Early season start times announced

The ACC and BC released the start times for the first few weeks of the season. Some were already known and some were a surprise.

The first game is a bit out of BC's control. We will play Northern Illinois on a Friday night at 9:30 PM on CBS Sports. That is a little late for our players and our fans on the east coast. There's not much BC could do though. As the home team, Northern Illinois' TV partner picks the start time.

The second game is a 1 PM start at home vs Wake. The 1 PM games are good for tailgaters, but frustrating for a program perspective. This game will not be on real TV. We can all stream it via ACC/ESPN, but that is not the same.

The Notre Dame game will be at noon. That is also somewhat surprising. These days the Irish rarely play the noon game. The have a good west coast following and the early start makes it harder for those fans. I still expect it to be BC's highest rated Saturday game of the season.

The only game that might get a better rating is the prime time game against Florida State on a Friday night.

All the other start times will be announced during the season once our TV partners know which matchups are actually going to be good.

BC's Louisville game time on hold as Jackson Heisman campaign heats up

The ACC's TV partners are "holding" the TV slots for the weekend of November 5. The only game released from the schedule is UVA-Wake, which got the 3 pm Regional Cable game. All the other games are up in the air, including the BC-Louisville game. Now given that Louisville will probably be a 20 points or more favorite, why would ESPN wait to hold that game? Lamar Jackson. After blowing away NC State, he's back in the driver seat for the Heisman. And if he keeps lighting up scoreboards, his games will take on a must see element. I know ESPN wouldn't root against BC, but all they have to do is look at what Clemson did to us. You know the idea of Jackson hanging 60 or more would be great afternoon fodder.

There is a viral nature to Jackson too. He's been trending during all of Louisville's games. In fact, BCDee's tweet about him was picked up by Raycom and run at the bottom of the screen during our game with Syracuse.

I really don't want to get embarrassed again. Maybe we can use it as motivation. If BC shuts him down and pulls off an upset, the Heisman campaign is over. 

Final game gets 12:30 treatment

Thanksgiving weekend provides tons of TV spots. There are college games Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Despite those opportunities, BC will face Syracuse in the now familiar 12:30 PM Saturday slot. The game will be broadcast, not cable and you can probably find it on the usual ACC local stations.

BC is a good TV draw in general and certainly when we win. This year even started out well from a ratings standpoint. But losing takes its toll. I don't blame the ACC or the TV execs. Nearly every other ACC game has more appeal. Syracuse isn't even bringing much to the matchup.

But I do hope that the ACC, BC and Syracuse keep playing this game on the final weekend. The only way to make it a true rivalry is to play it every year in this slot and hope for more meaningful matchups.

I don't think many casual BC fans will make a point of watching this game this year. However, if we upset Notre Dame, all the BC fans you know will come out of the woodwork.

There are gaps in the ACC Network this week

Even as the season fell apart, there was generally easy access to BC games. We haven't had an ESPN3 game in weeks. This week it gets a little complicated. The ACC Network game is split between BC-NC State and Louisville-Syracuse. If you are in New England or the traditional ACC territories (Virginia, the Carolinas, etc.) you are fine. If you are in any market that might prefer Syracuse, you are watching online.

Here is the list of affiliates for the game. All of you in the Midwest, New York, New Jersey, and even the West Coast who watched BC locally last week are now stuck watching the stream. The good news is that the stream can come via ESPN3 or TheACC.com. I've never streamed using the ACC's feed, but I have heard it is better.

Now let's just hope the game is worth watching.

Start time announced for Virginia Tech

BC and the ACC released the TV schedule for BC-Virginia Tech. The game will start at 12:30 and be part of the regional ACC Network coverage. This is the over the air, not regional cable timeslot. Whatever local station that carries this week's game will likely carry the Virginia Tech game too. For those outside of the ACC's footprint, there is always the online stream

With the losses piling up, I don't see another national ACC game on our schedule. Notre Dame isn't even on NBC, but rather their cable channel NBCSN. If BC pulls out a win against Louisville, maybe ESPN will put our NC State game in a noon slot, but I am not counting on it. I think we are regional games the rest of the way.

BC-Clemson gets prime time treatment

The ACC announced the kickoff times for October 17 and slotted BC vs Clemson for prime time. The game will start at 7 pm and either be on ESPN2 or ESPNU.

While much of the TV appeal is based on Clemson's hot streak, BC is a big factor in the national prime time slot. Our game against FSU was one of ESPN's highest rated Friday night games.

The ESPN2-ESPNU aspect will be cleared up next week. I think the network is hoping we handle Wake and Clemson doesn't trip up against Georgia Tech.

TV times for Duke and TV ratings for FSU

Friday night games might not be a hit with season ticket holders, but the concept works on TV. BC's game against Florida State drew a 2.3 overnight rating and was the highest rated Friday night game in three years. For years now BC has been a better TV draw than we are at the ticket counter. While some of it can be attributed to our far-flung alumni base, a lot of it is driven by viewers in Boston. Someone one day will figure out how to get all those local fans watching on TV into Alumni. 

Not surprisingly our good showing enticed Raycom to pick up the Duke game for their 3:30 slot. Like all regional ACC 3:30 games this will be a patchwork of local cable networks. In New England the game will be on NESN. Most everyone else will see it on their regional Fox Sports channel. 

Predictable TV times and other links

Since it is a Friday game, we knew BC-Florida State would be on ESPN. Friday the school announced the kickoff times and TV coverage for Maine and Howard. Predictably both will be on ESPN3. Both games start at 1 pm. At this point, the ESPN3 things shouldn't bother me. The production values have improved and you can stream it on a big screen, but the whole aspect still feels small time. The other kick times will be announced two weeks prior to the game. 

Now that Croke Park is off the table, Aviva Stadium is the likely host of a potential BC-Georgia Tech game in Ireland.

Hanlan generated good buzz at the NBA Combine. 

Baseball split their final games with Notre Dame and finished the season 27-27 (10-19 in ACC play). That buys Gambino another season and hopefully gives Bates enough momentum to get the much needed baseball facilities and funding moving.

BC will play Penn State in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge. 

 

Cuse kickoff time and other links

The ACC announced that BC's game with Syracuse will be a 12:30 start. It is considered a regional game and carried on most of your regional affiliates. (Probably similar to the same station lineup that carried Wake or NC State.) It will also be BC's Senior Day. While I would have preferred a national slot on one of the ESPN networks, at this point I just want BC to avenge last year's heartbreak to the Orange.

The spread of the BC-Florida State game is now up to FSU-20. But as this betting column noted FSU has faced inflated spreads all year and are only 3-7 ATS.

Hanlan made the preseason Wooden list. Based on the first two games, the team and Olivier will have to improve to remain on the list.

Root for FSU this weekend

ESPN/ABC put two games in their six-day scheduling holds, which means we won't know the start time of BC-Florida State until Sunday. Since we are not playing this weekend, the decision on start times really comes down to who wins the Miami-Florida State game this weekend. If Florida State wins then BC will likely take on the Seminoles in a prime time slot. A bad FSU loss would probably move the game to a ABC earlier on Saturday. I don't really care about when we play. I think it is important for Florida State to win this weekend because of what it means for BC and the ACC.

The College Football Playoffs haven't even started and are already generating controversy. Who's in and who's out is a big deal. For reasons ranging to TV money and recruiting, the ACC needs to have a representative. If Florida State wins out they are a lock to make the mini-tournament. If they lose, the ACC might be shut out of the first playoff.

But I am also not suggesting BC lie down for the betterment of the conference. I want Florida State to be No. 1 and undefeated when we play them. If any team is going to play spoiler, let it be us. Ending their winning streak and ruining their season would bring major attention to BC and to what Addazio is doing. While the ACC would take a hit, BC's recruiting and fan support would improve.

Even if Miami upsets FSU, the game could still be in prime time. That would be fine, but the whole thing would feel a bit like a let down. So go 'Noles. I want to beat the best at their best!

Seguin joins Athletic Department and other links

Brad Bates hired BC grad Jamie Seguin as Deputy Athletics Director. In her role, Seguin will focus on internal operations.

As expected, the USC game will be on national television and in prime time on one of the ESPN/ABC networks.

Pennsylvania WR Prospect Amechie Walker plans to camp at BC this summer.

ESPN confused KPL with the other KPL.

Johnny Gaudreau keeps making the highlight reels for Team USA.

VT gametime and other links

Our game against Virginia Tech will be a noon kickoff with a national TV audience. I think this is again a good confidence boost in our TV appeal. ESPN/ABC have not determined which actual network will carry the game yet. That will be decided after the North Carolina game.

In other encouraging TV news, our game against UNC is getting pretty good pick up on regional sports networks. The Tar Heels are 1-5 and still a regional team in football, so I don't think they can take credit for the game being shown out West or throughout the Midwest.

Surprisingly North Carolina remains a 7-point favorite in our game. I know we have a lot to prove, but I am surprised there remains that much confidence in a one-win team.

ESPN has us bowling but keeps us down in the Power Rankings.

Women's Hockey handled Dartmouth.

Women's Soccer tied Miami.

Predicting the start time for the USC game time announced UPDATED

[Updated: Austin Tedesco pointed out this press release from the spring that says it is a noon PT start. I will try to get confirmation from BC over which Pac 12 schedule is accurate.]

[USC put out a press release. Noon PT start. Probably the best news for BC fans and team travel. The rest of this post is obviously wrong and a waste of time.]

One month from today, BC will play USC in the Coliseum. Although we played the Trojans a few years ago in the San Fran Bowl, this game is still a big deal. USC is one of college football's traditional powers and it will be a true early test for our team and new staff. We already know the game will be on the Pac 12 Network, but we won't know the official start time until two weeks before the game. But looking at the schedule, I think we can start to guess when the game will kickoff.

Based on the announced start times for the weekend before our game, the Pac 12 Network will slot games for 11 AM PT, 2 PM PT, 5 PM PT, 8 PM PT. In general, TV people will always put their best TV draw in their primetime slot. Is BC vs USC the best game on our weekend? You be the judge:

Pac 12 Network Games for September 14
BC vs USC
UT-San Antonio vs Arizona
Southern Utah vs Washington State
Fresno State vs Colorado (already scheduled for the 11 AM game)

If you were a TV programmer, which game would you put in prime time? The only other game that might justify the evening slot is Fresno State and Colorado, but that has already been assigned the 11 AM kickoff.

That leaves 2 PM, 5 PM and 8 PM for the other games. USC on its own would usually merit the late kickoff. Add in another BCS program and it is almost a sure thing.

Now USC and the Pac 12 could be considerate hosts and not force BC to play a game at the equivalent of 11 PM our time. An earlier game might also generate a better audience on the East Coast...if anyone actually had access to the Network. BC will probably make a plea to play early for travel reasons too. In the end, I don't think it will matter. I think we are destined for the late, late start and Eagles fans being forced to keep their local sports bars open late.

Notre Dame game officially an 8 PM start

As predicted, BC will host Notre Dame at night. Brad Bates broke the news via twitter. The game will be shown nationally at 8 PM on ABC. BC will be heavy underdogs but I am still hoping for some BC-Notre Dame magic. I don't think ESPN would mind some magic too.

Saturday practice and other links

Despite the bye week, there was still action in Alumni Saturday. The football team held a practice in preparation for Clemson. I am actually in favor of this. It is too early in the season to give the guys time off and we've seen this team struggle with the basics at times. An extra practice can't hurt. (Photo provided by Andrew C.)

Soaring to Glory will be unveiling their hockey preview in the coming weeks. Based on the thoroughness of their football previews, you should definitely check it out.

The ACC announced the kickoff time for BC's game with Clemson. It will be on ESPN2 at 3:30 Eastern.

Women's soccer beat Virginia Tech, while the men beat San Francisco.

Kickoff time for NC State and other links

BC's final home game of the season will be a 12:30 kickoff and carried regionally on the ACC Network. It might also might be the last time Spaz and TOB are on the same field together!

The ACC named Finch its offensive back of the week. Things used to be simpler when there were just players of the week. Duece would have won it most weeks with that sort of game.

Maryland fans are getting some well-deserved criticism for the poor showing on Saturday.

Here is the ACC's preview of BC basketball.

The weekend was a good one for the hockey team as they remain undefeated in Hockey East play.

Hockey No. 1, tv news and other links

I never give hockey enough attention, so it is important to note that after a great opening weekend, they are now No. 1 in the national polls.

The Virginia Tech game will be a 3 PM ET start on a regional network. Most likely which ever station carried the Clemson game in your market.

The Coaches Hot Seat blog has a long section on BC yet most of it is directed at Gene. They even included an AD's hot seat in honor of our AD (of course Gene is only No. 2 there).

Bruce Feldman calls our season one of the most disappointing. It is a relief to read the national guys calling this season what it is. My fear was that most would just dismiss it as "a fluke under such a great defensive mind in Spaz."

Future Eagle Akeel Lynch had a great weekend. As did NJ commit Dan Crimmins.

Great post here from Heights and Lows on how BC gave up at Clemson. The best line on our rolling over -- "it also was the moment the ass-kicking went from 'perceived' to 'consensual.'"

Other ACC bloggers are shooting holes right through Blaudschun's ACC-Big East article.

Even HD hedging a bit on the Spaz excuse train. She realizes that there are bigger issues and that the fans are unhappy.

Connecticut prospect A.J. Zuttah is hoping for a BC offer.

Interesting post on how style of play is important in marketing college programs in pro cities.

UCF game on national TV and other links

As expected the BC-UCF game will be in prime time on CBS College Sports. This isn't much of a surprise. CBSCS has the rights to Conference USA games and usually jumps at the chance to show a game when a Conference USA team hosts a BCS team. As for carriage, most of you can get CBS College Sports in cable and satellite sports packages.

Philly OL prospect Frank Taylor is expected to commit to BC on Wednesday. Taylor has a good mix of offers from big time programs and academic schools. He seems like a good fit, now let's get some more.

Here is another season preview. It's pretty straight forward. One pattern I have noticed is that no one seems concerned about Harris's recovery.

BC is not the only ACC school struggling to sell tickets.

Women win, Cuse on TV and other links

BC beat Hartford 93-66 in Conte Monday night. The women now improve to 2-0.

Our game against Syracuse will be on national TV! Who would have thought. The noon kickoff will be on ESPN or ESPN 2. This is technically part of the Big East TV package, but it doesn't hurt that both schools are playing better.

BC added VA DB Spencer Rositano to the recruiting class.

The Packers added Robert Francois to their practice squad again.

Get your questions ready for Gene and other links

Gene is holding a chat this Thursday. I beg you, please don't ask anything about tailgating, improving the football schedule or adding men's lacrosse. He has answered all possible variations on those topics. Instead I recommend asking about 2011 ticket sales, his opinion of the coaching staff and our TV coverage.

Our final home game of the year will be a noon kickoff and on ESPNU.

Although we stand at 4-5, the talking heads consider us a bowl team. Most predict we will return to San Francisco for what is now called the
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. I think the DC Bowl would be a better fit and get a better crowd, but playing in front of our Northern California fans again is not a bad default. Plus the game is played on January 9 which means we would be the final game before the National Championship.