All times are listed in ET. For a full list of broadcast games, please visit our US Lacrosse TV listing page, presented by Nationwide.

FRIDAY, FEB. 9

5 p.m.
UConn at No. 5 Syracuse (ACC Network Extra)
No. 16 Colorado at Michigan

SATURDAY, FEB. 10

12 p.m.
No. 4 Penn State at Towson (TU Live Stream)

1 p.m.
Ohio State at No. 10 Navy (Patriot League Network)

2 p.m.
Canisius at No. 11 Northwestern (BTN2Go)

3 p.m.
Stanford at Denver

SUNDAY, FEB. 11

12 p.m.
William & Mary at No. 1 Maryland (BTN Plus)

1 p.m.
Elon at No. 19 Duke (ACC Network Extra)
Marquette at Louisville (ACC Network Extra/WatchESPN)

2 p.m.
Detroit Mercy at No. 11 Northwestern (BTN2Go)