Frustrating end to a great season. Dominating the first half and coming away tied was an ominous sign. The D deserves credit. They played well and gave the offense plenty of shots. Stalling drives deep in Hokie territory cost us the game.
Although we were in the minority, I am proud of the folks who went. We made a lot of noise and ignored the whiny "down in front" crowd.
From what I gather, the basketball team also had a frustrating night.
I'll have more on both late Sunday night.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
31 comments:
wow. i can't wait to play indiana...in football...
can i also say how much i hate usc? thanks.
Just wondering... what's the likelihood of VTech going to the national championship now that Mizzou and WVU lost??? Kansas won't go because oklahoma won the big 10 and they never played them. Ohio state has to be in... Georgia? They didn't even play in the SEC championship... is all hope lost for Orange Bowl?
I'd like to see an OSU-USC game. Tressel v. Carroll. Awesome.
I don't think VT would get a shot at the title game because of their loss to LSU-- and not a close loss.
I think it's OSU- LSU. And if it came down to a tie-breaker, if for some reason LSU isn't going, I'd take USC over Georgia. Georgia and USC would be a fun Rose Bowl game, though.
What can be said:
10-3 and right back in TOB land. However this feels strangely just as empty if not worse.
At the end of the day, my how frustrating the last 6 weeks have been when we presumably had a stacked senior laden team.
Look, I like Jags a ton, and really think he is the right guy to lead this program for the next 5 years...sort of an earnest East Coast version of Pete Carrol.
However....why did we feel and play like underdogs throughout most of the last six games?... that ultimately falls on Jags.
Offense: Man, did I really want to toast Logan after the first half of the season.....but how frustrating was our inability to actually put the ball in the end zone? We passed the ball a BC insane 70% of the time and the end results were as vanilla as a Dana Bible game. Did we run a single trick play in the last 6 games? I like the aggressiveness, but is this guy really an offensive genius? I am more frustrated by him than I am Spaz....and lets be honest I flat out wish Spaz were relieved of duties tomorrow.
Defense: Injuries mixed with bend don't break no pressure schemes...uggh.....What has not been said already in these posts? As gritty as we played, and for the most part (save for Maryland) the defense kept us in ball games, but short of the fumble return today the defense came up just as short these past two months as the offense. Before I die, just once I want to see Spaz rush more than 4 guys on third and long against a mediocre QB. Once again, Jags, please thank Spaz for his admittedly strong contribution to our program these past 10 years, and hire some son or cousin of Buddy Ryan so we can start creating pressure on both sides of the ball.
Special Teams: I think we are the only team in the history of the BCS employing walk on kickers as well as having starting linebackers (Akins) and safeties (Silva) gamely returning kicks....for the love of St. Ignatius Chapel, can we please employ some specialists here in 2008? Hats off to Ayers by the way who did a nice job punting all year.
Outlook: Don't lose hope BC fans. Exciting year, and a great stepping stone if we can get players and fans alike to buy into the Jags system.
P.S. Who knows, maybe in 5 years Fr. Leahy and Gene D. will convince the Massachusetts state police not to treat "tailgating" around campus like the annual WTO protests. It would be great if those on Shea Field who forked over thousands, were not yelled at before and after the games for trying to enjoy them selves 6 Saturdays a year. As someone who has seen the best of Big Ten, Notre Dame, SEC, Big East and ACC tailgating, I think hands down we have the most regulated on campus game day policies among all BCS teams. It hampers alumni morale, and plays a part in our bowl travel rep. A new coach is a first step, a new policy on campus is a better step.
Let me just say that I am proud of everyone that went and supported the Eagles in Jacksonville. Even though we were outnumbered we were loud and into the game. (funny that when we got there 2 older gentlemen asked us to sit right before the game started; they quickly found seats elsewhere.
I was amazed at how few people at the game weren't affiliated with either school. Vtech did their part but they didnt help sell every seat either. I think even if it was Clemson this game doesn't sell out.
Clearly local fans from Jacksonville don't care about this game. They are much more concerned with Gators, Jaguars and Bulldogs.
I hope the ACC moves this game to Charlotte. Hopefully that city could attract the more casual ACC football fan to the game that would help to make the game a sellout and the atmosphere electric.
Go bc!
I have come to the conclusion that we are stuck in TOB-land not because of the coaches or the play-calling, but because of academics. Since I believe academics are vital to college football players, I believe we have to accept the fact that a 4th place ACC bowl is probably our top level. If we cannot hit the BCS with a highly experienced and talented team, I don't see how we will do so in the near future. This was BC's shot and BC did not "finish the job."
Top 10 Football Grad Rates: Division I-A
Navy 98%
Boston College 96%
Notre Dame 95%
Stanford 94%
Wake Forest 93%
Duke 93%
Air Force 93%
Vanderbilt 92%
Northwestern 91%
Army 90%
The only 2 schools above that have hit the BCS level in the past 5 years are Notre Dame (amazing tradition, TV contract) and Wake Forest (fluke, located in college footbal crazy region).
Here are some big BCS school rates:
Florida 80% (Impressive, but not even close to BC's level)
Virginia Tech 74% (20% lower than BC)
Michigan 71%
Miami 68%
West Virginia 63%
Wisconsin 62%
Tennessee 58%
Ohio State 55%
Georgia Tech 55%
Florida State 52%
Oklahoma 52%
LSU 49%
Georgia 41%
Texas 40%
Bottom line: There are plenty of athletes that can spell their names and run a 4.4 forty. But, there are very few that are athletic AND can compete at an elite academic level. It takes time to hone one's skills and time spent on academics takes time away from athletic pursuits. I was extremely disappointed yesterday because I bought into the TOB-hating mantra that it's the coaching that kept us from the BCS level. Looking at the list above, I now realize we should be estatic about winning 10 games (maybe even 11) and going to a mid-tier bowl. Don't you think Stanford would love to switch places with BC now?
Hats off to all the fans that made it down. Tough loss, I really thought this was going to be our special year.
one more thing, of course my trip wouldn't have been complete without getting yelled at by whalepants to sit down..... I hope BC can make it back to the title game soon. Sad end to a great first year for Jags, now let's win our bowl and get on that recruiting trail!
Yes, 1331, all hope is lost for the Orange Bowl, even if VT somehow manages (as perhaps they ought) to slip into that #2 spot. (Voters would have to ignore ESPN's overt campaigning for LSU. Unlikely. The computers, though, will probably have VT ahead of LSU.) BC will not finish in the Top 14, and thus will not qualify. The pool will not be extended to 18, as the Hawaii, VT, Oklahoma, and LSU wins assure the BCS of enough eligible teams with 14.
Disappointing game. The comment about going into half tied being a bad omen was spot-on, and my friends and I all remarked on that at the time. BC outplayed VT to the tune of about 20-10 in that half.
Clearly, Jacksonville didn't care about the game. There was virtually no walk-up crowd. I saw maybe a handful of Jaguars jerseys, and only a smattering of other ACC teams' fans. It was a beautiful day, too--especially in comparison to the atrocious weather most of us are flying back to today--so I couldn't help but be mystified as to what else the locals were choosing to do. Too cool to beach it, no other big events in town.
ATLeagle, sorry I didn't stop over and introduce myself. I was in 107, H. Just a few rows away. But I kept telling myself I'd visit a bit later or when the half-dozen folks to your right went exploring and cleared my path, and I just never got around to it.
Lastly, I don't think we're stuck in TOB-land. We went further this year than we have in recent memory, and not in a down ACC year either. In the end, we were a quarter away from securing a BCS bid, and we just couldn't quite finish the deal. But we're not going away. We'll be very good next year, too, maybe even better and more balanced. And watching our youth on the field suggests that we'll is good shape after that, as well. We're going to get another crack at the big time. I believe that. Believe it, too!
I'm with you NG21 ... I think our kicker single-handedly lost the game for BC. Think how different the game would have been if he could hit a 40 yard field goal. Instead of having to go for it, you put up 3 ... and don't get a blocked extra point returned.
I was frustrated with Logan too -- for all the talk about downfield passes and quick strikes, we sure seemed to throw a lot of halfback screens and eat up the clock. Not saying that's necessarily bad, but when it results in no points (one offensive TD), what's the point? Or, was it Ryan being afraid of throwing the ball downfield and being uneasy in the pocket?
Finally, I really think it's time for Spaz to join his buddies at NCST. He actually had a decent game plan in the first half, mixing things up. What happened in the 2nd? I don't understand rushing 3 on 3rd and 19, which still results in a wide open receiver 30 yards downfield in the endzone. If there's ever a time to bring the house, that's it.
So it goes ... it's BC and we should all be used to it by now.
I'm watching this game again - and it's a game we definitely could have won.
Those late interceptions were not indicative of Ryan's game - the first was 4th down and do or die, and he was pressured out of the pocket. The second one wth just seconds to play was batted and was doomed before it started because the play call was late coming in.
But look at our injuries, BC - unbelievable. Pruitt was playing through pain all day. Gause is going to be really good, but the loss of Tribble was very damaging to our defense. And Albight's speed from defensive end would have helped as the coaches were platooning the players.
If you told me that BC would be in this Championship Game right down to the 3 minute mark without Toal, Raji, Poles, Tribble, Albright, Smith (I wish him well - he was capable of breaking a long one at ANY TIME), Davis and , our field goal kicker Bennett, our long snapper Geiser, Dunbar and Pruitt playing on guts alone, etc, I would have said no way.
I agree with seattleeagle that our kicking game was responsivle for this loss.
The pressure on Ryan dictated those short passes. He never could get set to deliver an impact type of pass. Coach Logan had to design an offense around what he had - an inability to block VT's defensive charge.
does anyone know why Billy Bennett was not doing the kicks? I thought this guy was supposed to be the real deal? I know he had been hampered by back spasms, but I can't see that being a reason to keep him out for the majority of the season. Thanks.
At least BC Hockey took two in a row from BU, there's light at the end of the tunnel for the hockey team....
Peach Bowl off the table
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/sports/stories/2007/12/02/chickbowl_1203.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=21
Gator Bowl off the table
http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=7439635
Champ Sports here we come!!!!!!!
I have really enjoyed reading the posts here throughout the year. It was a great season for the Eagles. I'd like to add my tow cents to the discussion. I'll try to be objective.
1) Coaching
My goodness hasn't BC learned anything about VT and special teams since playing them annually? Other posts hit on the missed FG, PAT return, wrong personal returning kicks. With that said I thought the key play in the first half was the special teams unit failing to down the punt inside the 5 yard line with 2:20 left.
2) Defense
Defensive scheme or lack of. I am NOT a Spaz fan and never have been. Pressure defense was void most of the season and you all touched on that. Bend but don't break allows offenses to gain mo and wears down the defensive unit. All too many games this year the BC defensive scheme as allowed less talented offenses to hang in the game, i.e. UMass, Miami, Army, BGU, FSU are clear examples. I won't touch the Maryland game.
3) Offense
In game and half-time adjustments have been terrible (also on the defensive side of the ball). Didn't Logan and Jags think a DC like Foster wouldn't adjust his scheme? Seems like they didn't. I just don't see the Logan magic that other BC fans seem to.
Football is about adjustments and the BC coaching staff just doesn't seem to be adopt to in game situations.
One last comment. I wasn't at the game but from what I saw on TV BC just didn't look like they were playing insipired football...I mean flying around and emotional football...you know CHAMPIONSHIP football. 10-3 is nice but BC had a great opportunity to be 13-0 but failed to seize it and that is the real shame. With all the upsets this was THE year for them to take it.
Many will be satified with the season but others will look at this year as a disappointment.
Where were all the students? I was at the game and thought the alumni support was pretty good but the students were nowhere to be found. How BC students that claim to be fans of this team not make it down. Did the school not organize a plane or a bus for them to help arrange transportation.
As for the team itself...I think everyone has to keep in mind that Spaz and Logan were working with serious handicaps...the defense could not get pressure without bringing extra defenders and the offense line is simply not good enough to run the ball straight up against a d-line as good as Vtech ...I think that is why we see all the passing from Logan and Spaz actually blitzes a lot (including on V-Techs final TD). They have just not been very effective
its official- clemson to the peach bowl...
I see the Eagles will play Michigan State in the Champs Bowl in Orlando.
Michigan State in Champs Sports Bowl....I guess it really was orange bowl or bust...ughh!!
I hate the graduation rate defense. Even if it is true that there are fewer athletes who can pull off the student part that BC expects, I think this year shows that we can compete with the big boys.
What BC seems to do better than anyone else, and what puts them in the 4th tier bowl, is lay an egg against inferior opponents. That is the culture that I thought Jags would change, and maybe that takes more than a year, but until we beat the Maryland's of the world, we're going to be a pretender to the throne. I don't think that means we should lower our academic standards (or that we should fall back on them to explain our failures). Our graduation rates, paired with even mid-poll success, should be a point of pride (not a crutch) for the school, the program, and its fans.
Most of all, the academic excuse smacks of the TOB era. The only thing worse is the "we're winning, aren't we" attitude. (For those who think this feels like the TOB era, what are the chances that he would have pulled the Wake, VT AND Clemson games out? Do you think we'd have been 3-for-3 in those games? Please.)
We're going to win, and we're going to look good doing it. He didn't lie.
Just came back from a function at my golf club here in Columbia (SC). As I have stated in the past, my golf buddies who are Clemson grads are very nice guys. One of them tonight, however, looked me right in the face and said 1. We would have filled those seats in Jacksonville and 2. You (BC) don't deserve to go to (Atlanta for the Peach Bowl)because you don't sell tickets.
So I had to remind him that in order to fill the seats in Jacksonville, they have to win the game against BC.
At any rate, it's at times like these that I don't care much for the ACC or the Bowl System.
Orlando is a much better destination than Jacksonville, Flori-duh. I would have preferred a BC - Michigan matchup to a BC - Michigan State matchup.
I will probably never go to the Gator Bowl if BC is ever chosen for that one. Having just come back from the ACCCG, I wasn't impressed.
And as much as I like Atlanta, and think it's a great spot for a bowl game in the GeorgiaDome - I don't like their attitude. So what does that leave? Orlando will be the most fun for everyone involved - guaranteed.
Well - at least we will probably win our bowl game again! That would be the only good news about getting pushed down the bowl hierarchy (and why ND never wins because they get pushed above their level.)
As much as I am a jags fan, I think we need to figure out how to get a little nasty. We really haven't had a killer instinct in a while. We need to put up points fast and step on people's neck.
We dominated the first half of the game and did not get it done. You have to score touchdowns. I would have liked to have seen a fake field goal, punt, on side - somehting to change things up in the second half.
Still disappointed from the ACC CG, but with the bowl picture pretty much decided (no Peach/Gator with a L to VT), let me just say Orlando is definitely preferable to TN.
Like Jack said, it would have been nice to get Michigan/Penn St., but I'll take MSU any day over Indiana.
Btw, some very weird symmetry playing MSU again after falling oh so close to them in the Hockey National Championship last season.
Big Jack - I had a similar comment made to be by a Virginia Tech fan in the Jacksonville airport today. He said that they are glad they played us and not Clemson because Clemson would have packed the stadium.
I didn't have the heart to argue with him that 1) I very much believe this year's BC's team was a more talented football team than VTech and 2) Clemson wouldn't have sold that stadium out. No doubt in my mind. Jacksonville fans don't support that game, plain and simple. Move it somewhere that will.
On a positive note, I'm glad we are ending up in Orlando over Jacksonville or Atlanta. Let me say Jacksonville is not much to look at. We already played in Atlanta this year and beat up on Ga Tech.
Be proud of this team. If we don't pull off the win at Virginia Tech this year, VTech is playing for a national championship.
Go BC!
Also, thinking about the BCS system makes me nauseous this evening.
We fall 3 spots in the BCS standings for losing to Virginia Tech. Meanwhile idle Illinois jumps us and plays for the Rose Bowl? They lost 3 regular season games! 9-3 in the Big Ten gets you to the BCS just to uphold some stupid Big 10 - Pac 10 Rose Bowl tradition?
Kansas loses to Missouri and goes to a BCS game over Missouri? Missouri not in the BCS even after they beat Illinois (supposedly another BCS team) and everyone else except Oklahoma.
LSU jumps 5 spots from 7 to 2 to play in the title game over Virginia Tech? LSU beats Tennessee in the SEC Championship and Virginia Tech beats us and LSU jumps VTech? I know, I know LSU beat VTech bad in September, but the computers had Virginia Tech over LSU going into this weekend's games.
Big Ten and Big XII get two teams into the BCS while Pac 10 and ACC only get one?
I understand the system doesn't like conference championship runners up, but losing the (insert SEC/Big XII/ACC) championship shouldn't adversely affect your bowl chances.
Hawaii and Kansas didn't beat a ranked team all year. Kansas' strength of schedule is something like 109 of 119. Apparently scheduling a tougher schedule doesn't count for anything these days.
This system is god awful. Sheer madness. I almost think its rigged (if it wasn't, UGA probably goes to the title game over LSU).
BCS Winners - Ohio State, LSU, Kansas, Big 10, Hawaii, VTech (gets to play Kansas!)
BCS Losers - Missouri, BC, Arizona State
Win early, win often-- but above all, do not lose late (see Ohio State). That is quite simply the way it is in D-1A/FBS football.
With the way their seasons have unfolded, Missouri and Tennessee had one way to get a BCS bowl-- win outright. Win your conference.
Tennessee lost @ Cal 45-31, @ Florida 59-20, @ Alabama 41-17, and to LSU 21-14. Missouri lost twice to Oklahoma, 41-31 @ OU and 38-17 last night. Both teams had more than enough chances to change their bowl appearance.
If you're Tennessee, don't get blown out. They were fortunate to even be playing for a conference championship game. If you're Missouri, make it CLOSE. I'm convinced Missouri would have gone to a BCS bowl over Kansas if Mizzou at least finished close to OU. You can't be spanked in a season and then complain when you don't get the bowl you want.
At 8:21 PM, Scott Weigman said...
Where were all the students? I was at the game and thought the alumni support was pretty good but the students were nowhere to be found. How BC students that claim to be fans of this team not make it down. Did the school not organize a plane or a bus for them to help arrange transportation.
Not that I saw. If there was a plane, I looked at the price and promptly called off the trip.
It's also the time of the semester where all the papers and exams hit at the same time. Which I'm procrastinating right now...
Post a Comment