tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95125622024-03-14T05:51:10.904-04:00Eagle in Atlanta -- atleagle.comA Boston College sports blog capturing the highs and lows of being a BC fan living 1,000 miles from Chestnut Hill.ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.comBlogger7055125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-44266571779070041272024-02-25T17:30:00.006-05:002024-02-25T17:30:52.134-05:00Learn more about Bill O'Brien's coaching techniques and philosophies<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yet another difference in hiring Bill O'Brien vs a first time head coach is that he has been prominently involved in numerous coaching clinics over the years. The following series dates back to his Penn State days but also touches on his time with New England, Houston and Alabama. They are very insightful into his personality and how he will run an offense, a coaching staff and work with his players.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is also clear that he likes empty set formations a lot. That is very exciting with Castellanos, especially if TC has the green light to run if no one is spying him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My only concern is that there a lots of reads for the QB and the WRs...certainly more than last year. They will either have to teach a lot in the offseason or simplify he offense. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z0-v76lDrXo" width="320" youtube-src-id="z0-v76lDrXo"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dmH7jvQN4zk" width="320" youtube-src-id="dmH7jvQN4zk"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qTy0R9aoTeM" width="320" youtube-src-id="qTy0R9aoTeM"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yb4yrgJqwQs" width="320" youtube-src-id="yb4yrgJqwQs"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0jrrzMTe-3A" width="320" youtube-src-id="0jrrzMTe-3A"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sxWtI57uaIc" width="320" youtube-src-id="sxWtI57uaIc"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hjr2_SPQd6Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="Hjr2_SPQd6Q"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pto9Ov3v1n8" width="320" youtube-src-id="pto9Ov3v1n8"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4byZpqbEuCI" width="320" youtube-src-id="4byZpqbEuCI"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LbZljuEbPmk" width="320" youtube-src-id="LbZljuEbPmk"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-24585912735757504732024-02-15T23:57:00.002-05:002024-02-16T22:47:40.661-05:00Thoughts on O'Brien's introductory press conference<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EGGOww0keSM" width="320" youtube-src-id="EGGOww0keSM"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p><p>I've blogged through five new Head Football Coaches' introductory press conferences. I know this doesn't really mean much beyond the respective coach's introduction to BC. But given that, here are a series of thoughts...</p><p><b>1.</b> If we are going by energy and vibes, this was the most even keeled and professional. O'Brien set the right tone. He didn't make over the top promises. He didn't try to sell himself. He wasn't goofy or forced. He showed the right deference to Father Leahy and the people who hired him. Blake James didn't turn it into his show either. And he didn't have to sell the hire or convince BC fans that this was the right choice. We all know it was. </p><p>2. Based on his coaching style and temperament, I don't know O'Brien is trying to be "likable" but there were certainly some charming moments in the press conference. He had his family and extended family, plus numerous friends and former players in attendance and acknowledged many of them. He rattled off so many connections to local towns that he would clearly clean up on SNL's old "What’s the Best Way" sketch. </p><p>3. He mentioned Reggie Terry multiple times and how helpful he has been in the transition. That's good to hear and know. Terry was brought in by Addazio and easily could have been an "Addazio guy." Instead he has stayed on and become a "BC guy" and is now working with his third head coach. Those people -- who get BC and have institutional knowledge -- are invaluable to a new coach who has a lot coming at him. Father Jack was also mentioned. Though his role is very different from Terry's, he also has a long connection to BC football and first hand perspective on different BC coaches. I hope O'Brien leverages that experience as appropriate.</p><p>4. This was probably the first BC new coach press conference that didn't mention Jerry York.</p><p>5. O'Brien didn't provide many specifics on schemes or staff. He said that will come later. He also didn't hesitate to address (nor whine) about the changing dynamics of college football. He said you have to embrace it and work. Easier said than done, but definitely a good answer.</p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-37880249396071971762024-02-10T22:11:00.002-05:002024-02-10T22:11:16.603-05:00A new era<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.masslive.com/resizer/phaAgLPr_XTc5Lo8j9537YL3hgE=/1280x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/P6OSMUSWFNATLJSXAQLBQ7JLHA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://www.masslive.com/resizer/phaAgLPr_XTc5Lo8j9537YL3hgE=/1280x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/P6OSMUSWFNATLJSXAQLBQ7JLHA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Identities are important...especially for institutions. Institutions need their identities, so as times and people change, the identity carries on and new people can grasp on to something. It provides security and trust. Changing that identity is risky and members of institutions are naturally risk averse. They wouldn't hold onto institutions if they wanted something new. BC established a clear identity for its football program for years. Coaches were part of that identity and most of our hires over the last 40 years have been assistants looking for their shot or smaller college guys looking to move up. Bill O'Brien doesn't fit either mold. He won at a big college program and in the NFL. And now he is the most accomplished Football coach BC has ever hired. <p></p><p>BC athletic director Blake James deserves the majority of the credit for hiring O'Brien. Too many ADs in the past would just keep to the mold. Keep to the budget. Keep control. James hired an established leader with instant credibility and someone who is likely to succeed. Ever since Coughlin left, we've had a series of mediocre and bad coaches. Most of those guys had some level of success. In theory if they could stumble into six wins and a bowl game, the ceiling for BOB should be much higher. </p><p>One of the selling points to some of the past unknowns is that we might be hiring the next Tom Coughlin, the next Hall of Famer, a guy who is going to unlock something special at BC. Because they were blank slates, we rationalized it to ourselves. "Maybe he is special." Reality would kick in along the way. Sometimes pretty quickly. With Bill O'Brien we don't have to strain to believe. We don't have to fool ourselves. We know he can do it because he has done it before. </p><p>I know it may not work. It is never as simple as "just go hire the biggest name." For this to be special, BOB will have to adjust, he will have to find the right people (staff and players) and BC will have to get a little lucky. But we are trying something different and that is a good thing. We are stepping out of our place in the College Football ecosystem. We are changing our identity. </p><p>It is a new beginning at BC and 2024 is already one of the most important years in BC Football and it is only February. Let's go!</p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-83774896551545487932024-02-03T21:12:00.003-05:002024-02-03T21:18:14.850-05:00Don't fall for the BC coaching narrative<p>Every time BC has a coaching change you hear and read about how bad the BC job is, how hard it is to win at BC and how it is a career killer. With Jeff Hafley's departure, the same canards are back. But they are not true. Let's break it down.</p><p><b>BC is a bad job</b><br />Rarely when someone calls BC a bad job, do they ever really explain why. As I say ad nauseam, this is a P4 job. There are only so many of them and hundreds of guys who want their shot. Does BC have challenges? Of course. All jobs do. At BC you have a shallow recruiting base, you fight for attention in a big city, you don't have rubber stamp admissions, and you won't be the highest paid coach in your league. Unless you catch lightning in a bottle or you stay and build something incredible, you won't win a National Championship at BC.</p><p>However, those challenges are more than offset by some of the charm and benefits of BC. First the expectations are low. You will be given time to succeed (average tenure since Bick is 5.3 years). You will be able to live in the greater Boston area and you and your family will not be bothered living your daily lives. The recruiting is niche and you will get to work with a certain type of player that most of these coaches seem to appreciate.</p><p><b>Hard to win at BC?</b><br />This argument is the least subjective. Since the DIA-DIAA split there have been three BC coaches who had college football head coaching experience outside of BC. All of them won more and at a better winning percentage at BC.</p><p><i style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Jack Bicknell</i><br />Win Pct at outside of BC (college only) -- <b>.342</b><br />Win Pct at BC -- <b>.517</b></p><p><i style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Tom O'Brien</i><br />Win Pct outside of BC -- <b>.533</b><br />Win Pct at BC -- .<b>625</b></p><p><i><u>Steve Addazio</u></i><br />Win Pct outside of BC -- <b>.425<br /></b>Win Pct at BC -- .500</p><p><b>Career Killer</b><br />Once again, this seems very subjective, if you go case-by-case, it is hard to pin much blame on the BC job. Some guys had great opportunities and a few never came close to the level again. A recurring theme for many is that BC was the highpoint of their careers, not some death trap. Here is the post-BC career of all of our coaches since the DIA-DIAA split.<br /><br /><i style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Jack Bicknell:</i><i> </i>After a 10 year run at BC, Bicknell served as one of the original head coaches in the World League. He stayed on as the league morphed into NFL Europe and coached another 14 years. He is the winningest coach in the league's history.<br /><i><u>Did his career peak at BC?</u></i> Yes, but it wasn't over.</p><p><i style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Tom Coughlin:</i> He left BC to become the first GM and Head Coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had a very good run there. Later, he joined the New York Giants and won two Super Bowls in New York. He will be in the Hall of Fame one day.<br /><u style="font-style: italic;">Did his career peak at BC?</u> Are you kidding me? If anything BC gave him the shot to stand out from the hundreds of other assistants who wanted NFL jobs.</p><p><i><u>Dan Henning:</u></i> After getting fired at BC, Henning went back to his comfort zone -- calling plays in the NFL. In his final years coaching, he was the OC in Buffalo, with the Jets, the Panthers and Dolphins.<br /><i><u>Did his career peak at BC?</u></i> No. We got him on the downside. He had already been part of multiple Super Bowls under Joe Gibbs and had been a head coach in the NFL twice.</p><p><i><u>Tom O'Brien:</u></i> He left for NC State and many assumed that unshackled by BC's limitations, he would take NC State to the next level. He didn't.<br /><i><u>Did his career peak at BC?</u></i> Yes. NC State paid more, but he never had the level of success he had at BC.</p><p><i><u>Jeff Jagodzinski:</u></i> He had so much success at BC that the NFL came calling. That interview with the Jets and his game of chicken with Gene cost him his job at the Heights.<br /><i><u>Did his career peak at BC?</u></i> Yes. He became a football vagabond after BC.</p><p><i><u>Frank Spaziani:</u></i> After getting fired, Spaz went home and happily let BC pay him not to work. When his buyout expired, he went to New Mexico State for a few more years of assistant work.<br /><u><i>Did his career peak at BC?</i></u> Yes. No one expected Spaz to ever be a head coach until Gene tapped him to replace Jags.</p><p><i><u>Steve Addazio:</u></i> Immediately after getting fired, Addazio landed the Colorado State job. CSU's quick hiring and firing of Addazio proved how misguided the perception is around BC. CSU saw a .500 record and had Urban Meyer telling them that going .500 at BC was a miracle. We all know how that worked out for them.<br /><i><u>Did his career peak at BC? </u></i>Yes. He had other head coaching jobs, but BC was his most lucrative and successful. </p><p><i><u>Jeff Hafley:</u></i> Left of his own volition. This is still so fresh that you can't make any comments about his post-BC career.<br /><i><u>Did his career peak at BC?</u></i> TBD</p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-59990882772994375332024-01-31T22:06:00.002-05:002024-01-31T22:10:57.549-05:00Jeff Hafley: the perfect fit that never really fit<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://s3media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/444/328/11328444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://s3media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/444/328/11328444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Jeff Hafley era is over. It ended like most of his tenure -- in an unpredictable manner. He is leaving BC to take a Defensive Coordinator role with the Green Bay Packers. Four years ago that would have been a step back. (Jags left a Green Bay coordinator role to take the head job at BC.) Now with exploding salaries in both levels and the job descriptions changing daily, it might not be. Hafley plugs into a role and team that will likely lead him to an NFL head job within four years. That wasn't going to happen at BC. He puts himself and his family in a better position. I don't begrudge him at all. Plus whatever he had hoped to build and whatever we thought we would see at BC never came together. World, industry and departmental changes probably made every day seem Sisyphean.</p><p>Since Hafley took the job, he is on his third Athletic Director. He spent a whole year recruiting and coaching in COVID. Then the NIL hit and then the portal hit. Plus the ACC expanded and is in the middle of a lawsuit against one of its flagship programs. None of those sweeping changes lend themselves to building or shaping a program in your own vision. Instead it is just putting out one fire after the next.</p><p>Hafley's challenges were not all external. His staffs have been mediocre to poor. His coordinators have been bad. His reputation as a great talent evaluator never really showed itself with his BC rosters. His gameday coaching and decision making was uneven. He eliminated the culture of fear and built relationship with players, but never really won their respect. (I had a guy who played under Addazio recently tell me he barely even knew Addazio but he was at BC to compete and didn't worry about the relationships. The idea of Hafley being everyone's friend seemed unnecessary to this same player.)</p><p>In the end Hafley did BC a favor by leaving. If his heart wasn't in it, then a lame duck season would have been painful for everyone. He saved BC money by not having to fire him and now someone who knows what this job entails can take on the challenge. Good luck and thanks (I guess). I still like Hafley, but do think this is best for everyone. </p><p><br /></p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-28171707529367274662023-12-26T22:54:00.002-05:002023-12-26T22:54:25.857-05:00BC-SMU preview<p>It should come as no surprise that in the lead up to the Bowl game, Hafley is saying all the right things. He always does. His mood seems good and the players speaking with the media seem to be buying in. BC's success in the transfer portal confirms that their message is working and they are committed to getting better. But what about the actual game? Can BC pull off the upset right down the street at Fenway? BC probably deserves to be an underdog, but this game is not unwinnable. I would love to see that with a month to prepare and with a maturing team, Hafley is able to beat a ranked team in a quasi-home game.
</p><p>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)<br /></b>Hafley's bet on the Transfer Portal solves one problem: improving the roster. Even it all the guys don't turn out to be super stars, it seems pretty safe that the talent coming in is greater than the talent leaving. But all our issues are not talent. BC lost games -- Pitt and NIU -- when we made very questionable play calls. Until he gets things rolling, Hafley is unlikely to bring in ace coordinators, so it is on him to get more involved and intervene in-game it things are not working. Hafley seems willing to adjust. Will he do it well enough before his time runs out?</p>
<b>Three Simple Keys<br />1. Control the clock. </b>SMU has an explosive offense. We won't be able to hang in a shootout. If we want to win, we need to run and keep possession. <div><b>2. Turnovers.</b> When things were rolling midseason, BC was winning the turnover battle. We need that sort of luck this week.</div><div><b>3. Contain the explosive plays. </b>Even bad teams had big plays against us. It was usually a mix of missed tackles, lack of speed and being in the wrong position. This extra bowl time should be a reset and have the guys focused on what they need to do and to make better plays.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gambling Notes<br /></b>-- SMU leads the series 1-0<br />-- Hafley is 1-11 vs ranked teams<br />-- SMU has lost three straight bowl games</div><div><i>The current line is BC+10</i><br />
<p><b>Factoid</b><br />BC and SMU have a lot in common when it comes to recent bowl games. Like BC, they qualified for bowls in 2020 and 2021 with nothing to show for it. Both games were cancelled. </p><p><b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br />Michigan vs Alabama in the Rose Bowl. The Rose Bowl is always must see TV for me. Throw in these two programs and make it a playoff and it becomes a game I won't miss. </p><p><b>BC is in trouble if...</b>nothing has changed. Hafley promised a few wrinkles and a few new faces. If none of it is noticeable, then why did he bother?</p><p><b>I hope to see...</b>a complete game from TC. Hafley's future is in TC's hands. If he is going to be more than a runner, it better start showing soon. This would be a perfect time to take that next step.</p><p><b>Bottom Line</b><br />It is a long shot, but I think BC can do it. We just need to control the pace and pound away and TC needs to make a few things happen.<br /><b>Final Score: </b>BC 24, SMU 14</p><p></p></div>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-56396233077222831702023-11-23T09:49:00.002-05:002023-11-23T09:53:40.219-05:00BC-Miami preview<p>The most interesting reaction to last week's loss was from the neutral parties. We know how the diehards feel and even the casual BC fans. But due to playing during a national spotlight, you saw more of the regular football fans and football media paying attention to BC and Hafley for the first time this season. And while not a consensus, many were very critical. BC should have won that game and should be better than getting by with six wins. That is why I said that game was so important. This one is too. Hafley needs to get over the hump. Injuries, some of the inherent challenges at BC, bad luck...none of it matters. Every team has similar handicaps. It is up to him to overcome those. Lots of guys can win six games at BC. We've proven that over the past 30 years. We need someone who can do more. The Miami game is a chance to do more. </p>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br />
Syracuse fires Dino Babers and many of Holy Cross' best players enter the portal. Seems more than coincidental. Perhaps the Chesney to the Orange thing is a done deal and the media are ignoring it to promote their preferred candidates. I would be disappointed if Chesney does end up at Syracuse because I think he will do well there. I think he would do well at BC. There is no foolproof path to football coaching success, but I do think winning at every stop is a great sign. While a promoted coordinator has to adjust to hiring, leading, game management, someone who has been a head coach at a lower level has done all those things before (presumably successfully). For a guy like Chesney the adjustment to a higher level is instead about finding the right players and I think in the portal era that is less about selling to high schoolers and more about piecing your roster together on an annual basis.
<p><b>
Three Simple Keys<br />1. Stopping the run.</b> We have been terrible against the run the past few games. Miami has a good oline. This is the key to the whole game. If they run at will, we will be toast.<br /><b>2. No turnovers from Castellanos.</b> I like TC and realize you take the good with the bad, but he has to get better with the ball. <br /><b>3. Get some INTs.</b> If BC pulls down a few of those 50/50 balls last week, it is a different game. </p><p><b>Gambling Notes</b><br />-- Miami leads the series 24-6<br />-- Four of BC's six wins in the series have come at Alumni<br />-- BC has won three of the last four in the series<br /><i>The current line is BC+10</i></p><p><b>Factoid</b><br />For those few remaining BC fans still longing for the Big East, I would like to point out that BC played six former Big East teams this year. Current Big East school UConn played two.</p><p><b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br />Michigan-Ohio State. For members of the Ryan Day Fan Club, this is sort of a big deal. </p><p><b>BC is in trouble if...</b>We are down late. I have zero confidence in pulling off a two minute drill late in the game. Last week killed my belief in being able to go the length of the field without pounding the ball.</p><p><b>I hope to see...</b>a BC win. Forget about Chesney or Ryan Day or anyone else, I want Hafley to win and succeed at BC. He is safe for now, but I want hope. I want progress. We need to pull off a huge upset to get out of lame duck status heading into 2024.</p><p><b>Bottom Line<br /></b>I hate to be the guy to ruin your Thanksgiving, but I don't see us winning this game. Miami is a bad matchup and I fear our team is checked out.<br /><b>Final Score: </b>Miami 35, BC 21</p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-5345876788313386802023-11-15T10:22:00.008-05:002023-11-15T13:28:26.919-05:00BC-Pitt previewThe Jeff Hafley bandwagon got a little less crowded after the Hokies kicked BC’s butt. At this point I am aware that Hafley is not a Tom Coughlin-like shooting star. And I still believe in patience. In my opinion, how he finishes the season matters. It matters to who he is and what he is capable of becoming. Hafley has shown he will make changes and bold moves (they won’t always work). But now he needs to stop the bleeding and get momentum back. Pitt is reeling coming into this game. A good coach and a good team goes on the road and puts this game away. Let’s hope we are that good, because the difference between six wins and seven is monumental.<p><b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br />
I’ve hit on this theme a good deal on Twitter, but the Jimbo Fisher firing is a reminder that hiring is hard. When we make a change at BC, people always gripe about the small time nature of our process or that we don’t have the money to hire anyone good. I always disagree because of two aspects. First there are only so many of these head coaching jobs and a bottomless pool of guys looking for their shot. Second throwing money at the problem doesn’t guarantee anything. Texas, Nebraska, USC, etc. have churned through coaches despite having historically great jobs and blank checks. Alabama stumbled for two decades before the timing worked with Nick Saban. Clemson had no idea what they were getting in Dabo. There is a lot of luck involved in this. I don’t think BC’s process when hiring should be haphazard or thoughtless. They should have a vision of what they want and a professional approach. But thinking that hiring the hot name or the expensive guy will deliver us to the next level is foolish. </p><p>
<b> Three Simple Keys<br />
1. Come out running.</b> For two weeks we’ve come out throwing and it has been a momentum killer. I know you want to work against tendency and show new wrinkles, but we are not built that way. We need to come out, hit them in the mouth and never look back. <br />
<b>2. Protect the ball.</b> The VT loss is a different game without the turnovers. TC can’t force things and obviously needs to hold onto it when he takes off.<br />
<b>3. Stop the run.</b> Pitt is going to try to win this on the ground. If we stuff the run, we win.
</p><p>
<b> Gambling Notes</b><br />
-- Hafley is 1-0 vs Pitt<br />
-- Narduzzi is 0-2 vs BC<br />
-- BC is 1-2 at Acrisure Stadium<br />
<i>The current line is BC+3</i></p><p>
</p><p>
<b> Factoid</b><br />
BC last played Pitt on a Thursday night in 1996. It was Halloween. Some of BC’s play and reaction was so bad people assumed something was up and suddenly the gambling scandal exploded. It thankfully was the beginning of the end of the Henning Era.</p><p>
<b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br />
Louisville-Miami. The Path is dead, but this game matters to us from a Miami perspective. It has been a rough year for the 'Canes. I am hoping they get stomped by Louisville and are demoralized and checked out coming into our game next week.</p><p>
<b>BC is in trouble if...</b>Jurkovec plays. I don’t see Narduzzi using him at QB or TE unless Pitt is either up or Narduzzi feels like it will lead to a Pitt win. He is not going to embarrass the guy. So if Phil is on the field in a critical spot, I have a feeling things won’t be going BC’s way.</p><p>
<b>I hope to see…</b>the defense step up without Jones. He has been the best defensive player and saved our butts multiple times. He won’t play this weekend or likely the rest of the season (undisclosed reasons). We need big games from everyone else.</p><p>
<b>Bottom line</b><br />
Pitt is bad and seemingly checked out. Syracuse ran all over them. BC needs to keep is simple and do the same. If we try to get too cute or make mistakes, this could be a nail biter.<br />
<b>Final Score:</b> BC 28, Pitt 10
</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-61151127071463707012023-11-09T15:43:00.003-05:002023-11-09T15:43:21.393-05:00BC-Virginia Tech previewThis run has been fun. No debate. The games are back and forth. We have pulled off some upsets on the road. We have some exciting players. No complaints from me. But we should probably recognize that our record is probably better than it should be. BC enters this game with a +5 point differential total on the season. When your point differential is so small, you usually are a .500 team. Winning close games is better than losing, but you have to recognize that your luck will run out. If BC really wants to continue this win streak, they need to take their level of play to the next level and start winning these games decisively.
<P><b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br>
This will be our last Saturday game of the season and our last ACC Network game. But when you wonder why, just look at the TV ratings for Syracuse-BC. 1.1M people watched! The 15th most watched game of the weekend and the second highest rated ACC game of the weekend. If BC wants to stay in the good graces of the ACC and TV execs, they should be willing to play on Friday and Thursday nights as often as they will have us. (And for anyone who says that is a Syracuse number not a BC number, Cuse-VT on Thursday the week before only drew 700K and the Friday night game the week before of FAU-Charlotte only drew 300K).<P>
<b>Three Simple Keys</b><br>
<b>1. Don’t make TC do it all.</b> I know we are thin and banged up, but we can’t have TC carry the ball 20+ times a game nor throwing it 35+ times a game. We need a steady run diet with whoever is healthy and leverage TC as a threat vs just a workhorse.<br>
<b>2. Get VT off the field.</b> They are going to try to do what we do: shorten the game, long drives, etc. We need to get them behind schedule and be the ones controlling the clock.<br>
<b>3. Don’t lose the gambling mindset.</b> We are going bowling. That’s the baseline. Now there really isn’t anything to lose. So Hafley should keep rolling the dice on 4th down. Keep calling fake punts and trick plays. Let it all hang out. We want to win.<P>
<b>Gambling notes</b><br>
-- VT leads the series 20-11<br>
-- Pry has yet to win an ACC road game<br>
-- Hafley is 1-2 vs Virginia Tech<br>
<i>The Current line is BC+1.5</i>
<P>
<b>Factoid</b>
Since BC’s move from independence to Big East football, we’ve played Virginia Tech more than any other team (31 games). The only break was in our final year in the Big East, but that is somewhat offset by the two times we played them in the ACC Championship Game.
<P>
<b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br>
Louisville-Virginia. A lot needs to happen for BC to make the ACC Championship Game. But the biggest hurdle is Louisville. We don’t need Virginia to pull off an upset, but it would help our chances.<P>
<b>BC is in trouble if</b>…If we are truly down to one RB. Hafley said things are improved, but we have no idea if anyone is up for 20 carries.<P>
<b>What I hope to see…</b>Better run defense. The Orange had too many big run plays. We can’t let that happen this week.
<P>
<b>Bottom Line</b>
These two teams are very alike. I expect a slow-paced, grind it out affair. I think we have the better Oline and players and control in the second half.
<b>Final Score:</b> BC 23, Virginia Tech 10
ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-49090513194101995372023-11-02T11:45:00.003-04:002023-11-02T11:45:59.875-04:00BC-Syracuse preview<p>I don't consider Syracuse a rivalry in the sense that I get overly emotional or take great pride in beating them. However, I do recognize that our games with the Orange -- especially in the Dome -- tend to be either huge trap games or huge boosts to various seasons. This game comes at a critical time. With a win, we become bowl eligible and keep the hot streak going. Lose and all the recent goodwill and momentum goes away. </p><p>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br />
The basketball season starts next week and I am excited. I think there is a general optimism among many casual BC fans and a lot of optimism among the hoops diehards. The experts still predict BC to finish in the bottom half of the conference, but many have us sneaking into the Tournament. We are still in the honeymoon phase with Earl, so I think we can do it. I just like entering the season where people beyond BC have a little faith in what's ahead.
</p><p><b>Three Simple Keys<br />
1. Protect the ball.</b> Hafley didn't throw TC under the bus, but you could tell when talking about the UConn win, he was frustrated. Statistically BC dominated, but the scoreboard didn't show it. We can't turn the ball over and kill our drives nor give the Orange good field position. <br />
<b>2. Stick with the run. </b>I know we are going to run. Everyone knows. But the key, which has paid off in the last three games, is the steady diet of run that wears on the other team. Our OLine is very good. Syracuse is not great against the run. So stick with it and hope that in the second half it leads to BC controlling the game. <br />
<b>3. Stop the run.</b> Like us, I think Syracuse will try to control tempo, establish the run and then open up the passing game. If we run stop on first downs, we win this game.
</p><p><b>Gambling Notes</b><br />
-- Hafley is 1-2 vs Babers<br />
-- Hafley is 1-1 in Syracuse<br />
-- Babers is 4-3 vs BC<br />
<i>The current line is BC+2.5</i>
</p><p>
<b>Factoid</b><br />
Neither team has won three in a row in the series since 1998.
</p><p>
<b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br />
Louisville-Virginia Tech. If you are reading this blog you probably know that the BC Twitterverse is hyper-focused on BC's path to the ACC Championship game. Aside from running the table ourselves, we need some help. It would be very helpful to the cause if Virginia Tech upset Louisville this weekend.
</p><p><b>
BC is in trouble if...</b>TC is not 100%. Last week he made some mistakes and missed some time and BC still won. That sort of thing can happen against a UConn. It won't in ACC games.
</p><p><b>
I hope to see..</b>.the DLine step up. The rest of the D is looking pretty good, but the Dline is still not disrupting much or generating a lot of pressure. We could use a big game.
</p><p>
<b>Bottom Line</b><br />
Syracuse looks like a team that is mentally checked out. I think BC goes into the Dome, pushes them around on the Line and pulls away in the second half.<br />
<b>Final Score:</b> BC 31, Syracuse 13</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-49240018559918892342023-10-27T17:20:00.005-04:002023-10-27T17:20:57.646-04:00BC-UConn preview<p>Everyone -- myself included -- is drinking the Kool-aid and believing the hype. I don't know if it will last. I don't know if it is real. But it is fun. And in the end, I think that's what I want. There were moments of fun during the Spaz and Addazio days, but the flaws on the field and the flaws of those wearing the headsets felt so permanent, that it was hard to get too juiced up. Hafley lost to Northern Illinois this year, so I am not calling him the next Coughlin. But the way this win streak and season is coming together gives me hope he is figuring things out. In the meantime, let's keep rolling and enjoy it while we can. </p>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br />
Earlier this year when it looked like the Hafley era might be coming to a close, the typical internet speculation kicked in. Inevitably there were plenty of "this guy would never take that job" comments. I usually retort with "you'd be surprised about who would take what as there are only so many jobs." A textbook case of guys looking for any job is Jim Mora at UConn. This is a long-time NFL coach and a guy who coached at UCLA. He had no connection to UConn or really the region. Yet here he was taking the UConn job. My point is these guys usually need to work for ego, financial and boredom reasons and there are only so many high-level jobs. Now would Nick Saban drop everything and take the UConn job? Of course not. But guys looking for their shot or a second chance or a salary north of $1 million will. And they will certainly listen to BC when our job opens up one day.
<p><b>
Three Simple Keys</b>
<br />1. Be conservative with new wrinkles and counters. I am not taking UConn for granted. But we shouldn't have to do much other than just plow forward and run them over. I don't want BC using any new looks or variations. Save those for the games where we are underdogs.<br /><b>2. Be more aggressive with the punt returns.</b> We've been letting too many punts roll and putting our Offense in bad starting field positions. We need to curtail that.
<br /><b>3. Continue to play aggressive man coverage.</b> After we got burned against Louisville, I thought our DBs were terrible. They've looked better of late. I hope they continue to play more man this weekend as it helps the front and creates turnovers.
</p><p><b>
Gambling Notes</b><br />
-- BC leads the series 12-1-2 <br /> -- UConn has never won or tied at Alumni
<br /> -- UConn is 3-4 against the spread this year
<br /><i>The current line is BC-14</i></p><p><b>
Factoid</b><br />
This is UConn's second visit to Alumni since their lawsuit against BC after the Big East split.
</p><p><b>
Scoreboard Watching</b><br />Duke-Louisville. On Sunday, some true believers started circulating a twitter post regarding what needs to happen for BC to make the ACC Championship Game. It's a lot, but the fact that we are even entertaining a run is nice. Needless to say, we need both Duke and Louisville to lose some games down the stretch. Someone is getting a loss in this game.<br />
</p><p><b>BC is in trouble if...</b>we can't get the run going. I don't see us as one-dimensional, but I don't think this current roster lends itself to being pass heavy.
</p><p><b>
I hope to see...</b>no one get hurt. Too often in these cupcake games we see a brutal, season changing injury.
</p><p><b>
Bottom Line</b><br />
Last year was a nightmare and won't happen again. I think BC plays smart and tough and UConn can't keep up.<br /><b>Final Score:</b> BC 35, UConn 14
</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-1451676550492130442023-10-19T23:51:00.001-04:002023-10-19T23:51:46.865-04:00BC-Georgia Tech preview<p>From a fan perspective, these close games can be exhausting. Who wants to be sweating out a rainy game against Army? But beyond our emotions, lots of close games are not a good sign. Very good teams win by healthy margins. The problem with playing too many close games is it magnifies one or two plays and invites the opponent to steal the game from you. Unlike say TOB's penchant for close games, I don't think it is a product of playing too conservatively. In most of these cases it is because BC either starts slow or goes cold for long stretches. To truly turn the corner, Hafley needs the team to play at a high level for 60 minutes.</p><p>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b>
<br />Georgia Tech is playing Florida State in Ireland next year. We haven't been back since we played the Yellow Jackets in 2016 and I don't know when will potentially play there again. I know we didn't max out on our tickets and packages last time (enthusiasm wasn't great coming off Addazio's worst season). But Addazio also pissed off a lot of the Irish organizers. He did his typical bully, yell at innocent people who are just trying to do their jobs routine throughout the trip. Despite our problems now, putting up with seven years of his behavior for .500 football was an incredible waste of time and good will.</p>
<b>Three Simple Keys</b><br /><b>1. Avoid Castellanos turnovers.</b> I will give him a break for the Army game. It was a wet, wet mess. But the truth is he does force some bad throws. He can't keep doing that because GT and all remaining opponents are going to stack the box and dare him to throw. <br /><b>2. Put the game on the offensive line again.</b> They get better each week, so it should remain an advantage. In Tech's bad losses this year, it was because the other team controlled the Line and put up big numbers on the ground.<br /><b>3. Reset after taking on a gimmick offense.</b> BC looked good against Army's new look until they lost focus and started biting on plays in the second half. Tech is more conventional but play action will still be a factor. BC needs to stay focused.<div><br /></div><div><b>Gambling Notes</b><br />-- Hafley is 2-0 vs Georgia Tech<br />-- GT leads the series 7-4<br />-- BC is 1-1 against the spread this year on the road<br /><i>The current line is BC+5</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Factoid</b></div><div>BC has never won three in a row vs Georgia Tech.<p></p><p></p></div><div><b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br />Pitt-Wake Forest. I thought Pitt's season was over, but a QB change sparked a huge upset last week. Can they keep it up this week? </div><div><br /></div><div><b>BC is in trouble if...</b>we don't score 30 or more. These close games are not going to always go our way. We need to be a little more aggressive and efficient on offense.<br /><br /></div><div><b>I hope to see...</b>BC increase their pace a bit this week. As much as I appreciate a good, methodical and dominant run performance, I think a slower game helps Tech. We can keep it on the ground, but let's use tempo a good bit.<b> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Bottom Line</b><br />My confidence level isn't as high for this game as others, but Georgia Tech is beatable. I think Castellanos puts up some big numbers in his home state and our D does enough to win without it coming down to the last minute.<b><br />Final Score: </b>BC 35, Georgia Tech 24</div>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-28183182580561565772023-10-05T14:58:00.004-04:002023-10-05T14:58:59.779-04:00BC-Army previewThe short season nature of college football always has you looking ahead to the rest of the schedule. After BC beat Virginia last week, I revisited the remaining opponents and felt better. As UConn, Pitt and Georgia Tech’s terrible days progressed, BC’s chance at a winning season and Hafley saving his job became much more viable. All of that presumes we beat Army this week. The Cadets are favored and our last trip to West Point was a disaster. But we can win this week. We have to win this week.<P>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br>
BC doesn’t schedule the service academies enough. It has been ten years since we played Army, 20 since we played Navy and 43 years since we’ve played Air Force. The East Coast academies used to be a regular part of our schedule. I know their offenses are hard to play and there is very little upside. But you have to play someone out of conference. Isn’t playing Army or Navy more respectable than trying to drum up a series with a random mid-major? With the conferences in flux, I know we can’t predict much regarding future schedules, but I hope BC calls Army and Navy first when they are trying to fill out their calendars.<P>
<b>Three Simple Keys<br>
1. Disciplined play on the Defensive line.</b> Army’s new offense is more like Wake’s than the Triple Option, but it still starts with an option style read in the backfield. Our DLine needs to win their battles up front and keep Army from establishing tempo or space in the pocket.<br>
<b>2. Get Bond more touches.</b> It is natural when things are gloomy to latch on to the first sign of life. I know Bond won’t be Zay tomorrow (or maybe ever), but he has some key attributes – finding space, making people miss, etc – that are in short supply. We need to get him seven or eight touches this week.<br>
<b>3. Win the turnover battle.</b> We got lucky last week. Very lucky. This week we need to protect the ball more and hopefully force a few turnovers.<P>
<b>Gambling Notes</b><br>
-- BC leads the series 25-13<br>
-- BC is 12-11 in Michie Stadium<br>
-- Hafley is 7-4 in non-conference games<br>
<i>The current line is BC+3</i><P>
<b>Factoid</b><br>
We had a five game win streak vs Army prior to Spaz’s loss in 2012 and a nine game win streak prior to Henning’s loss in 1995.
<P>
<b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br>
Syracuse-UNC. The Orange lost last week (which gave me some hope). Immediately people online mentioned this year might be another season where Baber’s starts hot and ends the season in a free fall. I hope so. It will be telling if they bounce back this week vs Carolina.<P>
<b>BC is in trouble if… </b>Army eats up the clock. They are not triple option, but they are still slow and methodical. We can’t let them have seven and eight minute drives.<P>
<b>I hope to see…</b> Castellanos be more careful with the ball. He looked good on the ground, but the passing game was a hit or miss. Castellanos can’t force things and needs to be careful throwing into coverage.<P>
<b>Bottom Line</b><br>
I think this is another close game. BC wins by making fewer mistakes and Hafley gets us back to .500<br>
<b>Final Score:</b> BC 28, Army 20
ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-14817375542782623672023-09-29T20:24:00.006-04:002023-09-29T20:24:41.566-04:00BC-Virginia previewWe’ve suffered some beatdowns before, but usually they are against elite teams...Miami in its heyday. Clemson recently. Notre Dame put up some lopsided numbers when they are trending up and we are trending down. But this year’s Louisville team is not elite. It is not like losing to a mediocre Army or Navy team, but the lack of effort and lack of adjustments and the inability to stop them were terrible. Can we bounce back? Sure. We are even favored this week. But last week was the first time it felt like Hafley has lost the lockerroom.
<p>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br />
In case you missed it, BC just announced a new $3 billion capital campaign. $400 million of the goal is for athletics. When people predict that BC will downgrade athletics or purposefully opt out of the looming super leagues, you only need to look at this to know the Board understands the value of sports. I hope the lofty goal as well as new pressure from the ACC forces BC to be more active in supporting and managing their teams.</p><p>
<b>Three Simple Keys
<br />1. Pressure on the whoever plays QB for UVA.</b> One of the reasons Louisville was able to hit so many long passes is our pass rush. At this point, blitz more just to shake things up. Both of their guys might play this weekend. We need to bring the pressure regardless.<br />
<b>2. Give more design runs for Castellanos.</b> At this point he is our only elite playmaker. Give him some simple RPOs.
<br /><b>3. Don’t get down early.</b> This team is on the edge. If we get behind by double digits again, it will be over.
</p><p><b>Gambling notes</b>
<br />--Virginia is 2-2 against the spread
<br />-- Virginia has lost seven straight
<br />-- BC leads the series 6-1
<br /><i>The current line is BC-3.5
</i></p><p><b>
Factoid</b>
<br />This is BC’s first national game on the CW Network. It is basically the old Raycom production so it won’t feel that foreign to regular fans. It will be interesting to see if this relationship grows. Football, above all other sports, drives TV and over the air TV companies need draws just like the cable and streamers.
</p><p><b>
Scoreboard Watching</b>
<br />Clemson-Syracuse. The Orange are 4-0 again which leads to the semi-regular question: is Syracuse good this year? Clemson is also in a desperate need of an ACC win, so this should be pretty telling for both.
</p><p><b>
BC is in trouble if…
</b>We come out flat again. Virginia is bad. They are looking for reasons to fold. If we come out flat again, we give them new life.
</p><p><b>
I hope to see…
</b>The Offensive line dominate. Lost in all the disappointment is how improved the Oline is. It is still a long way to go to get them to elite, but being functional is a step in the right direction. Their biggest problem has been penalties.
</p><p><b>
Bottom Line
<br /></b>If you have a terrible game, it is nice to rebound against a bad team. I think as long as we limit the big pass plays, BC should be ok. We will score enough to win, it is just a matter of holding them. <br /><b>Final Score:</b> BC 28, Virginia 21</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-34232899823838729262023-09-22T15:55:00.003-04:002023-09-22T15:55:21.797-04:00BC-Louisville preview<p>I can only speak for myself when I say I never believed. Even as we were making the comeback. Even as big plays were happening, I didn’t think we would upset Florida State. I don’t know if it is a sign of apathy or frustration or being jaded. It probably helps my heart rate, but it doesn’t generate a lot of optimism heading into a game where we are double-digit underdogs again. </p><p>Can we win this week? Sure. Cut back on mistakes. Stop with the penalties. Plus Castellanos seems like that type of wild card where you can never count him out. Now it is up to Hafley to turn those “ifs” into tangible results. He thinks we are close to breaking through. I hope he is right.</p><p>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)<br /></b>As most probably know the Swim and Dive teams were indefinitely suspended. I feel for the victims as the alleged hazing sucks and I can’t believe anyone even partially endorses this sort of thing anymore. I feel for the kids who weren’t part of it but whose season ends. However, the students will have more eligibility so they can make up the time.
What shows my stage of life is my empathy is now with the parents whose kids won’t swim this year. BC Swimming – like most sports outside of football and basketball – has the majority of the team on partial scholarships or no scholarships at all. Parents are paying tens of thousands of dollars for their children to swim at BC. Now they won’t. What a waste.</p><p><b>
Three Simple Keys</b> <br /><b>1. Stop the drops.</b> It is getting a little better but some of the drops last week were drive killers.
<br /><b>2. Control the clock again.</b> Penalties aside, the Oline is so much better than last year. Leverage that by running the ball and wearing on the Louisville front.
<br /><b>3. Get more pressure on the quarterback.</b> Our front four needs to step it up and close out on their chances at Plummer.
<br /><br /></p><p><b>Gambling notes</b> <br />-- Hafley is 2-1 vs Louisville<br />-- Hafley is 6-11 on the road<br />-- Louisville leads the series 8-7
<br /><i>The current line is BC+14</i></p><p><b>
Factoid </b><br />This is the first time we have played Louisville in September as a member of the ACC. The prior schedules had some general patterns to them, but now with the lack of divisions and a rotation of teams on and off, there will be fewer games scheduled with the idea of patterns and time of year etc.
</p><p><b>
Scoreboard Watching
</b><br />Florida State-Clemson. I heard and read that many people thought we exposed Florida State. I actually think Florida State was very good but just had a bit of an off day. It will be interesting to see how they look against Clemson. I am expecting them to make a major statement and make our game look more like an aberration.
</p><p><b>
BC is in trouble if…
</b>We get down by double digits again. It is just too much pressure on the offense week in and week out.
</p><p><b>
I hope to see…</b>
A reasonable amount of penalties. If Hafley can’t get control of the trend then he might not be cut out to be a head coach. The shocking number of penalties exposes the way he is managing his staff, teaching his players and even handling the refs.
</p><p><b>
Bottom Line
</b><br />I said I didn’t believe last week. I have a sliver of belief now, so I might as well ride it. I think Castellanos puts on a show. We get lucky on some turnovers and hold on for a huge win.
<br /><b>Final Score:</b> BC 28, Louisville 24
</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-70459296792756156062023-09-14T23:00:00.007-04:002023-09-14T23:00:59.876-04:00BC-FSU previewI don't think I realized at the time how bad the weather delay was for Jeff Hafley. It was nearly two hours of the only BC fans who still care venting online or listening to the BC radio crew discuss their frustrations and the team's stupid mistakes. BC won (thank God), but we went through the emotions of a loss. When the only people who still care lose faith, a win can still be a loss. <div><br /></div><div>This week can be a different story. BC faces the best team in the conference. They are heavy underdogs. Win and it changes the whole season. Lose close and you get the moral victory. If we get killed, nothing really changes.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b></div><div>It amazes me how much media attention Deion Sanders and Colorado are getting. Despite their success in the late '80s and mid '90s, the Buffaloes were a non-entity for most of the last twenty years. Yet it only takes one good hire to change everything.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Three Simple Keys<br />1. Establish the run early.</b> This needs to feel like the BC Football we all know. Run the ball and control the clock. It is the only way we have to steal the game.</div><div><b>2. Get lucky on some turnovers.</b> I don't know if you can get luckier than BC got last week with the game sealing fumble, but we need similar breaks to go our way this week.</div><div><b>3. Contain Jordan Travis. </b>We can't let him run like we let Sluka run last week.<br /><br /></div><div><b>Gambling notes<br /></b>-- BC is 4-5 in Red Bandanna games</div><div>-- Florida State is 9-1 in their last ten games vs BC</div><div>-- Hafley is 1-2 in ACC openers</div><div><i>The current like is BC+26</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Factoid</b></div><div>This won't be the first major storm we've had when facing Florida State. In 2007, FSU handed Jags his first loss on a very wet night in Boston.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Scoreboard Watching</b></div><div>It is not a great week for ACC football. Maybe it will be interesting if Duke keeps rolling in their matchup against Norwestern.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>BC is in trouble if...</b><br />Florida State scores more than 35. We are not built to win a shootout in the rain.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>I hope to see...</b></div><div>No personal fouls. Hafley made it a point of emphasis. Let's see if he can get his team to follow his instructions.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bottom line</b></div><div>I will be shocked if we win this game. I am rooting for BC (as always). But I can't talk myself into some scenario where we pull off an upset. I think FSU is going to go undefeated in the ACC. Hopefully we keep it close.</div><div><b>Final Score:</b> FSU 31, BC 14</div><p></p><p></p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-17207724560534260972023-09-08T00:08:00.002-04:002023-09-08T00:08:23.412-04:00BC-Holy Cross preview<p>The social media and message board discussion following last week's opening loss had a consistent theme: "Fire Hafley." I am not there yet. My blinders are off, but I see nothing productive from firing him midseason. Let him, his staff and team do what they set out to do. My hunch is that if he stops the bleeding and scrapes together a winning season, he will be safe. Should he be though?</p><p>I like Hafley as a person and representative of the school. But now even an apologist like me has to admit he has a limited upside. Great coaches don't lose like this and this often (in Year 4 especially). Do you let a nice guy stick around if he is squeaking out seven wins? We let a jerk like Addazio keep coaching for seven years. </p><p>In this era of college football, you should probably be quick to fire. The rosters churn faster than ever, so you can't wait for a guy to build his team in the traditional way. The new need is for a coach who can put a staff and roster together year to year and out perform his competition.</p><p>The timing on this debate is somewhat surreal since one of the most likely Hafley replacements will be on the other sideline this weekend. And if Holy Cross wins, there will be many who want to fire Hafley and hire Chesney on the spot.</p><b>
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br />We should play Holy Cross annually and in all sports. The true rivalry was dead long before I arrived at the Heights, but I appreciate it still means something to many people. And I think to this day, there are plenty of students who have friends and family at each school. BC is going to have schedule filler, FCS games for years to come. Might as well make them interesting to some, instead of playing some random school that we have never heard about. <div><br /></div><div><b>Three Simple Keys<br />1. Catch the damn ball. </b>The QBs were bad, but the WRs, TEs and RBs did them no favors when it came to the passing game. They need to clean up their skills (why are guys trying arm catches?) and help out.<br /><b>2. No more Oline penalties.</b> The good news: the Oline controlled their opponents. Bad news: they still made a ton of mistakes and dumb penalties. </div><div><b>3. Get more pressure on the QB.</b> Our DLine was supposed to be a strength. Last week they looked mediocre. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gambling Notes</b></div><div>-- Hafley has never lost to a FCS team<br />-- Hafley is 16-20 against the spread</div><div>-- Holy Cross last beat BC Football in 1978</div><div><i>The current line is BC-16.5</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Factoid</b><br />Even with the historic breaks in the series we still have played more games against Holy Cross (83 games) than any other current opponent, including Syracuse.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br />Colorado-Nebraska. I don't know if Coach Prime can keep it up, but I am always cheering for quick turnarounds. It gives me hope.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>I hope to see...</b><br />One QB. The old adage remains true: if you have two quarterbacks you have none.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>BC is in trouble if...</b><br />It is close late. My fear is that if it is tight, our guys will make mistakes and hand the game to Holy Cross.</div><div><br /><b>Bottom Line</b><br />BC takes care of business, looks better and puts more points on the board.</div><div><b>Final Score:</b> BC 38, Holy Cross 17</div>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-32949671524369089462023-08-31T23:01:00.004-04:002023-08-31T23:01:57.047-04:00BC-Northern Illinois previewThis is it. I like Hafley and appreciate the different tone he brought when he arrived. I respect how he handled COVID and that unprecedented first season. But since Jurk went down in 2021 in the UMass game, we’ve been adrift. At a base level, this is the time to get things back on track. At a realistic level, if Hafley is anything special we need to bounce back in a big way. The landscape has changed in college football. His bosses have changed twice. The portal and NIL changed the way you recruit and develop talent. It’s tough. However, the great guys not only adapt in times like this…they thrive.
<p>
I trust that Hafley has improved his staff and roster. He pivoted and used the portal to plug holes. While lacking in game breakers, we have depth and above average talent across the board. And we have a very favorable schedule. We have four wins baked in the final record with our non-conference slate. There are also three very winnable ACC games. That means seven games is a reasonable goal. I would like to win more than that. Whatever the upside is, it starts Saturday.
</p><p>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b>
<br />The dominant narrative of the college football offseason was once again conference shifting. Games are about to start and the ACC is still in flux for 2024. It has been that way for more than 20 years. I don’t think picking up a few former Pac 12 teams or even SMU (!?!) is going to be the end of anything. As a BC fan, I don’t get too fired up about any of the shifts any more. The train is heading towards the Super League and I don’t think BC controls its own fate. In the meantime, I am a simple man with simple desires. Are we playing teams I care about? Yes. Are we on TV? Yes. Are the games fun to watch? I hope. Are we winning? We better.
</p><p>
<b>Three Simple Keys</b>
<br /><b>1. Hold up against the run. </b>The defensive line needs to be better and more consistent. They have to conrol the line of scrimmage. And we can't allow a back breaking 4th quarter drive like we did in last season's opener. <br /><b>2. Stretch the field.</b> We don't have a Zay, but that aggressive mindset can't go away. Morehead can get it downfield. We need to let him go for it a few times per game.<br /><b>3. Generate more turnovers. </b>Considering his defensive background, I would think by now Hafley would have instilled a bigger turnover mentality. But we don't sit back like Spaz's schemes and wait but we don't strip many either. We need to have some things go our way and it starts this weekend.</p><p><b>Gambling Notes</b><br />-- Hafley is 2-1 in season openers<br />-- BC is 17-1 against the MAC all-time<br />-- Hafley is 16-19 against the spread <br /><i>The current line is BC-8.5</i></p><p><b>Factoid</b><br />This is the second time we have opened the season with Northern Illinois.</p><p><b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br />LSU vs Florida State. Normally I root for the ACC team under the rationale that it helps BC. But at this point what is Florida State doing for us. They don't want to be part of the conference. They think they belong with the big boys. Well let's see how they do. If they get spanked, I won't shed a tear.</p><p><b>I hope to see...</b><br />A dominant win. Openers can go a lot of different ways. For Hafley and this season, I think we need a statement game. Last year is over. BC is back. Don't make this interesting.</p><p><b>BC is in trouble if...</b><br />The offensive line is a mess. It should be improved over last year's disaster, but I don't view Applebaum as some sort of savior. The unit was fine when he was here the first time. At BC, the Oline can and should be great. </p><p><b>Bottom Line</b> <br />I want to believe. The experts and the sports books have us as a .500ish team, but I think Hafley still has upside. I think this season is where it starts to turn the corner. BC wins comfortably and looks great on D.<b> <br />Final Score: </b>BC 31, Northern Illinois 13</p><p></p><p></p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-74106157521067497612023-03-03T22:23:00.000-05:002023-03-03T22:23:47.919-05:00Hafley makes Staff official. Now what?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NgQpF1Y4Qdw" width="320" youtube-src-id="NgQpF1Y4Qdw"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><div>Jeff Hafley spoke to the media Friday with the start of Spring Practice and made his rumored staff official. He will now have two new first-time play callers, Duggan and Shimko supervised by two veterans in Hafley and Rob Chudzinski, respectively. Applebaum returns to Oline. Azaar gets a Co-Coodinator title and veteran Paul Rhoads joins the staff as a OLB coach. On paper it can work. There is a lot to like. Hafley said all the right things and seems to have the right energy and outlook coming off of a rough season. Will it work though?</div><div><br /></div><div>I like the defensive moves. Hafley admitted the system is not changing much. He will be more involved and he thinks he has better depth. This is where I have faith. The unit was the least of our issues last year. I don't think we have enough elite talent yet and I think the scheme was a bit passive, but just an across the board, general improvement the changes should be enough to keep us in most games. Plus he added Rhoads, who should be a good sounding board and steadying hand. </div><div><br /></div><div>The offense requires a much bigger leap of faith. QB, OL and OC were issues last year. The QB position should be improved. The OLine should be better. We have depth, much more experience and a known entity for he position coach. I didn't think much of Applebaum but he was well liked at BC and while his two seasons at BC didn't produce dominant units, they weren't a mess either. That is a basic improvement. The biggest issue will be scheme and play calling. The best college offenses are not particularly complex. They out execute, they put very specific pressure on the opponents and they leverage their talent. BC didn't do any of that well. Chud knows how to run a good offense. Shimko shows promise. But will they get this team executing in an effective way by Game 1? I hope so. But both were part of last year's disaster (albeit in different roles). If they had he answers, why couldn't we save the sinking ship last year?</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite coming off a terrible year, Hafley doesn't seem beaten. He seemed to use the offseason to assess everything and make the necessary changes (including adjusting his position on the portal). He has the right energy. I still believe. Let's hope he made the right moves and it all comes together. </div>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-59408676097428733722022-11-25T13:53:00.000-05:002022-11-25T13:53:59.731-05:00BC-Syracuse preview<p>Judging a team's mood on TV is admittedly some subjective B.S. but lots of people (including me) thought the BC team checked out and quit last week. It happens. This has been a long, frustrating and disappointing season. The final game won't erase the pain of the season but a win can smooth the edge a bit and give us all some hope heading into the offseason. We could really use a win Saturday.</p><p><b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br />I don't know where Jeff Hafley is going to start with his offseason changes. It would seem that offense would be Step 1, but I think the injuries raise questions about Strength & Conditioning and the defense is not beyond reproach. But making wholesale changes becomes tricky when half your roster could easily transfer if the mood strikes them. It is so hard to make hires when the perception is that you are a sinking ship. Your choices are often unproven guys or ones that no one wants. I hope whatever he does, the hires are better than the changes he made last offseason.</p><p><b>Three Simple Keys</b><br /><b>1. Win the first quarter.</b> Every game we are seemingly in a double digit hole. We need to come out and start the game with some defensive stops<b>.<br />2. Get Zay 10 touches. </b>The Jet Sweeps and end arounds weren't great but let's try it early. The threat of it should open things up elsewhere on the field. <br /><b>3. Run the ball somehow.</b> As much as I believe in Morehead, when we beat Dino's Syracuse teams, it is usually on the ground.</p><p><b>Gambling notes</b><br />-- Syracuse is 6-5 against the spread this year<b> </b><br /><b>-- </b>BC is 3-7 against the spread<br /><b>-- </b>Syracuse leads the series 32-22<br /><i>The current line is BC+10.5</i></p><p><b>Factoid</b><br />Our last losing regular season also concluded with a game against Syracuse. Of course BC lost that one too. </p><p><b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br />Michigan-Ohio State. I know I often talk about what could have been with regards to Ryan Day, but both Harbaughs had interest in BC when TOB left. A big West Coast booster pushed Gene to interview Jim (he didn't). But Gene did talk to John. </p><p><b>I hope to see...</b><br />The Offensive Line look much better. It has been a well documented mess all year. They now have experience under fire. A solid effort on Saturday would be a small payoff for the misery we all endured this fall watching them look so lost all year.</p><p><b>BC is in trouble if...</b><br />Morehead struggles. Assuming we make offensive coaching changes, we will need a solid QB to build around. If things don't go well for Morehead Saturday, who knows what BC will do with the QB position and who knows if Morehead will stick around.</p><p><b>Bottom Line</b><br />This is probably more a wish than a prediction. There is very little to base this on. Call it a hunch. I think BC comes out fired up for the first time all year and takes advantage of some Cuse mistakes.<br /><b>Final Score: </b>BC 28, Syracuse 21</p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-1299996919461556952022-11-18T22:29:00.000-05:002022-11-18T22:29:10.856-05:00BC-Notre Dame preview<div>Younger BC fans have no idea what this game once met. Right or wrong, it was the biggest game of the season. Should it have been? I don't want to quibble. It doesn't really matter now. Two decades ago that passion and focus was a great tool for TOB. With the ACC move and the Irish moving off our annual schedule, the Notre Dame game doesn't mean as much. But I can tell you one thing: if we win, it will be huge...especially to the people who used to care so much about beating the Irish. </div><b><div><b><br /></b></div>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br />A lot of BC fans are done with Hafley. That became pretty evident after the win last week. I don't begrudge those who lost faith. We've looked really bad throughout the year. I still believe, but it takes a lot of rationalizing. But what will it take for Hafley to win back our most passionate fans? I think Addazio showed it can't just be .500 football. If Hafley wants to show he learned and this year was just bad luck, he is going to need to have some big seasons in the next few years.<p><b>Three Simple Keys<br />1. Spread it around. </b>We got multiple guys catching passes last weekend. We need to keep it up. Even throw it to the RBs if you can. It opens things up for big plays to Zay.<br /><b>2. Protect the ball. </b>BC overcame mistakes last week. Let's not have to overcome the same sorts of turnover issues this week.<br /><b>3. Control the line on D. </b>I don't expect us to do anything in the trenches on offense, however, we are to the point where the DLine is playing well enough (at times). If we are going to do it this weekend, we need to penetrate and contain. </p><p><b>Gambling Notes</b><br />-- The Irish are 5-5 against the spread<br />-- BC is 3-7 against the spread<br />-- ND leads the series 16-9<br /><i>The current line is BC+20.5</i></p><p><b>Factoid</b><br />We played this game the Saturday before Thanksgiving in 1993.</p><p><b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br />It is not a great weekend for ACC Football. The most relevant game for us is Syracuse-Wake. Root for Wake so that Syracuse enters our game shaken and discouraged. </p><p><b>What I hope to see...</b><br />Another solid performance from Morehead. I don't like moral victories but do think building towards something next year is a positive way to end this season.</p><p><b>BC is in trouble if...</b><br />Morehead makes too many mistakes. Obviously it would be hard to beat the Irish, but a Morehead meltdown also puts a damper on my "building for next year" narrative.</p><p><b>Bottom Line</b><br />I think we will score on the Irish, but I don't know if we will get enough stops. I see us getting in a hole early...again. Battling back...again. But this time we don't do enough late.<b><br />Final Score:</b> BC 21, Notre Dame 28</p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-76130247912997660842022-11-11T22:06:00.001-05:002022-11-11T22:06:10.510-05:00BC-NC State preview<p>The remainder of the season is all about Morehead. The kid looked good last week and we need him to continue to look good this week. Win or lose, Hafley needs a narrative to change the momentum around the fan base and with recruits. A win this weekend would be huge, but another solid Morehead performance would be a nice building block regardless of the final score. </p><p><b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b> <br />Did you hear the student section reaction to any BC touchdown in the Beacon St. endzone? Or the passion the students showed during the Basketball opener? It is nice to see a spark. They have every reason to be apathetic. Many of the current students had a disrupted BC experience due to COVID. I hope they get a few memorable moments before the year is over. Like the Morehead discussion, it is no longer about this season. It is about building a better fan culture and experience long term.</p><p><b>Three Simple Keys<br />1. Air it out. Don't go too conservative. </b>Let Morehead throw often and aggressively. Who cares if we are one-dimensional. We just need to score.<br /><b>2. Change field positioning when you punt.</b> If you keep giving the other team short fields, you have to question if punting is ever worth it.<br /><b>3. Force turnover.</b> NC State protects the ball. We have to change that and get a little lucky.</p><p><b>Gambling Notes</b><br />-- BC is 2-7 against the spread<br />-- NC State is 3-6 against the spread<br />-- BC leads the series 10-8<br /><i>The current line is BC+19.5</i></p><p><b>Factoid</b><br />TOB was 3-5 in this series.</p><p><b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br />Clemson probably blew their shot at the playoff last week. Their only chance and the ACC's only hope is if they kill Louisville tomorrow, finish strong and a couple of other teams lose. </p><p><b>What I hope to see...</b><br />Better tackling. We have many issues, but the missed tackles on key drives have been killer.</p><p><b>BC is trouble if...</b><br />If we allow a touchdown on the opening drive. We can't come out flat and uninterested again. </p><p><b>Bottom Line<br /></b>I am not feeling it. Last week had promising moments but still enough mistakes and questionable play to give me doubt that we've turned the corner. I expect this week to be the same. BC competes but ultimately loses.<br /><b>Finale Score: </b>NC State 30, BC 20</p>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-68155631086603258762022-11-04T10:58:00.008-04:002022-11-04T10:59:35.326-04:00BC-Duke previewYou can debate where the UConn loss ranks among bad moments in BC Football, but it doesn’t really matter in a larger sense. Hafley will either bounce back from this and we will remember the game as a low-point, or we will keep losing for the next year and a half and just group this loss with a string of frustrating and embarrassing “L”s. <P>
After every loss I get asked if I have officially lost faith in Hafley. I keep hedging a bit because I like the guy and there are aspects of his approach which I respect and support. But each loss makes the hole that much deeper. Hafley will get another year to fix things, but who knows if he can. He can go a long way towards building trust and faith with his boss, his recruits and BC fans by starting to compete and win now.
<P>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b>
Nearly every time things go bad during a game the same litany of complaints kicks in about BC. I don’t need to rehash them or add new ones. I don’t think BC is perfect and do think there are plenty of flaws and problems. But what frustrates me is when complaints or problems in one area are cited as the source in another area. For example: when BC loses to UConn it is not due to Addazio or injuries or budgets or even Father Leahy. We had more talent and were favored and played like crap. That’s on the current coaches and players. I also don’t think our history limits our long-term potential. Nor does it guarantee that we won’t be terrible for decades. But as the churn at places like Nebraska or Texas or Miami shows, having the best recruiting or most money or best history doesn’t guarantee anything. You have to find the right coach for your program and then empower that coach to get the most out of his program. BC is clearly not doing that now, but we will have moments where it all comes together again. Will that be under Hafley? It is not looking like it, but someone will figure it out.
<P>
<b>Three Simple Keys</b><br>
<b>1. Keep Leonard in the pocket.</b> If he starts running, Duke’s offense starts rolling.<br>
<b>2. Protect the ball.</b> If we are more careful with the ball we have wins over UConn and Rutgers.<br>
<b>3. Keep going deep to Zay.</b> I can’t believe we don’t do it more. It is our only game changing option.
<br><P>
<b>Gambling Notes</b>
-- BC is 1-7 against the spread<br>
-- BC leads the series 5-3<br>
-- Duke is 2-2 as favorites this season<br>
<i>The current line is BC+10</i>
<P><b>Factoid</b><br>
Jeff Hafley’s first game and win was against Duke.
<P>
<b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br>
Wake-NC State could be telling. Wake fell apart last week and NC State has been typical NC State – good but not great. It is probably best for us if Wake comes out and kills the Wolfpack and sets their confidence back a bit.
<P>
<b>What I hope to see…</b><br>
Morehead play and play well. The QB situation is a mess. At this point why send Jurk out there less than 100%? Time off to heal his knee and confidence might help. Plus this gives the staff a little more time to see what they have in Morehead
<P>
<b>BC is in trouble if…</b><br>
They get down early. I have no faith in this team to fight through adversity.
<P>
<b>Bottom Line</b>
Do you think we will win? I can’t talk myself into it. The level of play on Offense is so incompetent that I don’t know how we haven’t fired the entire offensive staff. I hope that they put things together this week and keep it close, but all the signs point towards another blowout.<br>
<b>Final Score:</b> BC 10, Duke 27
ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-49851416045763688712022-10-28T16:23:00.000-04:002022-10-28T16:23:13.198-04:00BC-UConn previewGo back to August when we were all doing our annual look ahead. Is there anyone who would have predicted that UConn would enter this game with more wins than BC? Yet here we are. An apologist could spin this a lot of ways. UConn's fight, after years of futility, is admirable. But let's be honest: BC can't lose this game. Even with our flaws, we have a significant talent advantage. If we can't bring this one home, then we have the wrong people in place. <div><br /></div><div><b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b></div><div>Even though we've witnessed mediocre to bad football the past decade, it has all been relatively better than BC Basketball. Given how things are looking right now, it is probably safe to say basketball is going to have a better season than football. At a minimum it should be more fun than this year's football season. I don't know if the BC and Boston community will ever care about BC Basketball like they once did, but I encourage people to get on board. Grant is a likeable guy and his team last year played with an intensity that has been missing since the Skinner days. The expectations are growing and may be a bit premature, but I think we can expect this team to play competitive basketball all season and give us hope into March.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Three Simple Keys</b></div><div><b>1. Continue to use Jurk in the running game.</b> It worked for a bit...until Wake adjusted. But making him a viable threat, makes UConn a little less aggressive and gives our OLine a little more time. </div><div><b>2. Stop their run game.</b> Like us, UConn's line and backfield are banged up. We need to make them one dimensional and stop the running game.</div><div><b>3. Mix up coverage. </b>It is clear other teams are expecting man coverage on nearly every play. That is our base and our philosophy, so adding more wrinkles and different looks will create a few big plays or opportunities. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gambling Notes</b></div><div>-- BC leads the series 12-0-2</div><div>-- UConn is 6-22 all time vs the ACC</div><div>-- BC is 1-5 against the spread</div><div><i>The current line is BC-7.5</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Factoid</b></div><div>UConn has not beaten an ACC in the 2020s. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Scoreboard Watching</b></div><div>Syracuse-Notre Dame. Both are future opponents. Both would be big wins for BC. Notre Dame is trying to find itself. Syracuse is trying to bounce back from last week. This is a big game for both. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>What I hope to see...</b></div><div>Morehead take snaps during regulation because our lead is so big.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>BC is in trouble if...</b></div><div>It comes down to late field goals. Our Special Teams are shaky as is. If it comes down to a late field goal, do you trust that we won't choke this game away?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bottom Line</b></div><div>We will win this game. It might be a simple as we have Zay and they don't. If we are aggressive downfield and give him the ball in single coverage, we should jump start the scoring again. </div><div><b>Final Score:</b> BC 31, UConn, 13</div>ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9512562.post-5769079202256248882022-10-21T15:29:00.002-04:002022-10-21T15:29:25.922-04:00BC-Wake Forest previewTwo steps forward, one face plant back. The first half of the Clemson game was a solid follow up to the Louisville win. But the same mistakes creeped in and we were overwhelmed again. Hafley seemingly took exception to Dabo running up the score, but at this point it is on Hafley to keep these games competitive. The season is not over, but the schedule is tough. Some of the teams we thought would be heavy favorites (NC State, ND) might not, while ‘Cuse looks to be having one of those years where it all works for them. Even UConn is showing more fight than I expected. BC remains on the tight rope. This season could still fall completely apart. Hafley’s goal should be to keep us moving and give everyone some signs of encouragement.<P>
<b>What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)</b><br>
In the post game discussion surrounding the Clemson game, there were plenty of Clemson critics of the BC Game Day experience. I won’t get into the alleged student harassment, but the basic complaints about our narrow public spaces, dated concessions, bad bathroom setup and staffing challenges are legitimate. Churning through Athletic Directors didn’t help since this remains a long-term project. I hope the intended stability of the Blake James hire speeds up the planned renovations to Alumni. It is well passed time to fix some of these issues.
<P>
<b>Three Simple Keys</b><br>
<b>1. Jurk has to complete at least 55% of his passes.</b> It is that simple. He needs to be smarter and more accurate. I keep telling myself it will click soon. The Line is only part of the issue.<br>
<b>2. Use an extra lineman.</b> It worked early against Clemson but we went away from it. The extra protector gives us more time and can keep the run game relevant. What we lose in an extra skill player can be somewhat adjusted by the doubles Zay draws anyway.<br>
<b>3. Disrupt the mesh.</b> Attacking the mesh is a pick your poison options, but our DBs are good enough that I have no problem being aggressive at the line to get in there before Wake can make their usual reads.
<P>
<b>Gambling Notes</b><br>
-- BC leads the series 14-12-2<br>
-- Clawson is 4-3 vs BC<br>
-- Wake is 5-1 against the spread<br>
<i>The current line is BC+20.5</i>
<P>
<b>Factoid</b><br>
BC has a winning record in Winston-Salem.
<P>
<b>Scoreboard Watching</b><br>
Syracuse-Clemson. Is 'Cuse for real? I am in general a skeptic, but a win against Clemson would launch them into the Top 10.
<P>
<b>I hope to see…</b><br>
BC generate lots of turnovers. At this point we have to take more risks and get a little lucky. We have a defensive-minded coach. You would think we would be better ball hawks.
<P>
<b>BC is in trouble if…</b><br>
Wake covers. At this point it is not about hollow moral victories. Blowouts bother me more because it shows the staff can’t control games and most likely in this case, can’t generate points against a quality teams. It speaks to bigger issues about the season and how Hafley has to adjust in the offseason.
<P>
<b>Bottom Line</b><br>
I don’t think we are winning. I don’t think the season is over by any means, but I think Wake isn’t going to implode and make the mistakes we might. I think it has a similar pattern to other games where we come out strong, but they pull away in the second half.<br>
<b>Final Score:</b> BC 20, Wake 35
ATL_eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16014348799382628049noreply@blogger.com0