Saturday, September 17, 2016

Embarassed

BC joined a football conference in 1991. Saturday was the most lopsided loss in that time. Worse than Spaz (51-7 to FSU). Worse than TOB's worst (52-6 to Miami). Worse than Henning (a couple of 42 point losses). Coughlin had a bad day, but not this bad (47 point loss to ND). This was bad.

Don't let casual fans or Addazio blame this on talent. BC has holes and youth, but not a 49 point difference in talent. This team has execution and preparation issues. How else to explain the inability to score? Good OCs find things that work and build on them. Bad OCs force things based on what they want to do, not what their team is capable of.

Now Addazio has to earn his paycheck. This team looked checked out. He needs to rebuild their confidence and regroup. Wagner won't be a problem, but the rest of the schedule will be.

I am not going to start a fire Addazio movement yet. He's a problem, but I don't want Brad Bates involved in replacing him. With a gun to my head, I would keep Addazio another season and change ADs.

79 comments:

bceagle91 said...

You hit it on the head. Bates's head rolls first. Then, let his replacement hire a new football coach. Both need to go, but that's the right order. What a humiliating loss.

JDK said...

@ATL - at what point do you start calling for Daz's head? Any new AD that would be willing to keep Daz shouldn't even make it through the 1st round of interviews.

Tough day to be a BC fan.

always sunny in cleveland said...

Put the film away and regroup.

Don't get rid it though. Save it for next year as a reminder to prepare for when they come to Alumni.

mod34b said...

worst BC losses EVER

1. 2016 VT 0-49 (49 point difference)
2. 1992 ND 7-54 (47 points)
3. 2000 Mia 6-52 (46 points)
4. 1945 HC 0-45 (45 points)
5. 1971 Tx 0-44 (44 point)

mod34b said...

note Miami was #2 in county and ND was # 8 in country when they issued the beat down. VT is unranked

eagle1331 said...

Both need to, and should go, this week. With Wagner next up, it gives the interim coach some time to get his feet wet. We hire a new AD while the season plays out, and he hires the new coach after the season. That is the only way this should play out. Daz and his throw kids under the bus mentality, and Bates with his politician comb over don't deserve the bus ride to the airport home from Blacksburg, let alone another second of representing a school whose motto was "Ever to Excel," last I checked.

TheFive said...

The problem is not the coach. BC has hired four consecutive head coaches who would not have been hired by any other power 5 school. They each have had two things in common: a willingness to accept below market pay, and the Catholic faith. Those are not qualities correlated with winning football. Nor are they prerequisites imposed by Brad Bates. They are University demands. And, in life, you get what you pay for.

BC has no problem accepting big time athletics money from the ACC. It has a huuuuuuuuuge problem spending anything on its athletic program.

At most, AT MOST, Addazio is a symptom of what ails BC athletics. Meanwhile, Villanova -- or which BC has long thought exactly the way ND thinks of us -- has very different ideas. They are ranked as a national university for the first time in USNWR this year. And they understand that athletics are marketing for their school.

If you care and don't want this to be the case, tell the school when it calls for money. Tell its leaders when you see them at events. The only way Brad Bates and Steve Addazio have any responsibility is because they said yes to job offers for which they were not qualified. Job offers that would not have come if BC cared a lick about athletics.

mod34b said...

Five: Daz is paid more than most ACC coaches. BC did not get what they paid for and the Problem is the Coach, and the AD etc.

Geezer eagle said...

I agree. the first priority is firing the AD. Second , immediate priority is firing this incompetent clown (( He should not be permitted to coach another season). I've never been so embarrassed and depressed to be a BC fan. We have reached the button.

Geezer eagle said...

Bottom. I'm so enraged I can't even compose s proper sentence.

always sunny in cleveland said...

Too many games left to fire anyone, but not dismissing the administrative and coaching issues.

always sunny in cleveland said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mod34b said...

correction

1950 lost to Miss 0-54

BCCBS said...

Bates has a year or so left on his contract, right? What's the likelihood that the administration fires him before that? The powers that be don't seem to care much for athletics so I can't see them all of a sudden recognizing Bates as the empty suit that he is and taking action.

mod34b said...


worst loss in 76 years!

2d worst BC losses EVER

1. 1950 Miss -54 (54 point loss.. BC went 0-9 on season)
2. 2016 VT 0-49 (49 point difference)
3. 1992 ND 7-54 (47 points)
4. 2000 Mia 6-52 (46 points)
5. 1945 HC 0-45 (45 points)
6. 1971 Tx 0-44 (44 point)

Eagle77 said...

In 95 BC lost to Army 49-7 could of been the worst game I sat through at Alumni. If I remember properly it poured all game long as well

TheFive said...

Daz is not paid more than the avg ACC coach. The numbers reported have included the cost of his Temple buyout.

And let's play a little game. 14 teams in the ACC. Daz makes far less than: Fisher, Petrino, Fuentes, Richt, Swinney, Cutcluffe, Narduzzi, and Johndon, at minimum, and that's just off the top of my head. So how does he make more than "most" ACC coaches?

He would not have been hired if his salary demands--or lack thereof--were not a primary factor. Remember: he failed, HORRIBLY, during Temples first AAC season? So, how was he qualified to be at BC? He is Catholic and didn't need to be paid that much.

dixieagle said...

I cannot wait until BC calls me asking for money this week; poor kid will get an earful.

Eagle77 said...

Hate to break it to everyone but unless your a 5-6 figure donor they don't give an F about your opinion especially if your getting cold called by a student

Eagle77 said...

Hate to break it to everyone but unless your a 5-6 figure donor they don't give an F about your opinion especially if your getting cold called by a student

ObserverCollege said...

The players were atrocious today. Daz called the end-around at the perfect time on the first possession, and the loser player fumbled. From there the untalented Spaziani kids made mistake after mistake, ruining an absolutely fantastic game plan.

You have to give a coach a solid nine years before you know what you have. It's not just that you get your own recruits; it's that you get a full five-year group who haven't played for the predecessor.

Coach has two bowl trips already. That's amazing. But all this negativity hurts recruiting. Talk about canning an elite AD like Mr. Bates is stupid. You are what you are. Accept it. As Coach Auerbach always said, when teams get blown out, it's because the players failed.

ObserverCollege said...

Oh, and Coach Auerbach always said the demonstrative, loud coaches are the best ones. The ones who talk a really good game to the press, and spell out publicly exactly how each kid failed to do his job. That's Coach Addazio, of course.

JBQ said...

How does "Observer College" blame the players? The comments about canning BB are right on target. Bring in Coughlin as a temporary AD to "clean up the mess". The swimmers, fencers, and others are up in arms. First, you placate them and build a base of support. Hockey and soccer are in good shape as are various women's sports. It is the money sports of football and basketball which are in dire straits. The defense was ranked number one last year. The players are not at fault.

Eagle77 said...

Observer 9 years your out of your mind. DAZ is in year 4 so he has had 3 years of recruiting on his own terms, and his team's are regressing. He won 2 bowls with a mixture of Spazz/Daz recruits and has been getting worse since

Eagle77 said...

Sorry went to 2 bowls then threw up on his shoes at the game

Eagle77 said...

Sorry went to 2 bowls then threw up on his shoes at the game

Bravesbill said...

That was an impressive piece of work OC. I got a good hearty chuckle. Keep them coming.

Geezer eagle said...

Observer, what drugs are you on? Are you Daz's lover? Worse comments ever posted on this blog.

bceagle93 said...

Football & basketball are the so-called "money" sports & we are abysmal in both under Bates. Thankfully he doesn't mess with hockey (but let's hope Jerry doesn't go anywhere anytime soon).

This isn't about won-loss: it's about upholding our motto "Ever to excel". This team was checked out today in all facets of the game. It was a huge fail from a coaching perspective, and it seems to be an accepted habit at this point.

So funny to think both Daz & Bates were under consideration to go to Michigan at one point....

mod34b said...

g.e. Observer is a long-running spoof. Enjoy his comments

While this dumpster fire is burning, please know the future is not bright.

BC had the worst recruiting class in ACC last year. We are now second to last / barely ahead of wake

We do however have the lowest quality recruits in the ACC thus year. We got a lock on the bottom of the barrel.

In fact, among All P5 conference members, BC had the second lowest quality recruits - just ahead of Minnesota by a hair for worst

So whoever predicted that in view of the ongoing Daz-aster we would lose recruits, fear not. We already have the worst recruits that no one else in P5 wants (with a few exceptions)

Geezer eagle said...

Spot on, Mod. Wish you were wrong but the future is truly bleak. Not even knucklehead can defend this message.

AlbanyEagle said...

I have never been so depressed as a BC fan

Ryan48 said...

Addazio has a top 30 paycheck in college football at $2.9M a year, not below market pay.

Pearl Washington said...

Daz has to go now. The big issue is that today he lost the defense. These guys have been playing their ass off for 15 games and I am sure they are sick of the 3 and outs, The lack of an offensive line is killing them and of course the D knows it , they play against them in practice.
They see the lame ass game management and shake there heads.

In a major corporation Daz is out. Unfortunately not here.

AlbanyEagle said...

#FireDaz
#FireBates

Unknown said...

Perhaps it is time for us to let go of our delusions. These Saturday experiences are not good for our collective souls, and relying on a Notre Dame loss in order to bring some joy is no longer satisfying. And listening to Doug Flute provide Notre Dame commentary is unacceptable. So, the Patriot League wouldn't be so bad, good schools, easy road trips, and every now and then we would entertain a Power 5 school. We don't have the facilities, haven't had the recruits, don't have the fans, administration could care less, so let's just end this madness and be honest.

Unknown said...

Perhaps it is time for us to let go of our delusions. These Saturday experiences are not good for our collective souls, and relying on a Notre Dame loss in order to bring some joy is no longer satisfying. And listening to Doug Flute provide Notre Dame commentary is unacceptable. So, the Patriot League wouldn't be so bad, good schools, easy road trips, and every now and then we would entertain a Power 5 school. We don't have the facilities, haven't had the recruits, don't have the fans, administration could care less, so let's just end this madness and be honest.

CT said...

OC is a one trick pony. It loses its luster on the 93rd post. Just sayin'.

More seriously, there is no excuse for today's effort.

Geezer eagle said...

Henry. I believe you are right, sir. BC is simply over it's head. Withdraw from the ACC, end the humiliation, and become a FCS school.

2009alum said...

Quite unbelievable how badly the school has let their major athletics programs fail. Horrendous performance across the board.

Pearl Washington said...

What funds the other 31 sports? You can't leave the ACC. I could care less about endowment.

The ACC check is what 30 million ? The TV exposure and ad impressions for the university for free.

It's more than 30 million. You think the parents of kids who play the non revenue sports will enjoy the ACC network?

The value is enormous

dixieagle said...

Other than Bates and Daz, I loathe nothing more than talk about dropping down to FCS level. Unacceptable.

I don't know what it will take to shake up Leahy, but I can't imagine he'd take kindly to losing all the ACC $$$. Some kind of serious wake-up call is needed.

mod34b said...

The Patriot League: G'Town, Fordham, Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, Leheigh, Lafayette. Nice 12,000 seat stadium, No regular TV broadcasts. be just like high school

uh, no thanks.

the answer is to improve the jewel we have. polish it up and make it work. As Pearly says, quite a pot of money there, and nice competition for many other sports.

eagleboston said...

Western Michigan crushed Illinois 34-10. Sign.....Fleck......Now! Row the Boat!!

Guido said...

Why not start by not attending the WAGNER game ??? That might begin to send a message that everyone is totally fed up with the status of sports at Boston College!!!! Whining and complaining in this forum is USELESS. But I would love Leahy and Bates et al to enter Alumni Stadium and see ONLY 4 - 5 k fans in attendance next week. TRUST ME - THAT WOULD RAISE SOME EYEBROWS - I GUARANTEE THAT ACTION WOULD EMBARRASS THE ADMINISTRATION and also the ACC might join the fray -"TELLING BC TO GET WITH THE PROGRAM".ALSO THE BOSTON MEDIA WOULD REACT and ALL MAJOR LOCAL STATIONS WOULD HIGHLIGHT THE HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AT THE GAME !!!!!

dixieagle said...

Agree completely, mod.

Bravesbill said...

I'll pass on Fleck. Fleck's best record has been 8-5 in the freaking MAC. BC doesn't need another MAC loser to come aboard.

Geezer eagle said...

The patriot League may be a retrograde step too far, but an elite MAC school is not unrealistic. Short of drastically reducing academic standards, I simply no longer see BC successfully competing at the ACC level. Otherwise, we will become no better than Rice, Tulane, Temple or Rutgers. Is that what you want, guys?

Bravesbill said...

What's Brady Hoke up to the days? Does Flutie have any coaching aspirations?

mod34b said...

guido, perhaps you recall the NY Giants of 1978 - a horrible team. The fans showed up to the games, but did not go in. They burned their tickets in a bon fire and then a plane flew overhead stated ""15 Years of Lousy Football — We've Had Enough." If someone starts a go fund me page, i'll kick in a few bucks for a banner plane.

Unknown said...

agreed. don't want bates to hire the next AD.

BCAlum2000 said...

I actually liked the proposition regarding hiring Tom Coughlin as interim AD. Its not that inconceivable either ...

Frankie said...

That was terrible football. We looked like early 90s Temple. Count me as another vote for Coughlin, but regardless it's time for Bates and Daz to go.

Hario said...

Daz should be fired for sure but also 100% agree that Bates has to go first. Bates making the next hire could set the program back another 5 years...

BCAlum2000 said...

And yes, this reminded me of the Army game from 97 I believe. Though that was actually worse as we were down 42-0 at home at the half ...

Knucklehead said...

Mod,
You are correct if you are alluding to the fact that this is the worst loss in school history. I said it at 6:30 yesterday by the way.

What has been happening here is the typical mis-management you see in government where the person at the top hires someone they "like" personally instead of the best candidate then that person does the same thing and hence you create a "buddy-buddy" culture where the people running the institution feel successful and the people are left "shaking their heads" at the incompetence. Then when obvious problems arise $$ is thrown at it which perpetuates the incompetence.

If you hire an asshole at the top then you have an institution of assholes.

Ever the movie Spaceballs?

This is a structural problem(as most know).

The school needs to make an effort to bring Boston College graduates back into the Board positions and high level management positions so the true passion for success if felt throughout the management of the school or that place is going the way of the USA(sharply downhill).

Knucklehead said...

If the Board, President and AD are consciously neglecting athletics for the betterment of the institution(better plant equipment, better professors, better finals schedule for the students etc etc) they should send out a press release stating that.

I don't think they are consciously neglecting it because of the investment in new hires on the BB and FB staff.

That leads me to believe there is incompetence in the hiring practices, which I have been screaming about for 5 years.

The coaches fucking suck. The players are pussies. Sorry I see ZERO fucking leadership on the field from the players in BB or FB. Whichh goes to my point earlier of the trickle down effect. Coach is an asshole then their recruits are assholes.

The football and basketball programs have ZERO self respect. They can go chew a lightbulb.

Sick of this shit.

1661_Comm said...

LESS THAN 10 YEARS AGO, THIS TEAM WAS #2 IN THE COUNTRY !!! How did this go downhill so fast ? (rhetorical question, no responses required)

The current state of hoops and football program is embarassing, and honestly, I think the number of people that care is less and less.

Agree with whoever said not showing up to games would send a strong message. Though I do feel bad for the current players, as inept coaching is the root issue nad is very hard to overcome, when talent is even, never mind when it is not. Perhaps it would be better to send the message by sitting out first quarter, and then going into game to support the players.

Worse loss ever was to Army, 49-7 in 1985. Margin was "only" 42 points, but it was 42-0 at halftime, and Army was not exactly a powerhouse. Saw the scores with fellow BC alums on TV and thought that the network had it backwards.

Still, at least we had a good hoops program back then.

We don't need to hire the next Coach K, or Urban Meyer. There are Al Skinners (early days) and Tom Coughlins out there that can be found.

Unknown said...

2007 BC football was ranked #2 (for a week) and won 11 games
2006-07 men's hoops won 21 games
2007 men's hockey made to the NC game
Only one of these will come close anytime soon to those results any time soon, and it's the guy Brad Bates didn't hire

NEDofSavinHill said...

OC is always entertaining. But he is slightly off. It takes a coach 8.5 years to install his scheme. Eight and a half points per game is what Daz's team has scored in their last 10 ACC contests. His single wing offense has totally confused the DCs in the ACC. What other coach in the land , college or high school, could produce three shutouts in ten games? Daz is as thick as Jimmy the Greek. He should be flipping Pizzas in the North End not coaching. BC is now 0 for 12 in their last Power 5 contests. If they lose to Clemson and their record reaches 0 for 13 he should be canned. They have the week off after that game to adjust. There doesn't seem to be a dimes worth of difference between SPAZ and DAZ son of SPAZ, The most boring offense in football history should not endure.If water boarding is torture so is his single wing.

1661_Comm said...

Bravesbill - Can't see Flutie being a coach, don't think he has it in him. If we are going to take a chance on someone who hasn't coached, who might invest himself in BC and put in the work, I'd take a chance on Jared Dudley for the hoops team. Out-thought and out-fought opponents, and kept improving his game. Think he'd be a draw for recruits as well.

ReiDaDor said...

Way to live up to your name Knucklehead!! The only pussy here is the tough guy running his mouth behind his computer - you! Get a life you turd!

BCAlum2000 said...

I am not sure whether or not Leahy cares for athletics or not, but I have to assume the BOT does. That said, there is a level of ineptitude right now that is unprecedented in BC athletics history ... and I do not say that with any sense of exaggeration. To go winless in conference in both football and basketball is incomprehensible. Making it worse, I dont see a turnaround scenario at all. We have become a national laughing stock. Just 10 years ago both the football and basketball teams were #2 in the country. How can you fall this far?

I dont know Brad Bates personally and he might be a great guy, but fact is he is paid a lot of money to produce select results. He has done the opposite and so he needs to go. Immediately thereafter a Adazzio needs to go. Lastly, if Christian has another horrific year, he needs to go as well. Its clean house time. I LOVE the idea of bringing Coughlin in as the AD, even if only on a temporary basis. I dont know what his plans are or if he wants to coach in the NFL again, but at his age, an AD role at a school he loves, would seem to be a great option. He could be like a Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin. Shoot, maybe he could even hire himself as head football coach ...

And that Army game was not 1985, it was 1997. I was a sophomore at the time and the game was at home and it was indeed 42-0 at the half. At least that team had an excuse, it was a gutted shell of walk-ons left in the wake of the gambling scandal. Whats this team's excuse?

TC said...

Army game was October of 1995. Year before the gambling scandal.

Bill Nealon said...

If Bates isn't fired soon then losing to UConn (likely) should do the trick. After all it was his brilliant decision to get them on the schedule. I've been following for nearly 50 years and don't remember being this disheartened for football and basketball programs. If Bates is let go Leahy will push for another yes man and we'll see more of the same. Leahy is the problem. I don't see anything improving as long as he's in power.

BCAlum2000 said...

Was it? I could have sworn it was when I was there? I guess you are right though.

Guido said...

I must state that my suggestion that fans "Boycott" the Wagner game kills me ,since these young men that represent BC football are "top notch" and they would be innocent victims of an attempt to "SEND A MESSAGE TO THE AMINISTRATION". However , sometimes measures must be taken for fans to "Drive home their point". Have a great Sunday !!! Must hurry to complete my NFL picks (FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY).

BCAlum2000 said...

Or just as effective in today's media world, come up with a hashtag and hope it catches on Whether it be #fireBates&Adazzio or #LeahyMustGo ... something.

Knucklehead said...

Hey Reid,
First, don't critique my name. Yours is pschitzophrenic.

Second, did you notice that the other terrible losses in BC football history were not shutouts? The players performance is terrible(coaches are no better). If you lose you lose fine. I didn't see any leadership from the players on the field or points on the scoreboard.

I saw a lot of dropped passes on offense, penalties, open VT receivers. An overall lack of competitiveness and concentration.

This team is a joke from the headcoach down. Absolute joke.

People with your attitude condone and pepetuate this type of performance.

You have no idea what I have said, in person, to players at that school.

Joe said...

Anyone who thinks talent is the issue isn't well informed. There isn't a talent gap between teams 5-14, and certainly not one that would equate to Saturday's score.

This falls squarely on Addazios offensive system. Offense in CFB has evolved and Addazio is trying to cram a round peg in a square hole. Saban was malleable enough to change, Addazio is too thin skinned (nd quite frankly, unintelligent) to admit his system is the problem and change. Personally, I don't even mind the run first philosophy, I think it suits BC. However, the lack of creativity, e constant running between the tackles with no success, is what the issue is. No coach in the country can run between the tackles with the stacked boxes that BC is seeing.

JERZeagle said...

joe -- to your point... you have a school like alabama who has always been a run first school. take bama yesterday. they have a true world class athlete, who is a freshman, at quarterback -- yet they threw the ball almost 30 times in the first half.

College football is evolving and the days of the ground and pound at this level are gone. In fact, recruits are wise enough to know to choose NOT to go to a ground and pound school because it doesnt reflect well at the next level. and to be honest, it just isn't fun to play in that kind of system.

i love the famous quotes thrown out by the d-level broadcasters every weekend "bc is continuing their heritage of having big ugly offensive linemen and grinding out wins between the tackles." that heritage, although correct, is no longer strategicially relevant at this level.

anyways, BE A DUDE!

EL MIZ said...

Towles went 9/28 for 80 yards. Addazio in the post game kept repeating the "this is a young team" excuse - if that's the case, i've seen enough of Towles. no point playing a 5th year senior with no ties to the program. Wade got in at the end - at the very least he should be rotating in for the next two games (Wagner and Buffalo) and starting for the Clemson game and the rest of the season. we get 2 more years of Wade - start his getting reps now and develop a QB instead of picking off of other teams scrap heaps every season.

our elite D from last year has regressed without Brown, Daniels, Wujciak, and Simmons. our inept offense has remained the same - we cannot pass, have no playmakers, don't have a QB, and can't run. special teams still can't perform its tasks adequately.

does anyone else find it remarkable that for a team that won 0 conference games last year, there is not ONE freshman recruit (as far as i can tell) that we brought in who is contributing right away. the talent level wasn't good enough to win a single game last season, and not one of the kids we brought in is currently better than a roster incumbent. that is a recruiting failure.

agree with the "if Bates isn't gone, no need to fire Addazio" plan - everyone i've talked to in and around BC and the program have said the same. the problem starts at the top with Leahy - he is the one that dictates priorities, doesn't care about winning, and holds his finger on whether we upgrade our worst-in-p5 facilities. the stooge he hired (Bates) is inept. and Bates two hires have failed at an almost incomprehensible rate. Christian goes 0 for 18 in conference play and gets an extension!

Addazio is currently 8-18 in the ACC. he was 7-8 in conference play at Temple. as compared to his conference peers, he is a woeful 15-26. for his career in the ACC we have been outscored by over 100 points - 544-434. we haven't scored over 20 points since the 2014 season. ATL rightfully holds out hope week after week but the facts are the facts at this point - Addazio is out of his league as a head coach and cannot perform his job at an even mediocre level.

mod34b said...

Scary thing yesterday is the BC was not really running the usual Daz up the middle stuff.

In first half there were 15 pass plays and 14 run plays. Many of the run plays were to the outside and they failed just as the inside runs did.

Towles is wildly inaccurate. 5-15 in the half. Sure some drops But he is not accurate.

So Daz and lefty. Did try different things yesterday. Inside and outside runs. QB runs. WR runs. Short passes long passes.

I do give them credit for trying to mix things up. It all failed

With Towles hitting only 35% of targets, you don't have a credible pass game.

Our OL was decent for pass protection but really bad on run plays.

Season comes down to hoping we can beat Wake, Syr and UConn - All bad teams and all tough games for BC.

Let's hope no one finds any glimmer of hope for ACC success by destroying Wagner next week.

Bravesbill said...

I think it will take a loss of epic proportions (even worse than yesterday) for Daz to be kicked to the curb after the year. The only potential loss that could truly be that historic would be for BC to lose to Wagner. That is why I will full throatedly root for Wagner on Saturday. Sometimes you have to sacrifice in the short term to reap rewards in the long term.

Napolean Bonaparte said...

Just more of the same. The current crop of adults managing the revenue sports at BC are incompetent and, as a practical matter, accountable to nobody. A sea change is needed but seems very unlikely to happen. The Jesuits run the school. I doubt they are hugely interested or tie the fortunes of the school in any way to athletics. Anything said here re Leahy is mostly speculation as the man has never been asked any hard questions re athletics and his expectations. I'm guessing the entire thing is withering on the vine and its only a matter of time before something really stupid is done by Leahy and/or the Jesuits to whom he reports. The alums seem poorly organized and, except for a small slice of the population, basically shrug their shoulders at the situation. Like I said - dumb and proud of it. Hope I'm wrong. But until somebody with access to the facts (other than an opinion as equally speculative as mine)can offer some glimmer of hope, why bother anymore?

janebc said...

Napolean, Tragically, I agree with you. I thought that after our successful 2007-08 seasons that broke through TOB's glass ceiling for BC football, the fanbase might have a different attitude and demand more. But no. After the Spaz debacle, people just shook their heads and expressed a "well-what did you expect?" kind of attitude. The 2014 USC game was a teasing glimpse into past successes. The only thing I can see rattling Leahy out of apathy and, as someone else wrote - hubris - is a hit to the wallet. That just might provoke a response.

janebc said...

Perhaps we could get Buffalo or Wagner to hire the Dazzler. His breadth of football knowledge would not be a problem for those programs. Or maybe an Ivy school.

EL MIZ said...

i think a loss to UCONN is very much in play.

Lenny Sienko said...

The Five: I must say that although I have not seen you on here before, I am intrigued by your idea that there is a religious test to coach at Boston College. This might not be the best way to select winning coaches.

I do recall it being mentioned prominently at the time that Fr. Leahy interviewed DAZ personally and it was reported that DAZ attended daily Mass. I see promotional shots on a regular basis of the team, neatly attired, also attending Mass before the games. Nothing wrong with that practice; but is there some sort of unspoken dogmatic hurdle to leap before you can be considered at BC?

I would not question the the heritage and tradition of BC; but I don't recall such religious qualifications for athletic participation or faculty inclusion in the 60's and 70's when I was on campus. Such observance was certainly not required in the sense of being necessary to employment or recruitment.

Perhaps things have changed under Fr. Leahy, but tolerance and diversity in athletics were previously a plus for BC.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that BC should be anything other than what it has always been; i.e., a Jesuit, Catholic university; but I recall it also having been a small "c" catholic institution with enough confidence in its beliefs to include some who believed differently ,coaching, playing, or teaching (other than theology).

I'm not talking about the freely given observance of someone such as a Jerry York. Jerry is as genuine as he appears, having started his daily Mass at BC as a student playing hockey. Jerry, like most truly good people, served as an example for others, even when he was only a sophomore. I wouldn't want to lose what he brings to our program; but I don't think it can be forced and it isn't limited to Baltimore Catechism-type observance.