"BC Rule" sinks Gator Bowl deal

The ACC has promoted the Champs Bowl in Orlando as its third place destination after talks with the Gator Bowl fell apart. What happened with the Gator? Well it seems that the folks in Jacksonville rejected the "one-wine" rule (aka the "BC rule"). For those who are not familiar with the "BC rule" it means that a bowl cannot bypass a team and select a team two wins behind them in the standings. Example: a BC team with a 5-3 conference record was available to the Gator. The Gator could still select a team with a 4-4 record, but not a team that's 3-5 in the ACC.

This rule was instituted after BC got dropped all the way to Boise in our first year in the conference. Despite it being attached to us, most of the ACC supports the concept as it adds some level of meritocracy to the selection process. Without out the rule, the big travelers (Clemson, FSU, VT and NC State) would go to best bowls before the Miamis and BCs of the conference.

I am sorry to see the Gator go but glad the conference took a stand. Plus the Champs Bowl was a good time in 2007.

A few more Champs pics

These are courtesy of TokenMom

Champs Bowl pictures

I am having camera issues, so my pictures are still stuck on my new Christmas present. Thankfully BCDF22 filled the void with his shots from the game. He did a great job capturing the crowd and some of the rough edges of the Citrus Bowl. Enjoy.

Second viewing thoughts and grade report: Champs Sport Bowl

I finally got around to watching the broadcast. It definitely had a different vibe than watching it live in Orlando. Overall it was a good end to a very good season. Here are my thoughts and grades.


Offense: B

During the game I did not feel Ryan played well. He seemed off and missed bigger plays downfield. Watching back, I realized the effort was better than I originally thought. His passes were pretty sharp and he did a good job anticipating the pressure. His numbers weren’t great but there were plenty of drops. Not his best effort, but he went out with a win and is the only BC quarterback to play in four bowls.

The running game was anemic and neither AC nor LV did anything particularly special in the passing game. AC did provide a critical block in the first TD drive. Late in the game he had a few runs that burned clock. LV had a few good runs, but that stuff was negated by his dropped passes and a critical blown assignment that led to the Ryan fumble. McLuskey blocked well in the run game (the line was the issue) and ran well when asked.

The line ended their uneven season with an uneven game. The pattern of the past few games held true -- good games from Tennant and Ramsey, off night for Cherilus, decent game from Castonzo and nothing of note from the Hall/Anevski rotation. I was glad Ramsey got credit for his play early in the game. He really finished the season with a nice stretch of very good games. Tennant was solid as usual. The announcers pinned the exchange problem in the fourth on him, but watching it back I thought it was more on Ryan pulling away too early. Cherilus…ugh. I’ll have more on him in the year in review. He once again got called for a false start and had real trouble with their speed. One big positive about Gos…even though he didn’t have a great game, he was the first to back up his teammate during the numerous trash talking scrums.

Rich Gunnell put together another great game. I am excited about his future as his hands are better and he is making great adjustments. He’s also showing that he’s physical and fast enough to be a lead receiver. Let’s hope he build on his efforts next season. BRob struggled but was battling injuries. Jarvis had some big catches. Megwa dropped a few. Off night form Purvis. Loyte had a nice TD and one big drop later in the game.

Loved the game Logan called. Our running game did not work, but he kept them honest with the occasional attempt. In the second half, he started stretching the field with the deep ball. We didn’t put up many points, but considering MSU’s aggressive D and our drops, this was a good gameplan with good adjustments.

Defense: B

The Defensive tackles played well. Brace and Smith were very aggressive and I loved Smith’s hustle. Rossi played well and created the fumble that Herzy recovered. The defensive ends were not as good. Ramella and Larkin got pushed around and failed to hold contain when State ran off tackle. Even the second team D Ends, Deska and Giles had trouble closing on Hoyer.

Herzy had a great game. The play that stands out was his jump to bat the ball in the second half. It was instinctive and very athletic. Mixed game from Dunbar – many good plays but he got burned in the passing game a few times, including the first TD. Akins had a good game too. After a rough start to the season, he played very well down the stretch. Pruitt was quiet. With Dunbar out there, McLaughlin didn’t see the field as often.

Very good game from Tribble. It was good to have him back. Morris played well. Rollins also had a strong game. Gause saw less playing time. Anderson played very well. Good adjustments in the passing game and good run support. Silva – what else can be said? He ended his career with a perfect night. He did everything right and made big play after big play.

Special Teams: C

Our punt returns were good. Everything else, not so much.

The usually sturdy Ayers had a few shanks (although the punt coverage was decent). The kickoffs went deep…and were returned deeper. Our kick coverage has been good this year. Don’t know why it fell apart in the bowl?

Overall: B+

Once they shook off the first quarter rust the team settled in and looked good. At halftime we made the right adjustments. If not for the fumble, the game wouldn’t have been as close. Congrats to Jags on the 11 wins and a great first season.

Yet another BC travel post

Leading up to the Champs Bowl, I heard plenty of complaints about our bowl situation. I am equally frustrated and think BC should lead the charge for a full playoff. Until that unlikely day comes we are stuck with the current the ACC bowls. I've done enough brow beating and pleading for BC fans to travel the past two months. Now I'll take a different tact -- selling the merits of travel.

Bowls are fun
Some are more fun than others, but the Champs might be the best of the non-New Years Day games. The players and staff had a really good time. They went to all the parks. Enjoyed the night life and weather. Every BC fan I came across also had a good time. Tailgating in shorts in December can't be beat. And outside of all the bells and whistles of the locale, you still get to see BC play another football game.

Travelling to BC games is fun
I've been to the desirable locations (South Bend, Clemson, etc.) and the miserable (Temple and Rutgers). One thing is consistent -- travelling to see BC play has a different feel than a game at Alumni or watching on TV. The setting and being the few amongst the many provide a unique experience. When on the road there is also the chance to meet and bond with other people who share your passion for BC. You should have seen the lobby of the Marriott after the game. SuperFans everywhere. Players and their families hanging out at the restaurant and bars. People still sitting poolside. You'd be hard pressed to find someone who wasn't smiling and feeling good about BC football. Would we all have preferred to have been celebrating a National Championship or even an Orange Bowl? Of course. But that's not the point. These guys had just accomplished something that no BC team had done in 67 years and when they got back to their hotel there were 1,000+ people welcoming them. It was a fun scene to soak in.

The Champs Bowl might not have been the Flutie Cotton Bowl or beating the 1993 Notre Dame game, but I think it will serve as an important turning point in BC support and travel. The school pulled out all the stops for fans -- charter buses all over Florida, free tickets for students, bringing the band, and most importantly letting the players get down there early and revel in the experience. The game was very well attended. BC had well more fans than the 5,000 tickets sold. Half the lower bowl was wearing maroon and gold. The Champs folks came away with nothing but good things to say. This will be their best attended and highest rated game since the bowl relocated to Orlando.

Teams that supposedly travel well are disappointing this year. West Virginia hasn't sold enough tickets for the Fiesta Bowl. UVA and Texas Tech will play in front of plenty of empty seats at the Gator Bowl. One day BC will get another chance to play in a more meaningful game. Don't wait until then. It doesn't pay to be a bowl snob. You're missing out and so is BC. If you have the time and means and enjoy BC football, hit the road. You won't be disappointed.

If you made it to Orlando and have some thoughts on the experience, please share them in the comments section. Given the number of BC fans I came across in the pregame parking lots and at the Marriott, I know others also had a great time. Spread the word.

Gamewatches: Champs Bowl

Since it is a holiday week, I have no idea what is in place around the country regarding game watches. These are the places that have standing events. Please email me or post in the comments if there are additional ones. The game is on ESPN so most of you can watch it from your house, but sometimes it is just more fun to watch with other eagles around.


Atlanta Game Watch
Frankie’s Sports Bar, Frankie's (Sandy Springs at The Prado)
5600 Roswell Road NE

Boston Game Watch
Game On
82 Lansdowne Street
Boston

Chicago Game Watch
Finley Dunnes Tavern
3458 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago

Dallas Game Watch
Mckinney Avenue Tavern (the MAT)
2822 Mckinney Avenue
Dallas

Los Angeles Game Watch
Sonny McLean's
2615 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica

New York City Game Watches
Pat O'Briens
1701 2nd Avenue (2nd ave and 88th street)
New York, NY

Society Bar and Restaurant
535 LaGuardia Pl (Corner of LaGuardia and Bleeker)
New York, NY

Philadelphia Game Watch
Fox and Hound Smokehouse and Tavern
1501 Spruce Street
Philadelphia

Washington, D.C. Game Watch
Porter's Dining Saloon
The corner of 19th and M, Sts. NW and is walking distance from the Dupont Circle, Farragut North, and Farragut West Metro stations

BC-Michigan State preview

Doesn’t it feel like ages since we last played? Prior to some recent bowl games, we were distracted by coaching searches or the joy of just getting in a bowl. Not this season. This game was and is a letdown for a team that flirted with something bigger. Regardless of prestige or lack thereof, BC and Jags need to win this game. It would cap the season on a positive note, get BC to 11 wins and shift the bowl-streak from a TOB accomplishment to a BC accomplishment.

Theme that won’t be discussed on television. In reading about Michigan State the past few weeks, I keep coming across the stat that they lost five games by a combined 28 points. I am sure we’ll hear some variation of it on Friday. I believe the announcers will describe Michigan State as either unlucky or better than their record. I know the ESPN team will not do a deep dive into how this stat can be misleading nor will they compare MSU to other 7-5 teams. As a believer in point differential, the Spartans’ near misses did catch my attention. On the season Michigan State has a point differential of 107, which is high for a 7-5 team. For comparison, these 7-5 teams had the following point differentials, Florida State (12), Georgia Tech (82), Kentucky (83). But all of those teams played a tougher schedule than the Spartans. When you compare Michigan State’s point differential to another 7-5 Big Ten team in Purdue (98), the 107 doesn’t seem as impressive or unlucky. BC’s point differential at 10-3 is only 108. We suffered a -14 setback by playing and losing an extra game. Our numbers were also impacted by the unusual number of INTs returned for TDs. What does it all mean? Nothing for the actual bowl game. As I’ve said in the past, point differential is a good indicator of how lucky or unlucky a team was. Michigan State is probably better than their record but not to the point that they should be favored or that BC should be worried.

Three Simple Keys
1. Stop the run. The D has been making teams one dimensional all season. It is more important against a team like Michigan State, whose gameplan depends on establishing the run.
2. Protect Ryan. Michigan State’s best passrusher is an academic casualty and will not be playing in the bowl. Don’t expect that to change the Spartans’ defense. They will still come after Ryan. I expect looks like Georgia Tech and UMass gave us – blitzs from every position. It will be important for AC to pick up the extra man.
3. TDs instead of FGs. Moving the ball won’t be an issue. However, scoring points might be. The second half of the season saw too many drives stall in the red zone.

Gambling notes
-- BC is 5-2 against the spread during the bowl win streak
-- BC is 3-1-1 against Michigan State
-- BC is 12-6 in bowl games
The current line is BC-4

What would be a pleasant surprise? Cruising to victory. Both teams have played numerous close games. There is no reason to think this game will be different.

What would be a letdown? Losing. I would really like to get to 11 wins.

What would be a shocker? A sound MSU win. Relates back to the pleasant surprise. This team (and group of seniors) have been in every game and fought hard throughout their four years. I would be surprised and disappointed if they don’t show up for their last game.

Bottom Line
I think BC wins this game. Even though this is Jags first as a Head Coach, the people and the players around the program know how to prepare and get mentally ready for a bowl. It also helps that Michigan State will be without some of their best players.
Final Score: BC 35, Michigan State 24

Guest Blogger: Bleeding Green

Most BC fans long for any coverage of the Eagles from the Boston media. Out in Michigan, things are a little different. The Spartans have a very good professional blog dedicated to Michigan State sports. To get a better feel of our Champs Bowl opponent, I've asked Joe from Bleeding Green a few questions about Michigan State. His answers are below. For more on Michigan State and general coverage of the Champs Bowl, check out Bleeding Green.


1. Michigan State's pass defense has been hit or miss. They generate plenty of pressure on the QB, but also have been picked apart and given up some big plays through the air. Do you think they will be more conservative going up against one of college football's better pass offenses like BC?

Bleeding Green: I really don't think they'll be more conservative, because Pat Narduzzi blitzes everyone. MSU's ends, Saint-Dic and Baldwin, are the strength of the defense and have been able to get heat on their own. But Narduzzi still sends the linebackers a lot and occasionally a cornerback. The way he's looking at this game is, if you sit back in coverage, Ryan will dink you to death. May as well try to get after him, maybe hit him a few times, gamble that BC's receivers won't beat you deep.

2. BC has been very good stopping the run. The most effective part of Michigan State's offense is its ground game and that is where the Spartans' best playermakers are. If the rushing attack gets stymied, how does MSU usually adjust?


Bleeding Green: This will be a very fun matchup to watch. Ohio State was the one team that really stuffed MSU's rush attack this year. The Spartans had pretty good success against everyone else. But in the final two games of the season, against Purdue and Penn State, both teams stacked the line and MSU had to pass to loosen things up. Quarterback Brian Hoyer played well in both games, and receiver Devin Thomas dominated. If Hoyer is playing well, this is a very difficult offense to handle, because backs Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick are both effective runners. Ringer is the primary back, elusive and speedy, and Caulcrick is the power guy.

3. What is your assesment of Mark D'Antonio's first year in East Lansing?


Bleeding Green: Dantonio's first year has been impressive. He inherited an underachieving team that went 4-8 last season and completely collapsed after blowing a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter to lose to Notre Dame. He changed from spread to pro-style, and zone blocking to gap blocking, and the offense has been productive and balanced all season. He improved the defense, although the personnel is not there right now for major improvement. Most impressively, he somehow changed a losing culture that really took root under Bobby Williams in the early 2000s. A team known for falling apart in the face of adversity (blowing a 10-point lead to lose to rival Michigan was expected to kill the season) instead battled back to beat Purdue and Penn State. Also, the Spartans were not blown out all season. All five losses were by a touchdown or less -- including overtime losses to Iowa and Northwestern that never should have happened. The U-M loss was a crusher. MSU had a chance to win at Wisconsin on the road but lost 37-34. The Ohio State game finished 24-17, but the Buckeyes dominated most of that game before MSU came back with a couple defensive touchdowns. So it's been a good year, but also a year that could have been much better. That's where Dantonio and his staff deserve some criticism. There was some questionable playcalling late in the losses to Wisconsin, Northwestern and Iowa. To Dantonio's credit, he acknowledged that he and his staff should have done some things different in those games.


4. What is your prediction for the game?

Bleeding Green: I'm not technically allowed to make a prediction until it runs in our paper on game day. But at this point I expect a competitive, entertaining game. I think both offenses will be able to move the ball and score. I've seen Boston College several times this season, and I think MSU will have a very difficult time stopping Ryan and that offense. I also think BC will have a tough time with Devin Thomas, he really is a special talent. Overall, I'd have to say I favor the Eagles slightly.

Band: "We're going to DisneyWorld"

Mini-controversy averted as the full band will now be at the Champs Bowl. Makes things a little more expensive for BC but those kids deserve a nice trip, too. In honor of the Orlando vacation maybe they should do a little Disney medley during the game -- "It's a Small World," "Pirates Life for Me," etc. -- instead of "Sweet Caroline."

More advice to students from old man Atleagle

"In my day, there was only Disneyland and the Rose Bowl. We didn't have new fandangled things like DisneyWorld or the Champs Bowl!"

My last lecture to students was well received by alumni, but didn’t seem to spike attendance among current students. For shame, you youngsters! In my day, we weren’t in the ACC. We didn’t compete for championships. We lost to teams like Temple! You sat through a thunderstorm as we lost to Florida State. Big deal! I sat through a thunderstorm as we lost to Army.

I told you to go to Jacksonville. We lost, but we had a good time. Now I am telling you to go to Orlando. BC is behind this too. They are giving students **FREE TICKETS**. Come on! When I was at BC we paid for everything! The only free thing I got in four years was a bunch of bus rides, but that required freezing at the bus stop for hours each day.

You cannot use exams as an excuse this time. You cannot use time as an excuse. What is there to do at home during Christmas week? Hang out with a bunch of your high school friends? Get in the car and road trip it with a bunch of SuperFans. You get to see Matty Ryan for one last time. You can hit the amusement parks. Heck, they even give away free beer at SeaWorld. If you cannot have fun in Orlando with a bunch of college friends, you’ve got problems.

Go to the Champs Bowl. Next season will probably be a step back. We’ll be fighting for the bowls in San Francisco or Boise. This is the one to go to. BC fans need to shake our travel rep and it starts with you.

**Free tickets**. Florida. Christmas time. We wish we had it this good back in the day.


[**HOW TO GET FREE TICKETS: Beginning Monday, December 12, 2007, students may come down to the Ticket Office during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and pick up their ticket to the bowl game. Students will need to show their BC ID in order to receive their ticket and there is a limit of one ticket per BC student. Additional tickets may be purchased for $60 each. This offer will end on Wednesday, December 19, 2007.]

BC vs The Big Ten

One of the benefits of bowl season is seeing various matchups that don't occur during the regular season. Michigan State-BC is one of those matchups. We've only played the Spartans five times, most recently in 1995. BC has never faced a Big Ten team in a bowl game. In fact, I was surprised by how rarely we play Big Ten teams. Considering we were independent for much of our history, you would think we would have served as a schedule filler with these midwest powers. This just shows that these schools have been lightening their load for decades. Of the current Big Ten schools, we have never played Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Purdue nor Wisconsin in football. The following is our record against the Big Ten schools we have faced.

-- Indiana 1-0

-- Michigan 0-4

-- Michigan State 3-1-1

-- Northwestern 1-2

-- Ohio State 0-3

-- Penn State 4-19 (BC has only played Penn State twice since the Lions joined the Big 10)