Thursday, November 08, 2018

BC-Clemson preview

When you are involved in a long-term goal, there are many obstacles and setbacks along the way. But overcoming and enduring those issues are mentally part of the process. You're prepared for problems and prepared to pick up pieces. One thing that is hard to prepare is when you get to "the moment." The point where the past meets the present and it is all supposed to happen. That's the tough part. That is the real unknown. In football it is about how the staff and 90 something kids handle it. This is the time. This is why they all do what they do. Now can the deliver?

What's on my mind (not totally related to this game) 
All the hype has led to a rehashing of the "people in Boston don't care about BC sports" narrative again. This is wrong. Media coverage doesn't equal interest or "care." Just because sports radio is not talking about BC or we don't get much traditional print coverage doesn't mean anything. BC will have 45,000 people on hand to see this game. Only the Patriots will draw more at one time this month. More people will watch this game (and most of our games) than watch the Bruins or Celtics regular season games. If BC were to somehow make a playoff run, it would be a bigger TV draw than anything the Bruins or Celtics do all year and only really trail the Patriots and Red Sox playoffs. There is passionate interest and plenty of casual interest. Vocal BC fans should stop worrying about the media interest and just enjoy the moment.

Three Simple Keys
1. Aggressive game management. When faced with a Clemson powerhouse, we've seen Addazio go very, very conservatively. Who can forget all the times he punted at Death Valley when he had the ball in Clemson territory? He needs to go for it more often and unleash his big Special Teams moments to help build confidence and momentum.
2. Get to Lawrence. We can't let him sit back and throw. The Clemson WRs are too good and will win those one on one matchups (like NC State did). We need to bring extra pressure and at least have the pocket collapsing.
3. A perfect game from the Oline. This won't happen if there are no holes for Dillon and/or his backups. This won't happen if Brown is rushed or has no throwing lanes. We need to Oline to dominate like the best BC lines have done in the past.

Gambling Notes
-- Addazio is 0-5 vs Clemson
-- Addazio is 1-9 vs teams ranked in the Top 10
-- Swinney is 34-17 on the road
The current line is BC+20

Factoid
This is the latest into the season that Clemson has travelled to Alumni for an ACC game and only the second time they've played in Alumni in November.

Scoreboard Watching
Assuming we take care of business, the most important game for our future is Virginia Tech-Pitt. The winner of that is in the driver seat for the Coastal and could be a critical future opponent.

I hope to see...
Storming the field.

BC is in trouble if...
Brown completes less than 50% of his passes. We don't need him to be great, but we can't have him hurt us. He needs to hit the easy stuff, keep them honest with his legs and maybe make two true deep throws.

Overall
I am probably fooling myself, but I think things are lining up for a big night for BC. I think we get up early and Clemson struggles to adjust to the cold or pressure or whatever gets them off schedule. We get a little conservative in the second half as Clemson comes back, but hold on in the end.
Final Score: BC 28, Clemson 24

56 comments:

Geezer eagle said...

Oh, ATL. your eternal, excessive optimism is amusing. Of course the loyal BC fan in me will root his heart out Saturday night, but the realists says it will take the mother of all upsets to pull this one off.

Shabby1011 said...

Absolute key is that they score first. If it’s 14-0 at end if 1st it’s gonna be a long one. All the tricks need to come out in 1st quarter, 1st half. They have to be ahead going into halftime, how they do that no idea but not coming behind in this one. Clemson thinks they are gonna scare BC into mistakes and big plays for them and then coast rest of game. 1st 6 minutes of game are crucial!

They have to try to win game by halftime and then hope Dillon, weather and all that presssure wears Clemson down to hang on.

Go Eagles 🦅!!!

Unknown said...

What is the point of these predictions if he just picks BC to win every game?

Tim said...

He has picked BC to lose many times, particularly during the bleak Spaz years.

CvegasEagle said...

Who should we be rooting for in the Wake NCSU game? I guess NCSU because it would make the loss look better? But they are ahead of us in the rankings...

I don't know protocol here, because we are never in this situation....

Big Jack Krack said...

Flew up to Boston today for family matters, and of course to attend the game.

There were Clemson fans on board from Atlanta and I enjoyed some interaction.

When I inquired about extra clothing for the game, one young Clemson fan said - Absolutely, and pointed to his back pack, where he jammed in some extra stuff.

So here is what this Boston native (but 18 year southern resident) is wearing:

Jockey silk long underwear
Traditional long underwear over the silk.
Corduroy pants
Turtle neck
Boston College sweatshirt with hood
Boston College muffler
Winter stocking cap beneath
winter jacket/coat
gloves
several pairs of socks
maybe a sweater over the turtle neck

I will not be cold during this game - but I hope our opponents freeze their chitlins off. (Good-nature rib).

And I especially hope we can have some sustained drives to keep the Clemson defenders on the field - getting a little tired and cold at the same time.

Go BC - give em hell.

Big Jack Krack said...

Georgia Eagle and all Veterans - Happy Veterans (Day) Weekend from this Army Veteran.

And to you Boston College Friends and Family Marines - Happy 243rd Birthday on November 10th - Help us bring one home.

mod34b said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JBQ said...

I would have guessed that BJK was a "jarhead". I see Georgia Eagle as Air Force. This from a Navy vet of four years near Clemson in Charleston.----Let me tell you of the trick set up by Todd Blackledge. When a warm weather team goes into the locker room in a cold weather town, you turn the heat way up to make them feel comfy at half time. Then when they hit the field, the blast of cold air knocks them on their rumps.

Geezer eagle said...

JBQ, you draft dodging civilian puke, I'm a marine AND army veteran. Most college kids would rather attend an ANTIFA rally than enlist in the military.
Happy Veterans Day, Big Jack and go BC, beat Clemson.

Big Jack Krack said...

Wake Forest!!!!!!

Who would have believed it?

All is possible Saturday night.

The unknown QB Newman from WF can throw the ball - and he had poise and confidence. I hope Brown can bring his A game.

Go BC - pull a Wake Forest Demon Deacons!

Bravesbill said...

Quite possibly one of the funniest things I’ve ever read. Untethered to any sort of reality.

BC 86 said...

Happy Veterans Day to all that has and will serve, BJK, Georgia Eagle. Went to V.tech with my tail between my legs thinking it would be a wtf game, was impressed with the BC boys effort. Whatever the outcome tommorrow night , let's take it to them and can't wait to enjoy the atmosphere. BJK, come by tailgate at corner of plex lawn. GO BC!!!

Joseph said...

BJK: I'm with you in many ways including being an Army vet. Keep the caissons rolling along!!!

GE just can't resist political comments that are silly to the extreme and do nothing to gain respect from thinking people.

NYCEagle said...

Need to put constant pressure on their pretty boy “Sunshine” qb. He’s an 18 year old kid with how many career starts under his belt? Hopefully it’s cold, loud, and hostile. Force him into a couple I’ll advised throws, and turnovers plus shortened field at can be the key to a massive upset

Geezer eagle said...

Comrade Joey, go take a slow boat to Cuba or Venezuela. I'm focused on football this weekend.

Edmonds 632 said...

Flying up tonight. GO BC!

bceagle93 said...

ESPN hyping this game as a trap game for Clemson, especially if it is cold as forecasted (mid to high 30s). Expect that to be a big part of the narrative.

This might be the biggest game of Daz's tenure at BC with all that is riding on it. Let's hope is not too big for him and he is prepared, has these guys focused and makes sure everyone (including himself) stays loose in the spotlight.

Let's also hope he doesn't show the nation a new facet to his coaching abilities: capable of mismanaging even the opportunities Mother Nature gives him. Big chance for him to quit the clown show and show what "being a dude" really means.

Daz: here we are, now entertain us. GO EAGLES!

Joseph said...

Focus on football? can you focus on anything other than silly name calling and assumptions about people that might not agree with your approach to a debate about anything?

2009alum said...

ATL is way too much of a homer to not have BC win this game. My prediction is 41-24 Clemson. Competitive game until 4th quarter where Bad Daz playcalling sinks the team.

Knucklehead said...

Joseph, you think too much. That was one of the most pompous self righteous statements I have ever read, not surprising from a passive agressive. You think and people who disagree with you do not think? Your credibility as a liberal has been cemented and along with it your status as
a hippie(hypocrite). The only reason you are commenting is because of the political nature of the discussion. If you were in fact in the military you were pealing potatoes and washing dishing in support. There is nothing wrong with that.

Back to football. Which Joseph, Mod and TGS know nothing about....

Geezer eagle said...

Joey, go smoke some weed and stop hyperventilating.

Knucklehead said...

Look at Clemson's schedule. They have not played anyone other than Texas A and M which was a close night game.

Everyone is going bananas over the 77 Clemson scored last week.

Neutralize number 42 for Clemson, hit all your FG/ PAT's and don't give up a special teams TD.

Then you will be within a score in the last 7.5 minutes.

Knucklehead said...

Like I said earlier in the week. Put a TE in at full back and crack number 42 on the first drive three times. Preferably Idrizi. He is a psycho. Then play D and do it again. BC needs to send a message not receive one.

Clemson sucks let them know it.

Puppydogs said...

Happy Veterans Day to all the vets on the board and elsewhere from this 22-year Navy vet and father of a 10-year naval officer. It was great at my 50th in June to see all of the vets at the ceremony by Bapst. A few years ago, I happened to be in London on November 11th - that was one solemn remembrance.

mod34b said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Geezer eagle said...

Happy Veterans Day, Puppy Dog. You have my respect and gratitude.

Anonymous said...

I'm just hoping we keep it within 21.

Knucklehead said...

Mod, I wrote Wiggins the wrong name and also the correct number. Are you going to say theb number was correct? Stop being a bitch and trying to catch my mistakes. I dontbhavethe name of every player memorized nor do I have the time to research every fucking thing I write, which is all original and not quoted from the internet like you.

Good for you spending the time to point out I wrote the wrong name and not point out that the number was correct.

Keep trying.

Knucklehead said...

. . . is that what you learned at Rutgers, Mod?

Knucklehead said...

Mod, you are a flat out idiot too for making my point that he is a stupid saying beast. Why the do you think I said he is the key to the game? You have some challenges mentally Mod.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know BC's record when it comes to night games in the past 10 years or so?

Knucklehead said...

Look it up Mod.

Knucklehead said...

The question pertains to BC not Rutgers.

Bravesbill said...

Looks like there’s at least 2 Navy vets (JBQ and puppy) but three Army vets (GE, JBK and myself). Am I missing anyone? It’s good seeing Army finally beating down the other academies.

Joseph said...

KH,

Are you always this pissed? You seem to get worked up because a person can think. Jealous? By the way the Bells on the Towers on the Heights peal. Potatoes get peeled and I wonder were you ever were "washing dishing" or simply dishing BS as a subsitute for thinking.

Tim said...

Eagle2022-
I have us at 7-10 in night games under Addazio. I'm including games that started 4:30 or later, like the Pinstripe Bowl games and the Wake game this year. If you look on bceagles.com, you'll see the schedule each year with scores and kickoff times.

Geezer eagle said...

Comrade Joey, highly recommend you don't provoke the Knuck. You think I'm bad? The fires of hell are about to descend on you.

Joseph said...

good advice. You don't tug on superman's cape or spit into the wind. or mess with Knuck 'cuz he'll break wind.

rcmbc81 said...

32 year Army career, active and reserves. Retired Aug 2017.

Knucklehead said...

Joseph, you are part of the thinking people and others are not. Good way to approach life. I am sure your dog, or niece or godson or whomever is well adjusted having spent time with someone like you who thinks.

Knucklehead said...

I throw farts like Pedro Martinez threw a 4 seamer.

Kevin A said...

Impressive.


Regarding other related info.... 37 forecasted for kickoff...

https://m.accuweather.com/en/us/chestnut-hill-ma/02467/hourly-weather-forecast/2251358?day=2

Joseph said...

Wrong KH. Most posters here seem to be able to think about what they post and then express those thoughts without belittling, name calling or demeaning. They can address issues rather than fantasized personalities. They have matured past the junior high school stuff.

BCNavy89 said...

Starting 30th year of active duty in the Navy - thanks for your service to all my brothers and sisters in arms. GO BC

Geezer eagle said...

Wish I had the opportunity to lead the resurrected ROTC program at BC. That would have been the dream job of a life time.

Joseph said...

Can't agree with leading ROTC if it still has people like me and several friends. We did Ok after commision and on active service, but I think that we did not really get all in for ROTC. It was rather loosey goosey. we ere not fun to try to lead.

Bravesbill said...

Leadership of the program left a lot to be desired.

Puppydogs said...

BC89 - congratulations on making it to 30! That's really impressive.

Knucklehead said...

Joseph, keep thinking. You will get it sooner or later, maybe.

Big Jack Krack said...

NEWS BULLETIN

I have an extra 50 yard line ticket in EE for the game.

Let me know if you're interested, and we'll figure out a way.

Geezer eagle said...

Damn, Big Jack. Now you let me know.

Big Jack Krack said...

Sorry - didn't know until now.

ORDEagle said...

I really want to dislike all the CU fans that are here but they’re so damn nice and they love football #NotWVU

CT said...

One sellout changes everything?

Your second paragraph is absurd. Appreciate the effort. Say hi to the family. Bye.

BC 86 said...

Congrats BCNavy89, see y'all tomorrow, GO BC!!!!