Finch finally gone and other thoughts on the first scrimmage

Every time there is a coaching change it is a chance for a player to get a fresh start. With Addazio's desire to run the ball, someone like Duece Finch (who has shown potential but also had a star-crossed career) might have thrived in his final year. Instead, he has left the team. No real reason other than "personal." Let's hope he graduates this spring and finds a good place for himself next year.

As important on Saturday was the team's first scrimmage. The good news is that we still passed the ball! Rettig was efficient and they didn't make him run much. Addazio praised Rettig's progression and thinks he is coming along.  And Rettig seems ready to do whatever the coaches want.

More than anything, sounded like Rettig just wants to win, & it doesn't matter to him what plays are called for who. Taking leadership role.
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) April 6, 2013

Anyone who feared Addazio would try to make Rettig into Tim Tebow can probably rest easy. But it does sound like there will be run-oriented packages for Bordner. In general I hate the two QB system, but I am willing to be patient during the Spring.

The other good news is that the scrimmage was packed with recruits. Addazio is getting guys to check us out. Now it is a matter of closing.

Finally, all reports said the tone and intensity was markedly different. The guys were hitting hard. I don't think that a few hard hitting practices changes a programs (in fact, Spaz had some very physicals practices), but it does sound like the guys are buying in and want to win.

Men's soccer knocked out of ACC Tourney and other links

Clemson knocked BC out of the ACC men's soccer tournament with penalty kicks. After two OTs, the shootout is a brutal way to lose. BC finishes the season 8-5-5. 

Pat Forde addressed Spaz in his Forte-yard dash column. I think he undersells the quality of the job. Support is not great and recruiting is tough, but the pressure is low and the conference is very winnable.

Greg Joyce wrote a great column on Duece Finch. As the No. 2 running back on the depth chart, Finch will play this weekend. 

Good news on Finch and other links

Who needs the Boston papers when BC updates the injury status of its star players. I am glad Finch will be back quickly. Now it will be interesting if and when BC makes a coaching change if the twitter account will continue to break news. (Also check out BC's twitter account for great behind the scenes shots of picture day.)

This is a decent and straight forward preview from Yahoo! and it was also written by a BC guy.

More on Marshalls' BC transfers.

BC didn't wait long to backfill its open scholarship. New Jersey WR Charlie Callinan committed Thursday.

This article on new freshman David Dudeck gives good details on the life during BC's summer sessions.

Former Eagle Craig Smith decided to play in Israel. Interesting that the move wasn't about money. Smith is hoping that getting playing time will open eyes in the NBA.

Another preview video

Finch injured, Oline struggles and I am still not worried

Eric Hoffses wrote a good recap of the second scrimmage. Rettig looked decent, but the big news was Duece Finch hurting his leg. (It is way too early to blame the recent spat of leg injuries on the new turf. but we will have to watch for a trend.) Hoffses also mentioned how much the OL struggled. The defensive line backups were even getting penetration.

Even as the players keep dropping, I am not worried about the latest impact. Finch is good, but I have a feeling we will pass more this season. If the carries are fewer, Williams and Kimble can fill the void.

I am frustrated by the offensive line, but not truly worried. If BC does pick up the tempo and Rettig matures, they can cover mistakes up front.

Every team suffers injuries. BC has yet to lose one player that cannot be replaced. We have decent depth all around and I think this season will not be about Finch or Pantale. It will be about Rettig and Spaz.

We only have a few weeks before kickoff. I don't care if by then half the roster is gone, things will still be better than we are now. Bad BC football is still better than no BC football.

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.