Shots from Jax

I took a few pics but haven't pulled them off my camera yet. Plus I wasn't in a great mood to capture the day. The first half was tense and you know how the second half went. Fortunately Brian F. and his crew picked up the slack.

Just short in Jax

Frustrating end to a great season. Dominating the first half and coming away tied was an ominous sign. The D deserves credit. They played well and gave the offense plenty of shots. Stalling drives deep in Hokie territory cost us the game.

Although we were in the minority, I am proud of the folks who went. We made a lot of noise and ignored the whiny "down in front" crowd.

From what I gather, the basketball team also had a frustrating night.

I'll have more on both late Sunday night.

In-game comments post: ACC Championship Game

This is it. This is the game. This is BC's first chance to win a championship in the modern era. Let's make it a good one.

I am in Jacksonville so I will not be online during the broadcast. Win or lose, I will not be back online until very very late. Leave your comments and thoughts below.

Checking in from Jax

I-95 South into Jacksonville felt like the Hokie Highway. Checking into our hotel felt a little better as I started to see some BC fans. The weather is nice and supposed to be better Saturday. To give you the mood of the city, you can read this at EDSBS.

For those of you going to the game, I'll be in Section 108, row D wearing the BC pants. Say hello if you have the chance.

Jags and the guys

Hopefully this clip will get you pumped for Saturday.

Oh, there is also a little basketball game Saturday

Lost in all the ACC Championship talk is our basketball game against Providence. The Friars are one of our true rivals in hoops. This year's game takes on a special feel as it is part of a doubleheader at the Garden. Providence enters the game 4-1. Their record includes an impressive win over Arkansas and a curious loss to Miami. They are productive on offense and very good on D. For BC to be successful, we'll need to keep turnovers down and grab a ton of defensive rebounds. Here is the kenpom capsule on Providence.

Our young team has impressed so far. Let's hope they continue their good play and make this a really special day for BC sports.

Game Watches: ACC Championship

I will be traveling Friday, so if any of these are wrong or I missed one please post it in the comments. I don't know if the Boston Game Watch is official, but I do know many people plan to watch the game at the Greatest Bar and then head into the Garden for the basketball game.

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

Austin Game Watch
Third Base Sports Bar
1717 West 6th Street
Building 2, Suite 210R
Austin


Boston Game Watch
The Greatest Bar
262 Friend St
Boston

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

Dallas Game Watch
McKinney Avenue Tavern (MAT)
2822 McKinney Avenue
Dallas

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

Minneapolis-St. Paul Game Watch
Majors Sports Café – Golden Valley
6440 Wayzata Boulevard
Golden Valley, MN


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

Philadelphia Game Watch
Calloway's Restaurant and Bar
1902 County Line Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA

Phoenix Game Watch
16th Street Sports Grill & Bar
6522 N. 16th Street
Phoenix

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-Virginia Tech preview

Throughout the season I’ve heard numerous games called “the most important game in BC history.” All the talk seemed to lack perspective and diminished BC’s long and storied past. Now as we prepare for Saturday, we might actually be witnessing the most important game in BC history. Never before has the team had a chance to win a championship on the field. Also, winning the ACC would be the culmination of four decades worth of effort begun under Father Monan and Bill Flynn to take BC athletics to the next level. This is THE game.

Theme that won’t be discussed on television. There will be plenty of talk about the ACC-Big East dynamic and BC potentially taking the “next step” by winning the ACC. I don’t think you’ll hear much discussion of Virginia Tech’s rise and how conference affiliation dramatically changed that entire program. Prior to joining the Big East in 1990, they were a nice program with a steady but not spectacular history. They lacked identity and their schedule was a hodgepodge of random ACC schools, second-tier southern programs like Memphis and Tulane and a random service academy thrown in. It all changed when the Big East came calling. The Hokies -- more than any other Big East program -- bought into everything and sold it like hell to their recruits and fans. Thursday Night Games – “anytime, anywhere.” Carquest Bowls – “we’ll show up and make some noise. Miami speed – “we’ll be faster.” When the opportunity came to upgrade again to the ACC, they fought like tooth and nail for inclusion. And with the move have upgraded their moribund basketball program. There are many things I dislike about VT but I respect that they changed the culture of their program and their fans. BC should remember that as we try to figure out what went right and wrong this bowl season.

Three Simple Keys
1. Protect Ryan. The Hokies only sent four last time and they had Ryan off balance all night. This time around we need to be ready for anything. The offensive line must build on their solid performance against Miami and control the line of scrimmage.
2. Contain Taylor in the red zone. He burned Virginia with some timely runs when drives had stalled. Because we haven’t faced a running QB of his caliber this season, I have no idea who will be responsible for spying Taylor, but whoever gets the call needs to have a great game and keep Taylor from turning broken plays into TDs.
3. Avoid penalties. We were whistled nine times for 83 yards in Blacksburg. The situation should be a little better at a neutral field, but we still need to play smart. Those calls handed VT its two scores.

Gambling Notes
-- The underdog has won both ACC Championship Games
-- Virginia Tech is 2-4 in games played in Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
-- Jags is 3-0 as an underdog
The current line is BC+4.5

What would be a pleasant surprise? A mistake free game. Since our trip to Blacksburg we’ve had at least one or two cringe-inducing plays per game. Style points do not matter, but I think all of our cardiologists would recommend a game without a turnover or some stupid penalties.

What would be a letdown? Losing (obviously). There is still hope we could land in the Peach Bowl, but we’re likely to bounce down the ladder to a bowl none of us care about.

What would be a shocker? VT blowing us out. I know they are looking for revenge and are playing great football yada yada yada...I just don’t see us going down without a fight. Even in our worst game (Maryland) we were onside kicking at the end.


Bottom Line
Like the last VT game, I have a very positive feeling about this one. No hard data. No great insight. Just a good vibe. (How's that for analysis?) I think the setting will make a positive difference for BC and we’ll control the game.
Final score: BC 28, VT 17

Jacksonville list of events

Looking for something to do in Jacksonville? Here are a few events set up by BC, the ACC and the city of Jacksonville.

FRIDAY

Gridiron Club Event
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk
Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar
$10 members, $20 non-members
Please reserve tickets at gridclub@bc.edu
Only cash or checks accepted at the door

ACC FanFest
5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Public event with free admission
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
Pepsi Plaza

ACC Firework Display
10:00 p.m.
St. John's River

SATURDAY

Pre-Game Event
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk Ballroom
Included in official ACC Tournament air & land tour
Limited walk-ins available at $25 per person
Breakfast buffet and cash bar
Reserve walk-in tickets at alumni.comments@bc.edu
Only cash or checks accepted at the door

Transportation to Stadium
Water taxis are available within walking distance of the hotel for $10 roundtrip.

Pep Rally
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Free

EVENTS AND PLACES OF NOTE IN JACKSONVILLE

This is only a bit of what they sent me. For more information go to visitjacksonville.com.

Be a part of the excitement at the Jacksonville Landing, located along the Northbank of the St. Johns River in downtown. Experience the live entertainment on the famed courtyard all weekend long. The action starts on Friday, Nov. 30 at 5:00 p.m with the Rhythm Cure Band. Saturday, the party starts early and continues throughout the evening. The Jacksonville Landing is home to restaurants and nightlife along with the Twisted Martini, an upscale entertainment and dining venue with South Beach sophistication. Call (904) 358-1188 or visit www.jacksonvillelanding.com.

Enjoy Downtown’s premiere riverfront restaurant, the River City Brewing Company, located along the Southbank of the St. Johns River . Try a taste of local flavor with Mayport Shrimp, brought in fresh daily from the Northeast Florida waterways. The Brewhouse Lounge offers live entertainment weekly along the river deck, providing a breathtaking view of the Jacksonville skyline. Also check out the on-site brewery and see the beer brewing process, as the restaurant creates its own flair with flavors such as the Jag Lite, Jackson Pale Ale, Red Rooster Ale and Riptide Porter. Call (904) 398-2299 or visit www.rivercitybrew.com.

Shoppers will delight with the opening of 40 new stores exclusive to Northeast Florida market at the St. Johns Town Center . Home furnishings, jewelry, footwear, specialty stores and of course, fashion, are among the highlights opening just in time for holiday bargains. New stores include: Abercrombie, Aldo, Arden B., Baker’s, Bebe Sport, Betsey Johnson, BCBG, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Guess, MAC Cosmetics, Marciano, Pottery Barn, Sole Mio, The Walking Company, Tommy Bahama, Urban Outfitters and West Elm. Call (904) 998-7156 or visit www.simon.com.

ACC Championship location and other links

Charlotte is making a strong bid for future ACC Championship games. It looks like the conference will rotate future sites like the Big 12 does.

Virginia Tech has not sold out their allotment either.

Most of you already saw this, but Ryan was named ACC Player of the Year.

An article on Paul Anderson.

Michigan photos

Finding SuperFans amongst the yellow-clad Michigan faithful in Crisler Arena was a bit like playing "Where's Waldo?". Matt R. and Kelly Z. were two Eagles there to support the boys in their first road win of the season. Here are their shots of the game.

There is still time

You are probably reading this post in an office or a classroom. It is probably Thursday morning. You're thinking about the big game but are not going (friends didn't want to, funds, etc.). Now you're regretting it. Embrace that feeling of regret. There is still time. There are some cheap flights and hotel rooms out there. You can fly into Orlando and drive. Now is your last chance. If you're on the east coast and want to drive you need to hit the road Thursday afternoon. So think about it. This is a huge moment in BC sports. You should be there. Even if you are going solo, there will be plenty of BC fans around. You've got a few hours to say "what the hell? I'm going!" Friday will probably be too late. Think long and hard about it. You could pull this off.

I hope I'll see you there.

Likes and dislikes: Michigan win

This was my first time watching this season's team. I came away pleasantly surprised with the effort.

Likes
-- Rice making tough baskets. He really used the shot clock well and can make the deep three. I think he will be able to carry the team.
-- Raji and Sander's basketball IQ. Some things cannot be taught. I was impressed by these two anticipating things and hustling and cutting. Smart players seem to thrive in Al's system. Maybe these two will be the latest.
-- The defensive rebounding. That is what allowed us to control the game.
-- The defense. We used a lot of 2-3 and it was the best we've looked against a Beilein offense in a while.

Dislikes
-- Shamari in the low post. Spear put up good numbers and rebounded well but is lacking something on offense. His hands are still suspect and he doesn't finish well. Why is he shooting short fades five feet from the basket?
-- Southern's lack of minutes. Our big guys were better but still not great. Why not get Southern some playing time?
-- Oates' D. He did not move or rebound well.

I came away from this game feeling much better about the season. I think we'll surprise a few ACC teams this year.

Soccer's season over

Soccer's run at the national championship ended before it started. We dropped our first tourney game 2-1 to UMass.

Hats off to the guys for bringing home the ACC Championship. I hope it is a sign of things to come.

Peach put off by BC's travel rep

Many of you have already read this. For those who haven't, here is the key paragraph:

Boston College – Obviously, Boston College is thinking Orange Bowl. We spent more time talking about B.C this week than any other team, but probably not for the reason you think. Let me say this first: We really like this team on the field and Ryan is a great quarterback. Period. But, in all honesty, our committee is leery of the Eagles and we’re not convinced their fans will support this team on a bowl trip to Atlanta – particularly after having to travel to Jacksonville for the ACC Championship Game. No one doubts that B.C will provide a great team for our game, but the Chick-fil-A Bowl has a long tradition of sold-out stadiums and an atmosphere that is as loud as any stadium in the country and we’re not sure a pro sports town like Boston can support their team at that level. We’re hoping the Eagles’ fan base will make a statement on behalf of their program and give us a reason to be high on them.

Looks like Orange Bowl or bust. I don't know why people didn't get motivated by the ACC Championship, but our showing this weekend is going to stay with us for a long time. We need to change the culture of BC sports. Any suggestions? I am all ears.

Michigan preview

Another test for the young Eagles tonight as the team takes on Michigan as part of the ACC/Big 10 challenge. Michigan enters the game with a 3-3 record but is actually better than that. Their rough outing in Alaska is in part due to the transition to the Beilein perimeter offense. Here is their kenpom breakdown. I expect the game to be close and for our D to allow a lot of 3s. If our big men are more productive we should be able to pull away in the second half.

Soccer reminder

The ACC Champion men's soccer team begins their march to the NCAA title with a game at home against UMass tonight. You can see the boys in person on the Newton campus or listen online at WZBC.com.

Midweek links

Future Eagle Donnie Fletcher is the first player from his Cleveland program to head to the ACC.

Skinner keeps finding talent in random places. Here is an article on one of our two Colorado commits.

Here are two articles (first and second) on the ACC bowl picture. It is starting to feel like Orange Bowl or bust for BC.

Announce our presence with authority!

Photo courtesy of the Ryan for Heisman Blog

ACC Championship Game ticket sales are going slower than any of us would like. Hopefully the donation push will get us to 10,000. To make this a successful, program changing trip we really need the 6,000 or 7,000 of us who actually attend the game to make our presence felt. We need the locals to believe the BC fans were everywhere...eating, drinking, and spending money. We need the Jacksonville Visitors and Convention Bureau to give BC a ringing endorsement that Gene can use to shop us around to future bowls. How can such a small group make a big impression? The Three Amigos approach. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the classic comedy, here is summary of the brilliant denouement:

The Amigos organize the villagers, using their sewing skills to create an army of "Amigos" by replicating their mariachi costumes. The villagers defeat the bandits by appearing clad in the costumes and shooting from all sides, creating the illusion that the Amigos are everywhere. Thereafter, the Amigos ride off into the sunset.

The few of us there have to act like many. Wear BC paraphernalia everywhere you go. When you check in to your hotel, let the front desk know that you are in Jax to support the Eagles. When you see another BC fan, give a loud “Go BC!” Write “Go BC” on all your cash. After you sign your credit card receipt add a little “Let’s go Eagles” to the slip. Hit the Landing and sing “For Boston.” If you are slipping in a round of golf, bring your BC headcovers. Anything and everything counts. Make an impression. Then, like the Amigos, we'll ride off into the sunset after our upset victory.

A look at rematches

Conventional wisdom says that it is hard to beat a football team twice in one season. The reality is somewhat different. Since the creation of conference championship games, eight contests have been rematches from the regular season. Seven of the eight games were won by the team that won earlier in the year. Take a look:

Year	Conference	Matchup	Regular Season Winner	Championship Winner
1999	SEC	Alabama-Florida	Alabama	Alabama
2000	SEC	Auburn-Florida	Florida	Florida
2000	Big 12	Oklahoma-Kansas St.	Oklahoma	Oklahoma
2001	SEC	LSU-Tennessee	Tennessee	LSU
2002	Big 12	Colorado-Oklahoma	Oklahoma	Oklahoma
2003	SEC	LSU-Georgia	LSU	LSU
2004	SEC	Auburn-Tennessee	Auburn	Auburn
2005	Big 12	Colorado-Texas	Texas	Texas

Does this make BC a lock for Saturday? No. But it does confirm that good teams often beat other good teams twice in one season.