Second viewing thoughts and grade report: Weber State

The feature is still up but now posted over at Eagle Insider. Watching the game back made me feel better. The team did not play well, but still has real potential.

It's a start

A nice day. A nice win. A sloppy, sloppy game. Shinskie looked like bad Dave of 2009. The defense eased up and allowed Weber State too many easy passes. I am telling myself it is only Weber State, but part of me is concerned. They slept walked for long stretches and we cannot do that against quality competition.

The highlight was seeing 94 back on the field.

I'll have second viewing thoughts and grades up late Sunday.

In-game comments post: Weber State

The season is finally here and I don't think anyone is more excited than the Herzlich family. I don't expect much drama, but this post is for you to leave your thoughts throughout the game. You can also follow me on Twitter or join the discussion on the Eagle Insider message boards.

Game Day!

Thanks to Cypher for the great clip.

Game Watches: Weber State

This is Labor Day weekend and the game is on ESPN3.com (fka ESPN 360) so there are fewer game watches around. However, if your club is having one, post it in the comments and email me the info.

Chicago Game Watch
Trinity
2721 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60614-1413

Denver Game Watch
Big Game Restaurant & Lounge
1631 Wazee St
Denver, CO 80202

Season prediction Part III: what will happen

Forget the best and worst. These are my actual predictions for 2010. Last year I successfully predicted a 8-5 season, but didn't come close on our ACC record or how the bowl would play out. This year I think I have a better feel for our team's capabilities and our opponents. As I've been hammering home the past few weeks, I think this will be a special season. Here is how it will play out.

Weber State. Win. Not only do we win, but we get so far ahead that we get to play walk-ons.

Kent State. Win. Another dominant performance which includes the WRs looking much better than we could have anticipated.

Virginia Tech. Loss. A tough loss as the Hokies are determined to stop our running game and we cannot contain Taylor on defense.


Notre Dame. Win. I like Brian Kelly and think the Irish will be good this year. We will just be better. (Their defense will be their Achilles all year.)

At NC State. Win. We've had some weird games in Raleigh. I still have nightmares about the Hail Mary in 2006 and in 2008 Chris Crane put together the game of his life. I don't predict any strange occurrences this year...just a BC win.

At Florida State. Loss. Florida State played spoiler in 2005 and 2007. I think they add another blemish to an otherwise great year.

Maryland. Win. Even though we have controlled the series, I am always a little fearful of Maryland. Most of the games have been close and despite the slide to the basement of the ACC, I still respect Fridge. This season is more of the same as BC wins a close one.

Clemson. Win. Spaz makes up for one of the most embarrassing games of his first season with a decisive win here.

At Wake Forest. Win. I think Wake will have a down year which makes this a real trap game. But we hold on for the win.

At Duke. Win. Duke is headed in the right direction but we still control the game for the win.

Virginia. Win. This victory clinches the division and another chance at the ACC Championship game.

At Syracuse. Win. We rest many of our key players yet still win.

This scenario has us at 10-2 and 6-2 in conference. Like my "best case" predictions, I still have us winning the division and facing Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game. I think we beat the Hokies to go to the Orange Bowl. Like my "best case" I will say we play Texas but lose finishing a very respectable 11-3 and just outside the Top 10.

Hoops schedule and other links

The big news of Thursday was the basketball schedule. We knew most of the opponents. This was more of a matter of where they would fall on the calendar. We play Duke and Carolina back to back, which will test the team. We also have a tough stretch after the Old Spice Tournament. The biggest disappointment for me was the lack of TV coverage for our traditional New England opponents. As of now there is no TV for UMass, URI or Providence. Usually at least one of those would be on some TV somewhere.

One of the kids I can't wait to see play is Johnathan Coleman. If he plays well, his story will get told over and over.

This is not about BC, but is some of Spencer's best work. Read it if you are a football obsessive.

BC-Weber State preview

I believe this will be a special season for BC football. There are so many people, storylines, and factors converging at once. But if it is to be a season we never forget, you have to start things the right way and that means beating Weber State. The team needs to come out of this weekend unscathed and ready for the next challenge.

Narrative talking point that you’ll tire of by the end of the game.
"Hurricane Earl this...Hurricane Earl that." The storm is now a Category 2 and is on a path to glance by New England late Friday, early Saturday. It won't prevent Weber State from getting to Boston. It won't impact kickoff. It won't impact play on the field. Yet I think the broadcasters will probably talk about it...in part just to fill time. Unfortunately I do think the game will impact attendance. If people are without power or have flooded basements or just don't want to sit on wet bleachers, they will probably just stay home.

Three Simple Keys
1. Score early. I am not going to go as far as Spaz did in his praise for Weber State, but they are legitimate, solid FCS team. The longer they hang around, the more at risk the game becomes. BC needs to put up points early and not look back.
2. Get confidence in the passing game. I've been told the passing game will be conservative as the staff doesn't want to tip their hands before ACC play. I think that is a mistake. They need to challenge the young guys and get everyone comfortable. I would also like to see the backup QBs get some game action.
3. Stay healthy. This is a priority in any game, yet in a FCS game it is that much more important. We need to come out of this game whole.

Gambling Notes
-- BC has won six straight openers.
-- Weber State has not beaten a FBS team east of the Mississippi.
-- Weber State has never played an ACC team.
Because this is a FBS vs FCS game there is no line on the Saturday.

Factoid
This will be BC's first football game against a team from the Big Sky conference.

Scoreboard watching
The most important game of the weekend is Boise State vs Virginia Tech We need the Hokies to smash them. A resounding win helps the conference and practically eliminates Boise State from a BCS game

I hope to see…
The true freshman play well. If you are going to burn redshirts you hope it is for meaningful players.

BC is in trouble if…
We turn the ball over too many times. We cannot make this game interesting.

Outlook
No disrespect for Weber State, but I am not really worried about this game. I think we will control throughout the game and win with ease.
Final Score: BC 41, Weber State 10

BC Draft's Keys to the Game

This will be a weekly feature on Eagle Insider. Friday I will put up my Friday Focus on Eagle Insider. And there will be game day content as well.

Season Prediction Part II: best case scenario

This is the second part of the season predictions. I don't think the following will happen, but it could. This team and this friendly schedule have huge potential. Let's hope it plays out as follows.

Weber State. Win. A nice cupcake to start the season. Herzy's back. The offense looks great. No one gets hurt. Things start off well.

Kent State. Win. The defense starts to show its potential and pitches a shutout.

Virginia Tech. Win. A challenging game in prime time. Lots of big special teams plays on both sides. Lots of solid running from both sides. BC gets the edge with a better passing game and get their first big win of the year. They crack the polls the following Monday.

Notre Dame. Win. BC's defense forces a lot of turnovers and starts a new streak against the Irish.

At NC State. Win. It won't be the same level beatdown as the 2009 BC-NC State game, but the game is not close. NC State cannot stop BC's run game and BC puts the final nail in TOB's NC State coffin.

At Florida State. Loss. For the first time all season Shinskie looks bad. FSU's new zones frustrate him and he turns the ball over multiple times.

Maryland. Win. BC runs the ball over and over and eventually runs away with the game.


Clemson. Win. BC and Clemson play another close game, but Herzy comes through with a big INT and the Heisman whispers start again.

At Wake Forest. Win. I respect Jim Grobe but don't think he will have the pieces this year. BC gets up big early and let's the game get a little closer than it should in the second half. But they win in the end. With the win, BC enters the Top 10.

At Duke. Win. BC's defense dominates again. The offense puts up enough points to control with ease.

Virginia. Win. Virginia will get better under London, but 2010 is not their year. BC wins with ease.

At Syracuse. Win. A rivalry renewed with an easy BC win.

If BC goes 7-1 in the ACC, they would be in the ACC Championship Game and an outside name for the BCS National Championship. In this best case scenario I predict we play Virginia Tech and get revenge for the last two games ACCCGs! BC then moves onto the Orange Bowl to play Texas. The team wins that game too and finishes 13-1 and in the Top 5 in the final polls. Spaz gets a ton of "coach of the year" awards and Mark Herzlich wins the Heisman.

EDSBS closes their countdown with Herzy and other links

Herzy is even getting national college football bloggers pumped for the season.

Soccer started their season with a win over Hartford.

Here is my preview for the Tight Ends on Eagle Insider.

Herbie acknowledged a lot of BC guys on his Herbie list.

The Ravens put Mike McLaughlin on IR. I am a little suspicious that this is a way to keep him with the organization but not waste a roster spot on him.

Ivan Maisel was on campus the other day and spoke with Spaz.

Conroy wrote a lengthy BC preview for ACC Sports.

Here is a best/worst case scenario for BC basketball.

Season Prediction Part I: worst case scenario

Time again for me to go game by game with how things might play out. This version is the worst case scenario. I am highly optimistic and will have a strong showing in my final predictions, but still want to map out how things could go wrong.

Weber State. Win. Hurricane weather soaks the opener. BC wins, but it is a messy, boring day.

Kent State. Win. BC wins despite shoddy play from Shinskie. Marscovetra comes in and looks as bad.

Virginia Tech. Loss. Although the defense plays better, the offense is incapable of moving the ball against the Hokies.

Notre Dame. Loss. Notre Dame's defense is not very good, but their O has a great day against our Defense. BC loses a shootout as the Irish pull away in the second half.

At NC State. Win. Even in our worst season, I don't see us losing to NC State. This is Spaz's Super Bowl and is very important to Gene. We hold on in a tight game.

At Florida State. Loss. The tough road test goes as expected -- FSU romp.

Maryland. Loss. Maryland has played us tough the past two years. This season I expect a "win won for the Fridge" mentality that leads them to a close win over BC in Chestnut Hill.

Clemson. Loss. At this point we have a full blown QB controversy. Rettig gets his first start. It is not pretty but shows promise. BC still loses.

At Wake Forest. Win. BC halts its slide while beating up on the rebuilding Wake Forest team.

At Duke. Loss. Duke is not very good but is able to move the ball, while our offense spins its wheels again.

Virginia. Win. Virginia is a bad team in transition. BC holds off and keeps bowl hopes alive.

At Syracuse. Win. A good effort as things finally click for Rettig. BC "earns" a bowl bid.

The 6-6 regular season is enough to get BC into the EagleBank Bowl. Our beltway fans are happy and turn out in decent numbers for our game against Marshall. BC loses a bowl for the third straight year and finishes with an awkward and disappointing 6-7 record.

Get ready!

Fresh faces on Depth Chart

We haven't even played a game yet, but Spaz is setting the tone early with all the true freshman on his first depth chart. This will by no means be our look for the rest of the season, but the coaching staff is sending a few messages. First to the current, more experienced players: play better, get healthy or you won't get much playing time. Second to potential recruits: if you come to BC, you can play right away. Finally, to us fans: Spaz is his own man and not following TOB's approach to redshirt as many players as possible. All of this speaks to a win now mentality. It is refreshing and somewhat expected when your Coach is north of 60. Here are a few of the surprises and a few of my thoughts on the depth chart.

-- Andy Gallik as back up Center. A very important spot for an untested true freshman. My hunch is that if anything happens to Richman, you would see Claiborne move over first before they officially burned Gallik's redshirt or threw him in against ACC level talent. Regardless of if he plays this season, it speaks well to Gallik's future.
-- Sterlin Phifer as Harris' backup. After all the kudos piled on the true freshman running backs, I wondered if Phifer would get lost in the shuffle. It looks as though he has earned a few carries a game.
-- Jaryd Rudolph at second team DT. We knew we were thin at DT, but I didn't expect Rudolph to get used early. We will see if he gets many snaps.
-- Kevin Pierre-Louis and Steele Divitto. If there is any area where we can be conservative redshirting it would be LB. Yet here these two are on the depth chart. Maybe we have two more players in the Kuechly mode!

This year's BC football team is a media dream

As the diehards, we tend to get tired of the media rehashing the same story over and over. But this season might take it to a new level. First I think BC is going to be surprisingly good and play in many meaningful, nationally covered games. Second there are so many simple but marketable stories and storylines for the TV, papers and internet to grab a hold of. Just look at the list:

1. Mark Herzlich's return from cancer. This is already a huge and worthy story. It will only get bigger Saturday. Depending on how he plays, this might become one of the biggest national stories of the college football year.

2. Anthony Castonzo's Rhode Scholarship candidacy. Think of how big the Myron Rolle story was. Now add in the factor that Castonzo is better football player than Rolle ever was. This is a top ten pick, who just happens to be a bio-chem major, who wants to be a doctor.

3. Dave Shinskie -- former baseball player. This is not a new story but now Shinskie is the full time starter and hopefully a more complete player. If he plays well, his baseball background will get mentioned ad nauseam.

4. Frank Spaziani -- underrated, old school coach. Spaz is hardly a great quote or a media darling. But if he puts together another winning season and brings BC back to the ACC Championship game, the media will start to credit him for all of BC's success over the past ten years. It doesn't hurt that in a cookie cutter profession, Spaz also looks a little different and talks a little different from most DIA coaches.

5. Billy Flute -- the legacy realized. Although Flutie has played four years, this will be the first season where he starts and is a significant playmaker. Each shot of Billy will probably be followed by a shot of Doug in the stands.

These are just the predictable plots. Other players will surely emerge and provide more media fodder. Let's just hope it all has a happy ending.

More Herzy media and other links

Kevin Armstrong wrote a very good feature on Mark Herzlich. I appreciated that it went beyond the stuff we already know an into what his daily routine and life is like now. Mark's parents sound almost as excited as he does about returning to the field.

I waited on writing my position preview for the defensive line waiting on what would happen with Momah. Little did I know that Ramsey and Quinn would be bigger issues.

For those of you who have Comcast in New England, you'll get the chance to rewatch the BC games throughout the season.

You can read more about future Eagle Manuel Asprilla on Eagle Insider.

Bowl predictions are rolling out and SI thinks we are headed back to Nashville.

Weber State is not intimidated by playing an FBS school.

A few ESPN folks are picking us to win the division. HD doesn't.

Here are the first ACC Power Rankings of the season.

Antonio Garay is trying to stick on the Chargers' roster.

Schedule for kickoff week

Kickoff week is finally here! BC football is now just days away. I am looking forward to blogging another season but want to give you the heads up on how this week will work.

Over the next few days I will finish up posting the position previews on Eagle Insider. BC Mike and Wesley will also have their Keys to the Game at Eagle Insider. I will have a new piece on Eagle Insider on Friday called: Friday Focus. On Gameday Dan Silver will be hosting a live chat from the press box on Eagle Insider.

Over here on Eagle in Atlanta, I will be posting the normal links and what not. I will also be posting my three different versions of how I think the season will play out. Thursday will still be the day for the game preview.

Saturday there will be a comments blog post here (I am too superstitious not to have one). But I encourage most of you to try out the Eagle Insider boards on game day. I will and the other members of the BC blogosphere will also be on Twitter most of the game.

As always I appreciate your continued support as I try to juggle this all and the real world. Wish me luck and "Let's go Eagles!"

Update: Herzlich practiced

Both the Herald and Globe reported that Mark Herzlich practiced Saturday. This means his foot has been cleared and he is likely to play Saturday against Weber State. We are one step closer and I am thrilled for Mark and his parents.

Florian ready for big night and other links

BC grad Kenny Florian fights at the Garden tonight and will be entering the ring with "For Boston."

Esquire calls Herzy the Lance Armstrong of college football.

Rivals thinks Donahue was a great hire for BC.

Why was BC so evasive on Dillon Quinn's suspension?

For some time now there has been rumors floating about regarding Dillon Quinn's suspension. Players joked about it on Facebook. The message boards filled up with speculation. Yet no word from BC.

When he was missing from the spring depth chart, people took it as confirmation that Quinn was in trouble. At the time, I asked BC about it and never received an on the record confirmation or rebuttal. Now, with the season a week away, BC finally announced that Quinn has been suspended for three games due to a violation of team rules.

You will never get an on the record confirmation of what Quinn did. BC -- and most colleges -- are very sensitive to student privacy. But process of elimination tells you what it isn't. Pot usually gets one game. Academics means you miss the whole semester. Minor NCAA infractions (like Rice's illegal summer league games) usually call for a one game suspension. Sitting out three is unique for BC. And the rumors have all been related to PEDs. But unless Quinn talks, we will never know for sure.

I am not going to scold Quinn. I am disappointed, but not naive enough to think he is the first or last BC athlete to use PEDs allegedly. (Bill Romonoski has been a PED poster boy and the recently departed Harold Connolly was a pioneer in PEDs.)

So I once again return to my initial question: why was BC so evasive? They could have announced the suspension months ago and made it less of a story. Now it will be a focus for the next few weeks.

As for what it means on the field...it hurts. Quinn has reportedly played well this summer and we are thin up front. We should be fine against Weber State and Kent State. Virginia Tech obviously would have been a challenge with him. It will be that much harder without.

This will hopefully be a minor bump in Dillon's career. I hope that by waiting until the last minute, BC didn't make this a bigger deal than it needed to be. Regardless of how he got here, let's hope Dillon puts this all behind him and becomes a better player and person.