I tweeted about this earlier in the week, but I still can't believe that Steve Addazio talked up his defense to the media this week and no one really challenged him on the Virginia Tech game. Also he keeps mentioning the team's youth, but as has been pointed out by many (including BCI this week), the team is not young by College Football standards. If he were saying this at an SEC school or a Big Ten power, the media would be combative to his face and the talk radio shows would be killing him.
I am not advocating over the top confrontational media. But tough questions should be asked. Julian Benbow is doing a good job and is much more critical of Addazio's game management than Vega ever was. But he's only one guy. Find me another Power 5 program where the media is so absent and accommodating?
I am sure quality of life is low on the priority list for most big time coaches. They want money and power and the best opportunity to win. But being the coach at BC can be relatively rewarding financially and on the field, without the pressure or scrutiny. Do you think Urban Meyer can go anywhere in public in Columbus and not get bothered? Addazio could walk through Cleveland Circle right now and be left alone. No one is putting moving signs in his front lawn if BC loses a game.
The lack of intensity might manifest itself in smaller crowds or less fundraising, but as he struggles through a rebuilding process, he should be thankful that the pressure he's feeling is not coming from the media or casual fans.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Friday picks
Last week was better but still did nothing for my season record. This week I went heavy on the home teams.
(Picks in bold.)
Stanford+3 at Washington
Texas+3 at Oklahoma State
UCF+3.5 at East Carolina
Virginia+4 at Duke
Ohio-3 at Miami of Ohio
Minnesota+3 at Penn State
Tulane-3 at UMass
Oklahoma-3.5 at TCU
Louisville-3 at Clemson
Oregon-2 at Washington State
Last week I was 5-5. For the season I am 14-24-2.
(Picks in bold.)
Stanford+3 at Washington
Texas+3 at Oklahoma State
UCF+3.5 at East Carolina
Virginia+4 at Duke
Ohio-3 at Miami of Ohio
Minnesota+3 at Penn State
Tulane-3 at UMass
Oklahoma-3.5 at TCU
Louisville-3 at Clemson
Oregon-2 at Washington State
Last week I was 5-5. For the season I am 14-24-2.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
BC-Buffalo preview
Based on his media conference call Monday, Addazio is very confident right now. I don't know if he is trying to send a message to the fans and media or his own team, or if he really believes it. Either way, that confidence should carry over to the game this week. The matchup is not as lopsided as Wagner, but there is little reason to think BC cannot win this game handily.
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
Buffalo has a few Canadians on their roster. That makes sense given their location. BC used to have a consistent Canadian presence on our roster. Not now. That seems like a wasted opportunity. Get on that Addazio! They play more than Hockey up there!
Three Simple Keys
1. Try uptempo and passing first. This is BC's last tune up before playing Clemson. Towles and the passing game has been inconsistent at best. Use this game to try new things and win the game in the air. If Clemson loads the box next week, BC needs to have faith in the passing game.
2. No defensive breakdowns. I still cannot believe we let Wagner score an offensive touchdown. Like the UMass score, it came out of a broken play. Hopefully the defense tightens things up this week.
3. A big game from the Linebackers. They were quiet last week. Let's hope they are active and productive this week.
Gambling Notes
-- Addazio has not won two games in a row since last September
-- Leipold is 0-1 against Power 5 teams
-- BC leads the series 6-2
The current line is BC-17.5
Factoid
BC has played Buffalo eight times. All the games have been at Alumni.
Scoreboard Watching
Louisville-Clemson will probably determine which team wins the Division and hence the whole conference.
I hope to see...
A highly motivated team. They obviously threw in the towel at Virginia Tech and came out flat against Wagner. That doesn't happen to good teams or teams that believe in their coach and themselves.
BC is in trouble if...
They can't get anything going on Offense. They cannot put themselves in a close game.
Overall
I just don't see BC losing this game. Despite my desire for passing, I think they come out running and never stop. Maybe Buffalo gets cheap score, but this game won't be a problem.
Final Score: BC 35, Buffalo 6
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
Buffalo has a few Canadians on their roster. That makes sense given their location. BC used to have a consistent Canadian presence on our roster. Not now. That seems like a wasted opportunity. Get on that Addazio! They play more than Hockey up there!
Three Simple Keys
1. Try uptempo and passing first. This is BC's last tune up before playing Clemson. Towles and the passing game has been inconsistent at best. Use this game to try new things and win the game in the air. If Clemson loads the box next week, BC needs to have faith in the passing game.
2. No defensive breakdowns. I still cannot believe we let Wagner score an offensive touchdown. Like the UMass score, it came out of a broken play. Hopefully the defense tightens things up this week.
3. A big game from the Linebackers. They were quiet last week. Let's hope they are active and productive this week.
Gambling Notes
-- Addazio has not won two games in a row since last September
-- Leipold is 0-1 against Power 5 teams
-- BC leads the series 6-2
The current line is BC-17.5
Factoid
BC has played Buffalo eight times. All the games have been at Alumni.
Scoreboard Watching
Louisville-Clemson will probably determine which team wins the Division and hence the whole conference.
I hope to see...
A highly motivated team. They obviously threw in the towel at Virginia Tech and came out flat against Wagner. That doesn't happen to good teams or teams that believe in their coach and themselves.
BC is in trouble if...
They can't get anything going on Offense. They cannot put themselves in a close game.
Overall
I just don't see BC losing this game. Despite my desire for passing, I think they come out running and never stop. Maybe Buffalo gets cheap score, but this game won't be a problem.
Final Score: BC 35, Buffalo 6
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
I am still not worried about Addazio's recruiting
Michigan has come poaching for two of BC's defensive verbals. One is DE Kwity Paye and the other is DB Brandon Sebastian. Both sound very excited about the Wolverines and both had a prior relationship with former BC and current Michigan Defensive Coordinator Don Brown. It would be unfortunate to lose either, but it is all part of the game. It is no different than Addazio poaching former Temple or Florida guys for BC or Brown bringing over UConn transfers when he came to BC. I am sure Addazio will work hard to keep the guys in the fold and poach other school's verbals to backfill. Recruiting is not really about one or two players. It is a volume business and Addazio has shown good instincts in that regard. If you aim for a big class every year, your hit rate doesn't have to be as high. With or without Paye and Sebastian, I think Addazio will bring in another large group of freshmen and 5th year seniors.
At this point recruiting is not going to be what undoes Addazio. Talent isn't BC's issue (as evidenced by all the close games). How we use the talent and how we develop the talent is. In fact, recruiting might be Addazio's only way to save himself. If he wants to win consistently, he's going to need to up his recruiting so that BC's talent is superior enough to overcome his ultra conservative game management.
It is good that other programs are coming after our kids. It is validation of BC's staff assesments and makes our group work a little harder on the recruiting trail. I am sure they can negatively recruit against Michigan just like Michigan is doing to us ("how long will Harbaugh be there?" or "you know Harbaugh has a history of pulling offers right near Signing Day?"). Our talent will be fine. Now if Addazio can just find the right guys for the Xs & Os.
At this point recruiting is not going to be what undoes Addazio. Talent isn't BC's issue (as evidenced by all the close games). How we use the talent and how we develop the talent is. In fact, recruiting might be Addazio's only way to save himself. If he wants to win consistently, he's going to need to up his recruiting so that BC's talent is superior enough to overcome his ultra conservative game management.
It is good that other programs are coming after our kids. It is validation of BC's staff assesments and makes our group work a little harder on the recruiting trail. I am sure they can negatively recruit against Michigan just like Michigan is doing to us ("how long will Harbaugh be there?" or "you know Harbaugh has a history of pulling offers right near Signing Day?"). Our talent will be fine. Now if Addazio can just find the right guys for the Xs & Os.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
More college football dominoes: strange Big XII expansion news
Long story short, the Big XII Expansion is a big mess. Oklahoma doesn't want it and that may be enough to kill the whole effort. That's great news for the ACC and BC.
No promotion of UConn and UMass
Our nearest football neighbors, UConn and UMass, are both hoping to improve their football standings. If there is no Big XII expansion, UConn remains a mid-major in football in the American Athletic Conference. UMass wants to join the AAC, but if a UConn or Cincinnati doesn't join the Big XII, there is less likely to be a backfill slot for the Minutemen in the AAC. It is petty of me to want to keep those schools in their respective places, but I do think it helps BC. We already battle elite schools for the best prospects in New England. We don't need added local competition from the two state universities. Remaining the only Power 5 program in the area is one of our slight advantages.
The ACC is okay
As long as the Big XII continues flip flopping and infighting, the ACC looks better. We are less likely to get poached and remain a good landing spot for Texas (due to their shared deal with ESPN). That position means we will get more slots in the playoff and have more bargaining power in the playoff discussion. If the Power 5 ever becomes the Power 4, the ACC is in a good position.
BC has a host of challenges and needs to decide many things related to athletics, but for now it is nice to know that conferences issues are not one of our challenges.
No promotion of UConn and UMass
Our nearest football neighbors, UConn and UMass, are both hoping to improve their football standings. If there is no Big XII expansion, UConn remains a mid-major in football in the American Athletic Conference. UMass wants to join the AAC, but if a UConn or Cincinnati doesn't join the Big XII, there is less likely to be a backfill slot for the Minutemen in the AAC. It is petty of me to want to keep those schools in their respective places, but I do think it helps BC. We already battle elite schools for the best prospects in New England. We don't need added local competition from the two state universities. Remaining the only Power 5 program in the area is one of our slight advantages.
The ACC is okay
As long as the Big XII continues flip flopping and infighting, the ACC looks better. We are less likely to get poached and remain a good landing spot for Texas (due to their shared deal with ESPN). That position means we will get more slots in the playoff and have more bargaining power in the playoff discussion. If the Power 5 ever becomes the Power 4, the ACC is in a good position.
BC has a host of challenges and needs to decide many things related to athletics, but for now it is nice to know that conferences issues are not one of our challenges.
Monday, September 26, 2016
What the Coaching Carousel means for BC
The College Football Coaching Carousel got off to an early start with a National Championship coach biting the dust just four games into the season. But LSU is just the first domino. USC could make a change. Maybe even Notre Dame. I don't think nor -- at this point -- want a change at BC, but what happens elsewhere will impact our team. It will also serve as a reminder of how precious these jobs are and how fluid power is within the ACC.
Coaching Changes among our opponents
Right now it feels like the best BC can finish in its own division is 4th place. FSU, Clemson and Louisville have the talent and coaching that we cannot match. But none of that is permanent. Both Jimbo Fisher and Bobby Petrino are prime targets for LSU. Fisher could also pursue NFL opportunities if he wanted to go to the next level. Two years from now, it is highly unlikely that both will still be coaching in the Atlantic Division. Despite their geographic and institutional advantages, neither program is guaranteed to make a good hire or keep winning at their current pace. (Remember the last time Louisville replaced Petrino?) Dabo Swinney seems well entrenched at Clemson, but don't think that he wouldn't go home to Alabama at his first opportunity. Saban is 64. He's not going to keep this pace forever.
All of that instability is good for BC. Our last great run coincided with a downturn at FSU and an extended mediocre period from Clemson. It can and will happen again. We just have to make sure we have our own house in order.
Even the bottom of our division could turn over. Wake appears to be a surprise team. If they keep it up, Dave Clawson will be up for openings. When he leaves, Wake can go back to being Wake.
Always a buyer's market
Just because BC hasn't hired a great coach in a while doesn't mean that we are not constantly one great hire away. All schools are. These jobs are few and the candidate pool is many. Even with all our challenges, there will be dozens of guys wanting their shot or a second chance at BC. Think of how many coaches who have spurned our interest who would die for the job now (Al Golden?). Dan Henning, Tom O'Brien, Jeff Jagodzinski, Frank Spaziani and Steve Addazio have all taken BC to bowl games. None of those guys are Hall of Fame coaches. There are plenty of college coaches with healthy egos and strong work ethics who will think "if those guys could do it, so can I."
I don't want a change now, because I don't trust BC's current process for finding a new coach, but I don't think we will be a permanent bottom dweller in College Football. No program should be. A head coach just needs to find each program's inherent advantages and build on them.
Finding the right coach is hard. Look how long Michigan struggled until landing Harbaugh. Or Alabama until Saban. Look at Nebraska's slow slide from dominance since Osborne retired.
BC can and will be great again. Probably not under Addazio, but the coaching carousel serves as a great reminder that we will be making changes sooner rather than later.
Coaching Changes among our opponents
Right now it feels like the best BC can finish in its own division is 4th place. FSU, Clemson and Louisville have the talent and coaching that we cannot match. But none of that is permanent. Both Jimbo Fisher and Bobby Petrino are prime targets for LSU. Fisher could also pursue NFL opportunities if he wanted to go to the next level. Two years from now, it is highly unlikely that both will still be coaching in the Atlantic Division. Despite their geographic and institutional advantages, neither program is guaranteed to make a good hire or keep winning at their current pace. (Remember the last time Louisville replaced Petrino?) Dabo Swinney seems well entrenched at Clemson, but don't think that he wouldn't go home to Alabama at his first opportunity. Saban is 64. He's not going to keep this pace forever.
All of that instability is good for BC. Our last great run coincided with a downturn at FSU and an extended mediocre period from Clemson. It can and will happen again. We just have to make sure we have our own house in order.
Even the bottom of our division could turn over. Wake appears to be a surprise team. If they keep it up, Dave Clawson will be up for openings. When he leaves, Wake can go back to being Wake.
Always a buyer's market
Just because BC hasn't hired a great coach in a while doesn't mean that we are not constantly one great hire away. All schools are. These jobs are few and the candidate pool is many. Even with all our challenges, there will be dozens of guys wanting their shot or a second chance at BC. Think of how many coaches who have spurned our interest who would die for the job now (Al Golden?). Dan Henning, Tom O'Brien, Jeff Jagodzinski, Frank Spaziani and Steve Addazio have all taken BC to bowl games. None of those guys are Hall of Fame coaches. There are plenty of college coaches with healthy egos and strong work ethics who will think "if those guys could do it, so can I."
I don't want a change now, because I don't trust BC's current process for finding a new coach, but I don't think we will be a permanent bottom dweller in College Football. No program should be. A head coach just needs to find each program's inherent advantages and build on them.
Finding the right coach is hard. Look how long Michigan struggled until landing Harbaugh. Or Alabama until Saban. Look at Nebraska's slow slide from dominance since Osborne retired.
BC can and will be great again. Probably not under Addazio, but the coaching carousel serves as a great reminder that we will be making changes sooner rather than later.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Second viewing thoughts and grades: Wagner
I've always handed out grades in these recaps, but now I am trying something different: Pass/Fail. This game sort of felt like one of those pass/fail classes from back in the day. All BC had to do was avoid a major screwup. They did, so they get a Pass. I will still nitpick a bit, but how can you judge the OLine in a game like this? How can you judge the play calling when running base stuff dominated? There was little to learn from any of this. I am just glad no one got hurt.
Offense: PASS
I don't think Towles played all that well (considering the circumstances) and was very surprised by how critical the broadcast crew was of his performance. It was true that he missed wide open guys and many of his passes were not crisp. But even with those problems, I see why he is starting. His deep throws are effortless and he's pretty athletic for a big guy. If we can figure out what works, he can help us win games. Wade looked really good. He made quick, accurate throws. Even though it was only garbage time, I feel better about him as a backup.
Other than Wade, Davon Jones benefited the most from this game. Is there any reason to think he can't do that against a real opponent? Maybe he should be getting more touches. Hilliman had a lot of stats, but I thought he was just okay.
Walker made some tough catches. Smith's TD was nice. We should be stretching the field with him more often.
The OL...there isn't much I can say. No glaring errors or consistent problems. They opened holes and gave Towles time.
As Addazio promised, things were simpler. That was primarily because of the opponent, but maybe it benefited the OLine and the QB.
Defense: PASS
Landry had a big game and was just too fast for any of the guys in front of him. Kavalec was also pretty active early. The DTs weren't as disruptive.
The only problem I had with the Linebackers were on Wagner's only TD. All got sucked in and not one waited for the cutback. Plus no one ran him down. That was disappointing. The rest of the time they weren't really in the action. We didn't blitz with any and they were more patient the few times Wagner ran.
The DBs were fine. They played off and tackled well. Nothing stupid nor anything that you can really complain about.
I give Reid another Pass. Once again the one score was off of a broken play. I don't know how you address that, but I am sure they will. We didn't do anything exotic or bring all that much pressure.
Special Teams: PASS
Rouse looked really good. As in, he might be the best punt returner we've had in a decade. He's looked reliable and he's been aggressive. If this continues, he might be a real weapon.
Knoll's punts were fine.
Other than their one long run, the kick coverage was fine.
Overall: PASS
The one awkward thing that stood out to me was the announcing crew sharing a comment that Addazio wanted to play "fast." What does fast mean to Addazio? We rarely play up tempo. He loves to huddle. The clock has been an issue. I don't know. I would love to see BC play faster, but I don't know if Addazio defines it the same way I do.
BC came out a bit flat. I don't know if it was the opponent or lack of crowd, but it wasn't good. Addazio should have had them fired up. In the end it didn't matter. The team rallied and won. We will see if he can build on this.
Offense: PASS
I don't think Towles played all that well (considering the circumstances) and was very surprised by how critical the broadcast crew was of his performance. It was true that he missed wide open guys and many of his passes were not crisp. But even with those problems, I see why he is starting. His deep throws are effortless and he's pretty athletic for a big guy. If we can figure out what works, he can help us win games. Wade looked really good. He made quick, accurate throws. Even though it was only garbage time, I feel better about him as a backup.
Other than Wade, Davon Jones benefited the most from this game. Is there any reason to think he can't do that against a real opponent? Maybe he should be getting more touches. Hilliman had a lot of stats, but I thought he was just okay.
Walker made some tough catches. Smith's TD was nice. We should be stretching the field with him more often.
The OL...there isn't much I can say. No glaring errors or consistent problems. They opened holes and gave Towles time.
As Addazio promised, things were simpler. That was primarily because of the opponent, but maybe it benefited the OLine and the QB.
Defense: PASS
Landry had a big game and was just too fast for any of the guys in front of him. Kavalec was also pretty active early. The DTs weren't as disruptive.
The only problem I had with the Linebackers were on Wagner's only TD. All got sucked in and not one waited for the cutback. Plus no one ran him down. That was disappointing. The rest of the time they weren't really in the action. We didn't blitz with any and they were more patient the few times Wagner ran.
The DBs were fine. They played off and tackled well. Nothing stupid nor anything that you can really complain about.
I give Reid another Pass. Once again the one score was off of a broken play. I don't know how you address that, but I am sure they will. We didn't do anything exotic or bring all that much pressure.
Special Teams: PASS
Rouse looked really good. As in, he might be the best punt returner we've had in a decade. He's looked reliable and he's been aggressive. If this continues, he might be a real weapon.
Knoll's punts were fine.
Other than their one long run, the kick coverage was fine.
Overall: PASS
The one awkward thing that stood out to me was the announcing crew sharing a comment that Addazio wanted to play "fast." What does fast mean to Addazio? We rarely play up tempo. He loves to huddle. The clock has been an issue. I don't know. I would love to see BC play faster, but I don't know if Addazio defines it the same way I do.
BC came out a bit flat. I don't know if it was the opponent or lack of crowd, but it wasn't good. Addazio should have had them fired up. In the end it didn't matter. The team rallied and won. We will see if he can build on this.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
That was that
It certainly wasn't the most crisp or quality game, but it was a win. Who knows what to make of any of it? The only silver lining was the extended time for the backups.
I will have grades and second viewing thoughts up late Sunday.
I will have grades and second viewing thoughts up late Sunday.
In-game comments post: Wagner
This game shouldn't be interesting. Yet I know that just by thinking (and writing) that way invites all sorts of jinxes. I want to see a dominant performance that starts to erase the problems of last week. We can do this!
Leave your thoughts and comments below.
You can also follow me on Twitter.
Leave your thoughts and comments below.
You can also follow me on Twitter.
Friday, September 23, 2016
End of the Week Rant: I don't care what happens with the National Anthem at Alumni Saturday
I am surprised. I thought the National Anthem protest would be just another short trend in our short attention span culture. However, it seems like each week brings new athletes into the mix. Most of the focus has been on professional athletes, but more college athletes are getting involved. Saturday will be BC's first home football game. Something may happen. Something may not. I don't really care either way.
If a player wants to protest, I am okay with that. If no one does, I don't care (or take it as sign of character of our team). If Addazio weighs in, I wish him the best. But his college coaching peir group hasn't been the most eloquent or intelligent on the subject.
I don't even care what BC fans do during the Anthem. Given how many fans regularly miss the opening kickoff, the Anthem is the least of our worries.
My indifference is not about not caring about our country, my pride in being an American, or my understanding on racial equality. It is more my position on a lot of things that get people fired up on either side. We get so caught up in the hot button issue of the day and showing our solidarity with one side or the other, that we miss the big underlying issues and do little to solve any of them. Solving these issues takes time and answering hard questions. Ranting about the hot button issue of the day is easy. I use ranting about sports as my distraction from the real life. On real issues, I struggle to find a way that I can make a difference beyond kneeling or ranting or tweeting or liking something on Facebook. Regardless of what happens at Alumni, how people react to the Anthem is not really a problem...or at least, not my problem.
If a player wants to protest, I am okay with that. If no one does, I don't care (or take it as sign of character of our team). If Addazio weighs in, I wish him the best. But his college coaching peir group hasn't been the most eloquent or intelligent on the subject.
I don't even care what BC fans do during the Anthem. Given how many fans regularly miss the opening kickoff, the Anthem is the least of our worries.
My indifference is not about not caring about our country, my pride in being an American, or my understanding on racial equality. It is more my position on a lot of things that get people fired up on either side. We get so caught up in the hot button issue of the day and showing our solidarity with one side or the other, that we miss the big underlying issues and do little to solve any of them. Solving these issues takes time and answering hard questions. Ranting about the hot button issue of the day is easy. I use ranting about sports as my distraction from the real life. On real issues, I struggle to find a way that I can make a difference beyond kneeling or ranting or tweeting or liking something on Facebook. Regardless of what happens at Alumni, how people react to the Anthem is not really a problem...or at least, not my problem.
Friday picks
My picks have been terrible so far this season. If I want to finish above .500, I've got to start getting some right. Maybe this is the week.
(Picks in bold.)
USC+2.5 at Utah
Florida State-5.5 at South Florida
Wisconsin+4.5 at Michigan State
Central Michigan-3 at Virginia
Syracuse+3 at UConn
LSU-3.5 at Auburn
Louisiana Tech+4.5 at Middle Tennessee State
Stanford-3 at UCLA
Arkansas+6 at Texas A&M
Air Force-4.5 at Utah State
Last week I was 2-7-1. For the season I am 9-19-2.
(Picks in bold.)
USC+2.5 at Utah
Florida State-5.5 at South Florida
Wisconsin+4.5 at Michigan State
Central Michigan-3 at Virginia
Syracuse+3 at UConn
LSU-3.5 at Auburn
Louisiana Tech+4.5 at Middle Tennessee State
Stanford-3 at UCLA
Arkansas+6 at Texas A&M
Air Force-4.5 at Utah State
Last week I was 2-7-1. For the season I am 9-19-2.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
BC-Wagner preview
This might be the worst type of game to follow up on last week's disaster. This is such a mismatch, that there is little to nothing we or the staff can learn. I don't even think the guaranteed "W" will boost the team's confidence. They know this is a purchased win. Even if we dominate and Virginia Tech will be on everyone's mind until we beat an ACC team.
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
Win their win last week, North Dakota State has now won six straight road games vs FBS teams. Five of the six have been Power 5 teams. I hate the annual FCS game, but thankfully our administrators know how to schedule true cupcakes. I harp on our overly soft scheduling, but I promise that I would bash the administration even more if they couldn't even schedule a guaranteed win without screwing it up.
Three Simple Keys
1. Get some confidence back in the passing game. Things looked good against UMass. There were even some bright spots at the beginning of the Virginia Tech game. Then Towles started rushing things and chucking it out of bounds. Use this game to get back to what worked.
2. Play the backups. We saw some of the backups get in during the final minutes in Blacksburg. This week needs even more. I want to see everyone who is not redshirting. You never know who will step up.
3. Bring the pressure on D. Like the Offense, I want this game to be a tune up. While I don't want BC to give away all their upcoming wrinkles, I do want them to reestablish an aggressive mindset.
Gambling Notes
-- BC has never lost to an FCS team since they started rescheduling these games in the 2000s
-- Wagner is 0-4 all time vs FBS teams
-- Addazio is 2-1 in home openers
The major sports books are not putting a line on this game.
Factoid
This is only the second New York City school BC has faced in Football. Fordham is the other. I was surprised to find that even back in the day we never played Columbia or St. John's.
Scoreboard Watching
Syracuse plays UConn this weekend. Both are future opponents and most of us considered future wins. Playing each other gives us an indicator of which team we should fear more.
I hope to see...
No one get seriously hurt. The last thing we need in this game is to lose a key player.
BC is in trouble if...
BC can't be in trouble in this game. If we some how screw this up, Bates gets fired Saturday night and Addazio should be fired Sunday morning.
Overall
I expect this to be like last year's Howard game. BC will just overwhelm them with size and speed. It won't be close and it won't tell us anything.
Final Score: BC 49, Howard 7
Win their win last week, North Dakota State has now won six straight road games vs FBS teams. Five of the six have been Power 5 teams. I hate the annual FCS game, but thankfully our administrators know how to schedule true cupcakes. I harp on our overly soft scheduling, but I promise that I would bash the administration even more if they couldn't even schedule a guaranteed win without screwing it up.
Three Simple Keys
1. Get some confidence back in the passing game. Things looked good against UMass. There were even some bright spots at the beginning of the Virginia Tech game. Then Towles started rushing things and chucking it out of bounds. Use this game to get back to what worked.
2. Play the backups. We saw some of the backups get in during the final minutes in Blacksburg. This week needs even more. I want to see everyone who is not redshirting. You never know who will step up.
3. Bring the pressure on D. Like the Offense, I want this game to be a tune up. While I don't want BC to give away all their upcoming wrinkles, I do want them to reestablish an aggressive mindset.
Gambling Notes
-- BC has never lost to an FCS team since they started rescheduling these games in the 2000s
-- Wagner is 0-4 all time vs FBS teams
-- Addazio is 2-1 in home openers
The major sports books are not putting a line on this game.
Factoid
This is only the second New York City school BC has faced in Football. Fordham is the other. I was surprised to find that even back in the day we never played Columbia or St. John's.
Scoreboard Watching
Syracuse plays UConn this weekend. Both are future opponents and most of us considered future wins. Playing each other gives us an indicator of which team we should fear more.
I hope to see...
No one get seriously hurt. The last thing we need in this game is to lose a key player.
BC is in trouble if...
BC can't be in trouble in this game. If we some how screw this up, Bates gets fired Saturday night and Addazio should be fired Sunday morning.
Overall
I expect this to be like last year's Howard game. BC will just overwhelm them with size and speed. It won't be close and it won't tell us anything.
Final Score: BC 49, Howard 7
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
How safe is Addazio?
After last week, it didn't take long for some BC fans to build FireDaz.com. At this point I am not onboard with a coaching change and think that Addazio is relatively safe. Unless we go winless in the ACC again, I don't see Brad Bates making a change.
Some frustrated BC fans will claim that the money owed to Addazio makes him too expensive to fire. That's not the issue. BC has to view the contract as a sunk cost and every miserable season that he is kept on would lead to lost Football revenue, harder fundraising and fewer applications. It becomes too expensive to keep losing, despite what he might still be owed.
But money won't be the primary factor. I think it is more about Bates' power or lack there of. Because it was his first and most high-profile move, Bates is tied to Addazio. And he hasn't accomplished enough at BC to be viewed as anything other than the guy who hired Addazio and Christian. Bates benefits by giving Addazio more time. If, and only if, Addazio turns things around, will Bates earn back the trust with fans and BC leadership. If Addazio continues to struggle, no one around BC will want Bates searching for another coach.
If Addazio can't win more this year, I think it will be Bates who is fired (or not renewed, however you want to view it). It would then be up to Bates replacement to evaluate Addazio after five years and set the new direction for BC Football.
So get used to Addazio. I think he's going to be around another year or longer.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
What was that?
Last week I highlighted good offensive playcalling and play design. This week is the opposite. This was only one play, but I feel it captures many of the problems of the day and is an example of what Addazio explained away as things getting too complicated.
In my opinion, the best college offenses keep things as simple as possible. Variations, counters and new wrinkles are built on the foundation of what works. Because of the relative inexperience of all college players, the limitation on practice reps, and the challenge of trying new things, being a different offense week to week is nearly impossible. That was my frustration last year. We kept trying all sorts of things and none of it worked. It is all more frustrating because of what Day (and Addazio) did in Daz's first two years at BC was so brilliant. But that is another post for another time.
Here is the play. BC just got the ball back and it is early in the 2nd Quarter. This is first down. It is an empty backfield. Once they realize the backfield is empty, VT crowds the line and shows blitz.
Now this is just one play in a terrible game. Who cares? Well BC was already down at this point but there was plenty of time to play. Instead of trying something that worked earlier in the season or early in the game, BC comes out with an empty backfield. This is my first issue. Second there was the Pop Warner sloppy cut blocks. This is not something BC has done much this year or in recent years. That leads me to believe they don't spend a ton of time practicing it. So either two things happened for this play to make the gameplan. They either didn't practice enough so that the OL could cut blockin their sleep OR they did practice it a lot and the linemen still couldn't pull it off (therefore wasting valuable practice time). Neither answer is good. I hope they didn't practice it much and were just rolling the dice. If they did practice it well enough to make the gameplan and that is how the guys blocked, then we have bigger issues.
While Towles is a 5th year, he is still new to this Offense and facing Bud Foster. Why not keep things simple for him. Tell him to take off if the play breaks down or the cuts don't work.
Addazio mentioned getting back to basics. That's good, because we need to find what works. Save the cut blocking, five wide stuff once we can block, pass and run.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Addazio sounds like Jimbo Fisher
"I'm mad. I'm pissed off at myself. I'm pissed off at my coaches. But ranting and raving won't do anything."
-- Jimbo Fisher
With a day of reflection after his team got thrashed, Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher pointed most of the blame back at himself and his staff. Steve Addazio did the same thing. Even if neither believes it, taking the blame is the smart decision.
When a guy misses a kick or the D allows a key conversion in a close game, you can point to that one moment. When you lose by 49, there are no such moments. Losing like that speaks to huge issues. And since there are so many issues, the Head Coach has to take the blame. He approved the gameplan. He picked and empowered the staff and he recruited most of the players.
Addazio also spoke to the failure of the scheme. He thinks they made things too complex and slowed the players down. They weren't reacting. They were overthinking. I don't know if this was the main issue, but it is consistent with the formations on Offense. On D, we were less aggressive.
We won't know much about Addazio's fixes until after Wagner and Buffalo. Hopefully he won't have to explain away another disaster.
-- Jimbo Fisher
With a day of reflection after his team got thrashed, Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher pointed most of the blame back at himself and his staff. Steve Addazio did the same thing. Even if neither believes it, taking the blame is the smart decision.
When a guy misses a kick or the D allows a key conversion in a close game, you can point to that one moment. When you lose by 49, there are no such moments. Losing like that speaks to huge issues. And since there are so many issues, the Head Coach has to take the blame. He approved the gameplan. He picked and empowered the staff and he recruited most of the players.
Addazio also spoke to the failure of the scheme. He thinks they made things too complex and slowed the players down. They weren't reacting. They were overthinking. I don't know if this was the main issue, but it is consistent with the formations on Offense. On D, we were less aggressive.
We won't know much about Addazio's fixes until after Wagner and Buffalo. Hopefully he won't have to explain away another disaster.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Second viewing thoughts and grades: Virginia Tech
During the game it felt like the Offense was the big problem and everything else fell apart later. That wasn't the case. The D was making mistakes from the start and had no answer for VT's new offense. There was no pressure and they made us do things we don't do well (zone). I don't feel good about the team right now. Mostly because of the coaching, but also because of how the players reacted during the game.
Offense: F
Towles looked terrible. His passing was rough and his decision making worse. He gave up on plays way too early. Why is he so quick to throw it out of bounds? If the guys are not open, tuck it and run! We actually moved the ball a bit when he was outside the pocket. Wade got his first real ACC action of the year. He wasn't allowed to do much and what he did, didn't impress. He's not a great runner.
VT was waiting on the run, but Hilliman has got to make at least one guy miss. Or run over a guy or two. When he doesn't break something, his touches become worthless. Rouse and Willis weren't given much to do within the Offense.
The OLine wasn't the problem, but they weren't good. Too many penalties and too many mistakes. The guys who struggled were Schmal, Lowery and Montiero.
The WRs had a rough day. Walker's fumble was huge and in replay you saw that it wasn't some big hit. There was a glancing blow and the ball got loose. Smith didn't make enough plays. Sweeney dropped a near TD. As a group their blocking wasn't great either.
Things looked okay early. Loeffler spread things about and got Towles on the move. But as BC fell behind, we seemed to abandon that idea and go through an awkward mix of big and spread. None of it worked. When things are falling apart like that, I pray that the OC can put some simple series of plays in to calm the team and move the ball just a bit. Clearly Loeffler doesn't think like me. We had nothing that we could execute under pressure.
Defense: F
The problems on defense started up front. Virginia Tech ran to the edges and negated much of our strength inside. But as a group these guys did not control the line. Where was Gutapfel? He usually gets good penetration. Landry lost contain a few times on scoring drives. Kavalec was very active but also got pushed around on the line. Ray made a play, but also missed some tackles.
This was the worst game of Milano's time at BC. He missed too many tackles, looked less aggressive and struggled covering their slot guys and RBs in the passing game. Strachan and Schwab were not great either. None of the guys made plays or disrupted like they did the first two weeks. Because of the score Bletzer got more playing time and looked ok.
McClary got called for Pass Interference twice, but I thought he played better than most of the DBs. He made the play on balls, he just got too handsy with their WRs. Johnson and Harris missed some tackles. Moore and Yiadom -- who were both great last year -- struggled in coverage.
Beyond the missed tackles, we had some scheme issues. BC rarely blitzed and couldn't get pressure with the front four. We played a lot of zone and they picked it apart. They also really made our LBs look bad in coverage. Maybe the UMass and Georgia Tech gave the staff a false sense of what the team can do. We need to start blitzing more soon. It is what this program was built to do.
Special Teams: C
I felt bad for Max Richardson being called for a block in the back on Willis' return. It was a borderline call and would have changed the mood of the game.
The punts were decent and the coverage was okay considering how many times BC kicked it away!
Overall: F
Good programs and good coaches are occasionally on the wrong end of an ass kicking. Look at Florida State this weekend. When I went back through BC's history, Notre Dame pounding Coughlin nears the top of the list of worst defeats. It is forgivable. But how you handle it in the game and after is what really matters.
I thought Addazio should have done more during the game. Why not try to score on fourth down? Why not go with Wade earlier? Why not air it out? Find a spark. Find a new answer. Don't just mail in the game. That sort of attitude teaches the team nothing and provides no helpful data to the coaches.
I don't think this team is as bad as the score. But I think the Addazio version of BC Football is on life support. If he is truly going to build a winner here, he needs to salvage this season and avoid further embarrassment. He's let games slip away, but at least BC fought in those games. If BC can't even keep things close, then we've entered lame duck mode.
Offense: F
Towles looked terrible. His passing was rough and his decision making worse. He gave up on plays way too early. Why is he so quick to throw it out of bounds? If the guys are not open, tuck it and run! We actually moved the ball a bit when he was outside the pocket. Wade got his first real ACC action of the year. He wasn't allowed to do much and what he did, didn't impress. He's not a great runner.
VT was waiting on the run, but Hilliman has got to make at least one guy miss. Or run over a guy or two. When he doesn't break something, his touches become worthless. Rouse and Willis weren't given much to do within the Offense.
The OLine wasn't the problem, but they weren't good. Too many penalties and too many mistakes. The guys who struggled were Schmal, Lowery and Montiero.
The WRs had a rough day. Walker's fumble was huge and in replay you saw that it wasn't some big hit. There was a glancing blow and the ball got loose. Smith didn't make enough plays. Sweeney dropped a near TD. As a group their blocking wasn't great either.
Things looked okay early. Loeffler spread things about and got Towles on the move. But as BC fell behind, we seemed to abandon that idea and go through an awkward mix of big and spread. None of it worked. When things are falling apart like that, I pray that the OC can put some simple series of plays in to calm the team and move the ball just a bit. Clearly Loeffler doesn't think like me. We had nothing that we could execute under pressure.
Defense: F
The problems on defense started up front. Virginia Tech ran to the edges and negated much of our strength inside. But as a group these guys did not control the line. Where was Gutapfel? He usually gets good penetration. Landry lost contain a few times on scoring drives. Kavalec was very active but also got pushed around on the line. Ray made a play, but also missed some tackles.
This was the worst game of Milano's time at BC. He missed too many tackles, looked less aggressive and struggled covering their slot guys and RBs in the passing game. Strachan and Schwab were not great either. None of the guys made plays or disrupted like they did the first two weeks. Because of the score Bletzer got more playing time and looked ok.
McClary got called for Pass Interference twice, but I thought he played better than most of the DBs. He made the play on balls, he just got too handsy with their WRs. Johnson and Harris missed some tackles. Moore and Yiadom -- who were both great last year -- struggled in coverage.
Beyond the missed tackles, we had some scheme issues. BC rarely blitzed and couldn't get pressure with the front four. We played a lot of zone and they picked it apart. They also really made our LBs look bad in coverage. Maybe the UMass and Georgia Tech gave the staff a false sense of what the team can do. We need to start blitzing more soon. It is what this program was built to do.
Special Teams: C
I felt bad for Max Richardson being called for a block in the back on Willis' return. It was a borderline call and would have changed the mood of the game.
The punts were decent and the coverage was okay considering how many times BC kicked it away!
Overall: F
Good programs and good coaches are occasionally on the wrong end of an ass kicking. Look at Florida State this weekend. When I went back through BC's history, Notre Dame pounding Coughlin nears the top of the list of worst defeats. It is forgivable. But how you handle it in the game and after is what really matters.
I thought Addazio should have done more during the game. Why not try to score on fourth down? Why not go with Wade earlier? Why not air it out? Find a spark. Find a new answer. Don't just mail in the game. That sort of attitude teaches the team nothing and provides no helpful data to the coaches.
I don't think this team is as bad as the score. But I think the Addazio version of BC Football is on life support. If he is truly going to build a winner here, he needs to salvage this season and avoid further embarrassment. He's let games slip away, but at least BC fought in those games. If BC can't even keep things close, then we've entered lame duck mode.
Second viewing thoughts and grades: Virginia Tech
During the game it felt like the Offense was the big problem and everything else fell apart later. That wasn't the case. The D was making mistakes from the start and had no answer for VT's new offense. There was no pressure and they made us do things we don't do well (zone). I don't feel good about the team right now. Mostly because of the coaching, but also because of how the players reacted during the game.
Offense: F
Towles looked terrible. His passing was rough and his decision making worse. He gave up on plays way too early. Why is he so quick to throw it out of bounds? If the guys are not open, tuck it and run! We actually moved the ball a bit when he was outside the pocket. Wade got his first real ACC action of the year. He wasn't allowed to do much and what he did, didn't impress. He's not a great runner.
VT was waiting on the run, but Hilliman has got to make at least one guy miss. Or run over a guy or two. When he doesn't break something, his touches become worthless. Rouse and Willis weren't given much to do within the Offense.
The OLine wasn't the problem, but they weren't good. Too many penalties and too many mistakes. The guys who struggled were Schmal, Lowery and Montiero.
The WRs had a rough day. Walker's fumble was huge and in replay you saw that it wasn't some big hit. There was a glancing blow and the ball got loose. Smith didn't make enough plays. Sweeney dropped a near TD. As a group their blocking wasn't great either.
Things looked okay early. Loeffler spread things about and got Towles on the move. But as BC fell behind, we seemed to abandon that idea and go through an awkward mix of big and spread. None of it worked. When things are falling apart like that, I pray that the OC can put some simple series of plays in to calm the team and move the ball just a bit. Clearly Loeffler doesn't think like me. We had nothing that we could execute under pressure.
Defense: F
The problems on defense started up front. Virginia Tech ran to the edges and negated much of our strength inside. But as a group these guys did not control the line. Where was Gutapfel? He usually gets good penetration. Landry lost contain a few times on scoring drives. Kavalec was very active but also got pushed around on the line. Ray made a play, but also missed some tackles.
This was the worst game of Milano's time at BC. He missed too many tackles, looked less aggressive and struggled covering their slot guys and RBs in the passing game. Strachan and Schwab were not great either. None of the guys made plays or disrupted like they did the first two weeks. Because of the score Bletzer got more playing time and looked ok.
McClary got called for Pass Interference twice, but I thought he played better than most of the DBs. He made the play on balls, he just got too handsy with their WRs. Johnson and Harris missed some tackles. Moore and Yiadom -- who were both great last year -- struggled in coverage.
Beyond the missed tackles, we had some scheme issues. BC rarely blitzed and couldn't get pressure with the front four. We played a lot of zone and they picked it apart. They also really made our LBs look bad in coverage. Maybe the UMass and Georgia Tech gave the staff a false sense of what the team can do. We need to start blitzing more soon. IT is what this program was built to do.
Special Teams: C
I felt bad for Max Richardson being called for a block in the back on Willis' return. It was a borderline call and would have changed the mood of the game.
The punts were decent and the coverage was okay considering how many times BC kicked it away!
Overall: F
Good programs and good coaches are occasionally on the wrong end of an ass kicking. Look at Florida State this weekend. When I went back through BC's history, Notre Dame pounding Coughlin nears the top of the list of worst defeats. It is forgivable. But how you handle it in the game and after is what really matters.
I thought Addazio should have done more during the game. Why not try to score on fourth down? Why not go with Wade earlier? Why not air it out? Find a spark. Find a new answer. Don't just mail in the game. That sort of attitude teaches the team nothing and provides no helpful data to the coaches.
I don't think this team is as bad as the score. But I think the Addazio version of BC Football is on life support. If he is truly going to build a winner here, he needs to salvage this season and avoid further embarrassment. He's let games slip away, but at least BC fought in those games. If BC can't even keep things close, then we've entered lame duck mode.
Offense: F
Towles looked terrible. His passing was rough and his decision making worse. He gave up on plays way too early. Why is he so quick to throw it out of bounds? If the guys are not open, tuck it and run! We actually moved the ball a bit when he was outside the pocket. Wade got his first real ACC action of the year. He wasn't allowed to do much and what he did, didn't impress. He's not a great runner.
VT was waiting on the run, but Hilliman has got to make at least one guy miss. Or run over a guy or two. When he doesn't break something, his touches become worthless. Rouse and Willis weren't given much to do within the Offense.
The OLine wasn't the problem, but they weren't good. Too many penalties and too many mistakes. The guys who struggled were Schmal, Lowery and Montiero.
The WRs had a rough day. Walker's fumble was huge and in replay you saw that it wasn't some big hit. There was a glancing blow and the ball got loose. Smith didn't make enough plays. Sweeney dropped a near TD. As a group their blocking wasn't great either.
Things looked okay early. Loeffler spread things about and got Towles on the move. But as BC fell behind, we seemed to abandon that idea and go through an awkward mix of big and spread. None of it worked. When things are falling apart like that, I pray that the OC can put some simple series of plays in to calm the team and move the ball just a bit. Clearly Loeffler doesn't think like me. We had nothing that we could execute under pressure.
Defense: F
The problems on defense started up front. Virginia Tech ran to the edges and negated much of our strength inside. But as a group these guys did not control the line. Where was Gutapfel? He usually gets good penetration. Landry lost contain a few times on scoring drives. Kavalec was very active but also got pushed around on the line. Ray made a play, but also missed some tackles.
This was the worst game of Milano's time at BC. He missed too many tackles, looked less aggressive and struggled covering their slot guys and RBs in the passing game. Strachan and Schwab were not great either. None of the guys made plays or disrupted like they did the first two weeks. Because of the score Bletzer got more playing time and looked ok.
McClary got called for Pass Interference twice, but I thought he played better than most of the DBs. He made the play on balls, he just got too handsy with their WRs. Johnson and Harris missed some tackles. Moore and Yiadom -- who were both great last year -- struggled in coverage.
Beyond the missed tackles, we had some scheme issues. BC rarely blitzed and couldn't get pressure with the front four. We played a lot of zone and they picked it apart. They also really made our LBs look bad in coverage. Maybe the UMass and Georgia Tech gave the staff a false sense of what the team can do. We need to start blitzing more soon. IT is what this program was built to do.
Special Teams: C
I felt bad for Max Richardson being called for a block in the back on Willis' return. It was a borderline call and would have changed the mood of the game.
The punts were decent and the coverage was okay considering how many times BC kicked it away!
Overall: F
Good programs and good coaches are occasionally on the wrong end of an ass kicking. Look at Florida State this weekend. When I went back through BC's history, Notre Dame pounding Coughlin nears the top of the list of worst defeats. It is forgivable. But how you handle it in the game and after is what really matters.
I thought Addazio should have done more during the game. Why not try to score on fourth down? Why not go with Wade earlier? Why not air it out? Find a spark. Find a new answer. Don't just mail in the game. That sort of attitude teaches the team nothing and provides no helpful data to the coaches.
I don't think this team is as bad as the score. But I think the Addazio version of BC Football is on life support. If he is truly going to build a winner here, he needs to salvage this season and avoid further embarrassment. He's let games slip away, but at least BC fought in those games. If BC can't even keep things close, then we've entered lame duck mode.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Embarassed
BC joined a football conference in 1991. Saturday was the most lopsided loss in that time. Worse than Spaz (51-7 to FSU). Worse than TOB's worst (52-6 to Miami). Worse than Henning (a couple of 42 point losses). Coughlin had a bad day, but not this bad (47 point loss to ND). This was bad.
Don't let casual fans or Addazio blame this on talent. BC has holes and youth, but not a 49 point difference in talent. This team has execution and preparation issues. How else to explain the inability to score? Good OCs find things that work and build on them. Bad OCs force things based on what they want to do, not what their team is capable of.
Now Addazio has to earn his paycheck. This team looked checked out. He needs to rebuild their confidence and regroup. Wagner won't be a problem, but the rest of the schedule will be.
I am not going to start a fire Addazio movement yet. He's a problem, but I don't want Brad Bates involved in replacing him. With a gun to my head, I would keep Addazio another season and change ADs.
Don't let casual fans or Addazio blame this on talent. BC has holes and youth, but not a 49 point difference in talent. This team has execution and preparation issues. How else to explain the inability to score? Good OCs find things that work and build on them. Bad OCs force things based on what they want to do, not what their team is capable of.
Now Addazio has to earn his paycheck. This team looked checked out. He needs to rebuild their confidence and regroup. Wagner won't be a problem, but the rest of the schedule will be.
I am not going to start a fire Addazio movement yet. He's a problem, but I don't want Brad Bates involved in replacing him. With a gun to my head, I would keep Addazio another season and change ADs.
In-game comments post: Virginia Tech
Another return to Lane Stadium. Do we play to our potential or is it another struggle? We'll find out shortly.
Leave your thoughts and comments below.
You can also follow me on Twitter.
Leave your thoughts and comments below.
You can also follow me on Twitter.
Friday, September 16, 2016
End of the Week Rant: the ACC Divisions are stupid
The ACC Divisions are stupid! Not a new theory, but I am reminded of that by the Colorado-Michigan game (of all things). In the run up to this weekend's game in Ann Arbor, I've seen Kordell Stewart's Hail Mary a dozen times. And each time the announcers say something along the lines of "one of the most memorable play of all time in College Football." Not spoken, but implied, is that Flutie's pass is right there too. Although we've all seen the play a million times, the BC-Miami game doesn't get that sort of annual stroll down memory lane because WE HARDLY EVER PLAY MIAMI! Why don't we play Miami? Because the conference is huge and they are in the other division!
The ACC's expansion necessitated divisions so that the conference could hold an Championship Game. At the time, they did their best to divide the teams to meet as many needs as possible and balance the power. Balancing teams based on their strengths in 2004 was dumb and shortsighted. Powers ebb and flow. Then you throw in the new teams and the Maryland departure and you have an even more random collection of teams that have no real connection.
As I've said and written before, the two divisions should revert back to some sort of shared history. The former Big East teams (Boston College, Louisville, Miami, Pitt, Syracuse and Virginia Tech) plus one sacrificial lamb should make up one division. The other would be filled by the more traditional ACC teams. That makes sense historically, geographically, and probably recruiting wise too. And best of all, BC would play Miami every year! ("...caught by Boston College! It's a touchdown!")
It won't happen. The politics are too messy. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't.
The ACC's expansion necessitated divisions so that the conference could hold an Championship Game. At the time, they did their best to divide the teams to meet as many needs as possible and balance the power. Balancing teams based on their strengths in 2004 was dumb and shortsighted. Powers ebb and flow. Then you throw in the new teams and the Maryland departure and you have an even more random collection of teams that have no real connection.
As I've said and written before, the two divisions should revert back to some sort of shared history. The former Big East teams (Boston College, Louisville, Miami, Pitt, Syracuse and Virginia Tech) plus one sacrificial lamb should make up one division. The other would be filled by the more traditional ACC teams. That makes sense historically, geographically, and probably recruiting wise too. And best of all, BC would play Miami every year! ("...caught by Boston College! It's a touchdown!")
It won't happen. The politics are too messy. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't.
Friday Picks
It is good to bottom out early! At least that is what I am telling myself. Hopefully I will bounce back this week.
(Picks in bold.)
Florida State-1 at Louisville
Miami-3.5 at Appalachia State
New Mexico+6 at Rutgers
Virginia+4.5 at UConn
Pitt+5 at Oklahoma State
Oregon+3 at Nebraska
Florida International-1 at UMass
East Carolina+3 at South Carolina
Ohio State-1.5 at Oklahoma
UCLA-3.5 at BYU
Last week I was 3-6-1. For the season I am 7-12-1.
(Picks in bold.)
Florida State-1 at Louisville
Miami-3.5 at Appalachia State
New Mexico+6 at Rutgers
Virginia+4.5 at UConn
Pitt+5 at Oklahoma State
Oregon+3 at Nebraska
Florida International-1 at UMass
East Carolina+3 at South Carolina
Ohio State-1.5 at Oklahoma
UCLA-3.5 at BYU
Last week I was 3-6-1. For the season I am 7-12-1.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
BC-Virginia Tech preview
Last week, we played UMass and Virginia Tech played Tennessee. I know I should be smart and factor in the quality of each opponent, but I can't help myself. BC looked good and the Hokies looked really bad. I feel great about this game. It is still Blacksburg and BC is still a very flawed team, but this game might not be the huge hurdle I envisioned before the season started.
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
Virginia Tech seemingly handled the Legend retirement better than nearly any program in recent memory. While not as historically significant as Bowden or Paterno, Beamer was and is an icon at Virginia Tech. Although the past few seasons were a step down from their glory years, they still didn't bottom out. Recruiting and talent remained strong and they were still perceived as relevant to the college football world. Beamer did not pull a power play and install his son or his long time assistant in charge. They hired a popular candidate. Kudos to them for pulling it off. I had hoped BC would benefit from a few forgettable twilight years from Beamer. Now I can only hope that Fuente is a bust.
Three Simple Keys
1. Establish the run. BC has had a few big plays on the ground, but too often the runs on first and second down are getting stuffed. This is in part because teams are loading up for it. BC needs to stay with it and hope that the OLine can get good push and punish VT.
2. No turnovers from Towles. Towles has been lucky that only two of his bad passes turned into interceptions. He can't be that wild this week. A few picks will turn this game.
3. No breakdowns on D. Even after dominating I can't forget UMass' Tight End streaking down the field or the 4th and 19 against Georgia Tech. The D can't have a moment like that this week.
Gambling Notes
-- Addazio is 8-17 in ACC games
-- Prior to taking over at VT, Fuente is 15-10 in home games
-- BC has lost nine straight ACC games
The current line is BC+6
Factoid
This is the first time BC will face a Virginia Tech Football team not coached by Frank Beamer.
Scoreboard Watching
Louisville-Florida State is a huge game for the ACC and for BC (since we face both). I don't know how we will score on either but it will be interesting to see what each team tries to do on D.
I hope to see...
The D capitalize on Virginia Tech's sloppy play. If we force a few turnovers, I could see the momentum swinging our way.
BC is in trouble if...
We come away with FGs in their end. I know I should not take any field goal for granted, but I fear that this could be a low scoring game and ending drives with three points instead of seven invites the Hokies to steal the game on one big play.
Overall
I'm feeling really good about this game. I think we can handle them on Defense and score just enough to get the win. I think the front seven continue to kill the QB and Addazio finally ends the ACC losing streak.
Final Score: BC 20, VT 10
Virginia Tech seemingly handled the Legend retirement better than nearly any program in recent memory. While not as historically significant as Bowden or Paterno, Beamer was and is an icon at Virginia Tech. Although the past few seasons were a step down from their glory years, they still didn't bottom out. Recruiting and talent remained strong and they were still perceived as relevant to the college football world. Beamer did not pull a power play and install his son or his long time assistant in charge. They hired a popular candidate. Kudos to them for pulling it off. I had hoped BC would benefit from a few forgettable twilight years from Beamer. Now I can only hope that Fuente is a bust.
Three Simple Keys
1. Establish the run. BC has had a few big plays on the ground, but too often the runs on first and second down are getting stuffed. This is in part because teams are loading up for it. BC needs to stay with it and hope that the OLine can get good push and punish VT.
2. No turnovers from Towles. Towles has been lucky that only two of his bad passes turned into interceptions. He can't be that wild this week. A few picks will turn this game.
3. No breakdowns on D. Even after dominating I can't forget UMass' Tight End streaking down the field or the 4th and 19 against Georgia Tech. The D can't have a moment like that this week.
Gambling Notes
-- Addazio is 8-17 in ACC games
-- Prior to taking over at VT, Fuente is 15-10 in home games
-- BC has lost nine straight ACC games
The current line is BC+6
Factoid
This is the first time BC will face a Virginia Tech Football team not coached by Frank Beamer.
Scoreboard Watching
Louisville-Florida State is a huge game for the ACC and for BC (since we face both). I don't know how we will score on either but it will be interesting to see what each team tries to do on D.
I hope to see...
The D capitalize on Virginia Tech's sloppy play. If we force a few turnovers, I could see the momentum swinging our way.
BC is in trouble if...
We come away with FGs in their end. I know I should not take any field goal for granted, but I fear that this could be a low scoring game and ending drives with three points instead of seven invites the Hokies to steal the game on one big play.
Overall
I'm feeling really good about this game. I think we can handle them on Defense and score just enough to get the win. I think the front seven continue to kill the QB and Addazio finally ends the ACC losing streak.
Final Score: BC 20, VT 10
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Bates needs to step up on ACC's Championship Game change
(I thought about avoiding this subject because the HB2 issue is bound to stir up both sides. But my point in this post is about BC AD Brad Bates.)
The ACC announced they will move the ACC Championship Game from Charlotte to another location outside the state. The Conference is following the NCAA's decision to move championships due to the state's HB2 law limiting civil rights protections for LGBT individuals. Speculation is that in the short term the game will move to Orlando. I think the move from Charlotte is a missed opportunity. Instead of going to another city where people really won't care about the ACC Championship Game, the ACC should use this change to move the games on campus. Who is the man to lead the on campus movement? Brad Bates!
While the on campus game has been used by other conferences and considered by the ACC, I know it is unlikely to happen now. Some location will make it financially worthwile and the ACC will continue to play a neutral game...and half the stadium will be empty. That is why I prefer an on campus game. If any ACC team hosted a Championship on campus it would sell out. Even at Alumni. It would look good on TV and the crowd would be a factor. Is the little extra money from a host city worth an inferior TV product and memorable setting? With so many ACC tickets unsold or given away, I think financially a home game could come close to the gate revenue in Charlotte.
If Brad Bates were a good politician, he could move the conversation that way. Because BC is a non-factor this year, his opinions wouldn't be based on benefiting his team this season. However, establishing an on campus precedent could benefit BC down the road. Our fanbase is never going to travel en-mass to an ACC Championship Game. Having it in Alumni would be different. It could potentially be the biggest moment in BC Football history. Even if this is a fool's errand, I would still like to hear that Bates is trying something among his fellow ADs. He's never listed as one of the influencers or leaders.
This is all wishful thinking on my part. The game is going to Florida and no one will really care, including BC's Athletic Department.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
A simple play I liked
Aside from his reputation and the stats, I don't know much about Scot Loeffler. By that I mean that I don't know what sort of plays he calls, how creative he is and how good he is at teaching his players these plays. Because BC is always going to be run first under Addazio (regardless of his coordinator), there will always be some restrictions on the play caller and play designer. However, there have been some encouraging signs from Loeffler so far. Towles seems comfortable in the Offense and we are passing more effectively than last year. But teams are still selling out to stop our ground game. The good news about that aggressiveness, is that there are simple counter plays to run against a defense loaded up to stop the run.
One counter that Loeffler used in the first two games was passing to the the H-back/Tight End coming out of the backfield on a wheel route. Against Georgia Tech, Chris Garrison caught it out of the backfield. Against UMass we used the same play, only with Callinan as the H-back. Below is the set up.
Unfortunately the game broadcast cut back to the play before getting a clear glimpse of the formation, but BC starts in the I, with one WR wide and two TEs on the other side. UMass has eight in the box. Towles play fakes to the RB as Callinan looks to be the lead blocker going to the weakside.
But the H-Back is not a blocker and blows by the Linebacker ready to chuck him. This is the beauty of using a faster guy like Callinan or Garrison instead of Wofford. These big WRs can run right around your typical Linebacker. It also forces a DE or Linebacker to start to cover Hilliman coming out of the backfield. The extra blockers on the strong side also give Towles plenty of time.
Towles knows where he wants to go -- the H back -- but the other nice thing about this play is that all his progressions are on one side of the field. I am guessing the H-back is the first option. The WR deep is the second option and the running back is the last. But overall it is a simple play. Hopefully all BC QBs could handle it.
Callinan has his man beat from the start so he has plenty of time and space to locate the ball and adjust. Fortunately on this throw, Towles lofts it right into his belly. No acrobatics needed. The UMass Safety comes over to help but it is too late.
Callinan makes the catch. First Down, Boston College.
As I wrote, this isn't some wild concept or something new. Play action against a loaded box is trusted and true plan. What I appreciate about Loeffler is that he called his at just the right time and that he added the wrinkle of putting faster players coming out of the backfield. This is not a slight on Wofford. If anything, as teams see this play on tape, they will be looking for Garrison/Callinan lining up in the backfield and think pass or view Wofford's snaps as runs. It will then be up to Loeffler to mix it up and keep off of tendency. But not bad for an Offense that couldn't do anything right last year.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Wagner game marks BC's debut on ACC Network Plus
BC announced the kickoff for the Wagner game in two weeks. It will be at 1 PM. The game itself is not a big deal. And the kickoff time isn't much of a big deal either (although tailgaters prefer the 1 PM games to the noon games). The big deal is that this will be the first BC Football game shown on the new ACC Network Plus.
The Plus is basically ESPN3 but with ACC branding. It is an over-the-top version of the upcoming real ACC Network. What will be important is seeing what, if anything, ESPN adds to the production. The branding is an easy thing to do. I hope they are investing something more. Either better announcers. Better production values. Maybe more camera angles. There should also be a dedicated ACC halftime show.
If ESPN doesn't do anything special, then I fear for the real ACC Network. If they are not investing in the conference now, what makes us think they will break new ground when the network launches in two years?
The Plus is basically ESPN3 but with ACC branding. It is an over-the-top version of the upcoming real ACC Network. What will be important is seeing what, if anything, ESPN adds to the production. The branding is an easy thing to do. I hope they are investing something more. Either better announcers. Better production values. Maybe more camera angles. There should also be a dedicated ACC halftime show.
If ESPN doesn't do anything special, then I fear for the real ACC Network. If they are not investing in the conference now, what makes us think they will break new ground when the network launches in two years?
A look a back at a previous trip to Lane Stadium
We could lose our next hundred games in Blacksburg and I would still remember this one first.
Look at how judicious BC was with the Timeouts that game.
(Thanks to the folks at EO for recirculating this again.)
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Second viewing thoughts and grades: UMass
Because of the slow start and allowing an early score, I never felt at ease when the game was live. Watching it back made me appreciate how many things BC actually did well. I feel much better about the team than I did a week ago.
Offense: B-
The more passes I see, the more I realize that Towles is not a great passer. He's not terrible. Both TDs were great throws. He has a live arm. But his placement and accuracy is not great. His high balls are going to get one of our pass catchers really hurt this year. He did make better decisions this week and didn't seem as quick to run.
With every team so focused on stopping BC's running attack, I don't know if we are going to see that many great games from any of the RBs. Hilliman is a power guy who needs holes. He's not someone who is going to make a quick cut in and out of traffic. He was fine in this game. I was glad to see Jones get some touches. Willis had a nice play.
The WRs are playing really well. Smith is a natural and has great hands considering he's only been doing this a few months. Callinan made some really touch catches. As did Walker. Sweeney pulled in one. Collectively their blocking wasn't great (Garrison had one real bad whiff). But they are playing well as a group.
I thought the game plan was decent. The passing attack was effective and we used some more play action. My biggest problem remains the stubbornness of running between the tackles in power set ups. UMass went all out on so many plays to stop the run. Other teams will too. Loeffler has to scheme around it. If he does there will be big plays (I loved the swing to Callinan out of the backfield.)
Defense: A-
We knew the Gutapfel was good. Now we know the other guys have potential to be very good too. Allen, Ray and Landry all dominated at various points. They all got good push and good penetration. Everyone had a turn destroying Comis.
Milano is smart and fast, but I don't think I realized how strong he was until this game. At one point he caught a UMass guy from behind in a near horse collar and basically whipped him to the ground. Strachan was good (but not as dominant as last week). Schwab made plenty of tackles, but also might have been responsible for a coverage breakdown on their one TD.
I've read some criticism of the DBs, but I am not seeing the problems. Big hits again from Harris and Johnson. Good coverage from Moore, Torres and Yiadom. I thought they all played relatively well.
If you had any questions how aggressive BC would be against a conventional Offense, this answered it. Reid brought pressure and even got pressure with just the front four. It did look a lot like Don Brown, with plenty of man coverage. My only gripe was the blown coverage that lead to the TD. The TV guys blamed it on Schwab.
Special Teams: B+
The nice thing about having Willis and Rouse involved in kick and punt returns, respectively, is that they are mature, yet still aggressive. Both make good decisions on when and when not to return. And both helped change field positions.
Our kick coverage was decent. We hit them hard, but still allowed some longish returns. The punt coverage was fine.
I didn't like punting on their side of the field, but that is on Addazio.
We couldn't have a perfect place kicking day, but it was an improvement.
Overall: B-
Just because things worked out, does not mean Addazio is suddenly a genius. He still made questionable decisions throughout the game on 4th down and still burned his timeouts in a relatively close game. However, he showed he can and will go for it on some fourth downs. He also showed a willingness to bounce ideas off of Paul Pasqualoni. That is what Pasqualoni is there for: to be a trusted voice of reason. (Of course Addazio's mentor/buddy is also notoriously conservative.) But enough things improved, including the passing and the Defensive pressure, to give Addazio some credit. I also appreciate that the team put last week behind them and didn't panic when UMass scored.
It was a game BC was supposed to win. They did and now it is on to Blacksburg.
Offense: B-
The more passes I see, the more I realize that Towles is not a great passer. He's not terrible. Both TDs were great throws. He has a live arm. But his placement and accuracy is not great. His high balls are going to get one of our pass catchers really hurt this year. He did make better decisions this week and didn't seem as quick to run.
With every team so focused on stopping BC's running attack, I don't know if we are going to see that many great games from any of the RBs. Hilliman is a power guy who needs holes. He's not someone who is going to make a quick cut in and out of traffic. He was fine in this game. I was glad to see Jones get some touches. Willis had a nice play.
The WRs are playing really well. Smith is a natural and has great hands considering he's only been doing this a few months. Callinan made some really touch catches. As did Walker. Sweeney pulled in one. Collectively their blocking wasn't great (Garrison had one real bad whiff). But they are playing well as a group.
I thought the game plan was decent. The passing attack was effective and we used some more play action. My biggest problem remains the stubbornness of running between the tackles in power set ups. UMass went all out on so many plays to stop the run. Other teams will too. Loeffler has to scheme around it. If he does there will be big plays (I loved the swing to Callinan out of the backfield.)
Defense: A-
We knew the Gutapfel was good. Now we know the other guys have potential to be very good too. Allen, Ray and Landry all dominated at various points. They all got good push and good penetration. Everyone had a turn destroying Comis.
Milano is smart and fast, but I don't think I realized how strong he was until this game. At one point he caught a UMass guy from behind in a near horse collar and basically whipped him to the ground. Strachan was good (but not as dominant as last week). Schwab made plenty of tackles, but also might have been responsible for a coverage breakdown on their one TD.
I've read some criticism of the DBs, but I am not seeing the problems. Big hits again from Harris and Johnson. Good coverage from Moore, Torres and Yiadom. I thought they all played relatively well.
If you had any questions how aggressive BC would be against a conventional Offense, this answered it. Reid brought pressure and even got pressure with just the front four. It did look a lot like Don Brown, with plenty of man coverage. My only gripe was the blown coverage that lead to the TD. The TV guys blamed it on Schwab.
Special Teams: B+
The nice thing about having Willis and Rouse involved in kick and punt returns, respectively, is that they are mature, yet still aggressive. Both make good decisions on when and when not to return. And both helped change field positions.
Our kick coverage was decent. We hit them hard, but still allowed some longish returns. The punt coverage was fine.
I didn't like punting on their side of the field, but that is on Addazio.
We couldn't have a perfect place kicking day, but it was an improvement.
Overall: B-
Just because things worked out, does not mean Addazio is suddenly a genius. He still made questionable decisions throughout the game on 4th down and still burned his timeouts in a relatively close game. However, he showed he can and will go for it on some fourth downs. He also showed a willingness to bounce ideas off of Paul Pasqualoni. That is what Pasqualoni is there for: to be a trusted voice of reason. (Of course Addazio's mentor/buddy is also notoriously conservative.) But enough things improved, including the passing and the Defensive pressure, to give Addazio some credit. I also appreciate that the team put last week behind them and didn't panic when UMass scored.
It was a game BC was supposed to win. They did and now it is on to Blacksburg.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Defense dominates as BC snaps losing streak
I was nervous when UMass went up 7-0 early. But after that one breakdown, the D went on lockdown. The Offense started to wear on them and we even had some big special teams plays and started to pull away for the first win of the year.
While I am pleased (and relieved) with how BC played, there is still plenty to improve. The Offense is still not crisp and Towles' accuracy is still not great. But a win is a win.
I will have second viewing thoughts and grades up late Sunday.
While I am pleased (and relieved) with how BC played, there is still plenty to improve. The Offense is still not crisp and Towles' accuracy is still not great. But a win is a win.
I will have second viewing thoughts and grades up late Sunday.
In-game comments post: UMass
Last week saw plenty of excitement and plenty of frustration. Let's hope this week we get to see BC stomp them.
Leave your thoughts and comments below.
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Leave your thoughts and comments below.
You can also follow me on Twitter.
Friday, September 09, 2016
End of the Week rant: Where is the renaissance of New England youth football?
I was at BC when Bill Parcells sparked the turnaround in Patriot Football. His success, combined with the Krafts and obviously the Brady/Belichick combo turned the region into a Football mad hotbed. At the time and periodically since, I have read about how this passion trickled down to the youth levels and more kids than ever are playing youth football in New England. I also read that the quality of youth and high school coaching in the region improved dramatically. Then you throw in UMass and UConn jumping to FBS in the past two decades. This should be the best time ever to recruit out of New England! We've had 20 years of football passion and growth. The kids who were born during that era should be on BC's roster now or on our development radar! Yet, it is the same old same old. Where is the talent? When does the bumper crop mature?
On Saturday both UMass and BC will call on plenty of talented players who came up in the state. But given the population, there should be more. I know the usual excuses are still in place (the demographics of the region, the popularity and diversity of youth sport options, the weather, etc.) but there is still something missing.
Even if UMass grows their program and BC becomes a perennial contender, I don't think Massachusetts is ever going to become like Ohio or Texas (on a relative basis). If the Patriots hugely popular run couldn't deliver on new talent, college success isn't. Plus the new fears about head injuries are also going to scare off parents.
This will leave BC to continue going outside the region to fill out the roster. But I hope that soon BC coaches start looking at local basketball, lacrosse, and hockey talent and find a few more athletes who slipped through the cracks or who should really be playing football. There's got to be some out there.
On Saturday both UMass and BC will call on plenty of talented players who came up in the state. But given the population, there should be more. I know the usual excuses are still in place (the demographics of the region, the popularity and diversity of youth sport options, the weather, etc.) but there is still something missing.
Even if UMass grows their program and BC becomes a perennial contender, I don't think Massachusetts is ever going to become like Ohio or Texas (on a relative basis). If the Patriots hugely popular run couldn't deliver on new talent, college success isn't. Plus the new fears about head injuries are also going to scare off parents.
This will leave BC to continue going outside the region to fill out the roster. But I hope that soon BC coaches start looking at local basketball, lacrosse, and hockey talent and find a few more athletes who slipped through the cracks or who should really be playing football. There's got to be some out there.
Friday Picks Week 2
Last week started slow, but the Sunday and Mondy night games helped me work out of the hole. Here are this week's picks and once again I am heavy on the home teams.
(Picks in bold.)
Louisville-15 at Syracuse
NC State-5.5 at East Carolina
Penn State+4.5 at Pitt
Ohio+3 at Kansas
UConn+4 at Navy
Middle Tennessee+4 at Vanderbilt
South Carolina+7 at Mississippi State
New Mexico-7 at New Mexico State
Texas Tech+2.5 at Arizona State
Cal+7 at San Diego State
Last week I was 4-6.
(Picks in bold.)
Louisville-15 at Syracuse
NC State-5.5 at East Carolina
Penn State+4.5 at Pitt
Ohio+3 at Kansas
UConn+4 at Navy
Middle Tennessee+4 at Vanderbilt
South Carolina+7 at Mississippi State
New Mexico-7 at New Mexico State
Texas Tech+2.5 at Arizona State
Cal+7 at San Diego State
Last week I was 4-6.
Thursday, September 08, 2016
BC-UMass preview
The game didn't end well last week, but there were signs of life in the program. Now BC needs to regroup and actually win this winnable game. A lot is on Addazio now too. It is one thing to screw up the clock in a game, but coaching is also about what you do between the games. Can he lead the staff and players to fix what they did wrong in Week 1? Can he also look in the mirror and address what he did wrong?
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
If BC were an actual College Football Playoff contender, this game against UMass would be brilliant! It is a road game where we are closer to the Stadium than the home team. We would get the computer points with committee for going on the road, when in reality BC gets to stick close to a home game schedule. There's no flight. They're back on campus early. The crowd will be very supportive. But since BC's not a contender, this is just a game that keeps travel budgets down and supposedly helps build local interest. I hope UMass improves, because it would be good for BC and not just an easy "W."
Three Simple Keys
1. A few more QB option plays. I know we have a different Offense year to year. I know now we finally have a big armed guy who can stand in the pocket. But if you saw anything last week, it is that Towles can run. And the few read options he did with Willis left him wide open had he kept the ball. It is such a simple play but can be very effective. I also think the threat of Towles running will help his passing.
2. Bring pressure. Defending Georgia Tech is such a unique event that you can't really apply what BC did in that game to any of their upcoming games. This week will be our first glimpse into Reid's plans. It should involve lots of blitzing.
3. Dominate on the line of scrimmage. Our OL and DL is such a huge advantage that it almost doesn't even matter what the skill players do. If we can control both, it will keep UMass off schedule when they are on Offense and BC on schedule when we have the ball.
Gambling Notes
-- BC leads the series 19-2
-- Addazio is 9-3 in non conference games
-- Whipple is 0-7 against Power 5 teams
The current line is BC-16.5
Factoid
This is the second time as a visitor in Foxboro, but BC was the home team 11 times in the Gillette's predecessor.
Scoreboard Watching
The Virginia Tech-Tennessee game is huge for BC. Not only does it influence national opinion on the ACC, but it also gives us a glimpse of our future opponent Virginia Tech.
I hope to see...
A lead so big and comfortable that Wade gets to play in the second half.
BC is in trouble if...
The game is close in the final minutes. Not only am I worried about Addazio, I am also worried about the team pressing. No one wants to start 0-2 and that is when good players and coaches start doing dumb things. If we lose another close game the mood of the team could nose dive and we could have another lost year of BC Football.
Overall
Like the UMass-Florida game, I think it will be a slowish, defensive game to start. I think BC gets a big play in the passing game that opens up the lead. This time Addazio doesn't choke it away.
Final Score: BC 20, UMass 13
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
If BC were an actual College Football Playoff contender, this game against UMass would be brilliant! It is a road game where we are closer to the Stadium than the home team. We would get the computer points with committee for going on the road, when in reality BC gets to stick close to a home game schedule. There's no flight. They're back on campus early. The crowd will be very supportive. But since BC's not a contender, this is just a game that keeps travel budgets down and supposedly helps build local interest. I hope UMass improves, because it would be good for BC and not just an easy "W."
Three Simple Keys
1. A few more QB option plays. I know we have a different Offense year to year. I know now we finally have a big armed guy who can stand in the pocket. But if you saw anything last week, it is that Towles can run. And the few read options he did with Willis left him wide open had he kept the ball. It is such a simple play but can be very effective. I also think the threat of Towles running will help his passing.
2. Bring pressure. Defending Georgia Tech is such a unique event that you can't really apply what BC did in that game to any of their upcoming games. This week will be our first glimpse into Reid's plans. It should involve lots of blitzing.
3. Dominate on the line of scrimmage. Our OL and DL is such a huge advantage that it almost doesn't even matter what the skill players do. If we can control both, it will keep UMass off schedule when they are on Offense and BC on schedule when we have the ball.
Gambling Notes
-- BC leads the series 19-2
-- Addazio is 9-3 in non conference games
-- Whipple is 0-7 against Power 5 teams
The current line is BC-16.5
Factoid
This is the second time as a visitor in Foxboro, but BC was the home team 11 times in the Gillette's predecessor.
Scoreboard Watching
The Virginia Tech-Tennessee game is huge for BC. Not only does it influence national opinion on the ACC, but it also gives us a glimpse of our future opponent Virginia Tech.
I hope to see...
A lead so big and comfortable that Wade gets to play in the second half.
BC is in trouble if...
The game is close in the final minutes. Not only am I worried about Addazio, I am also worried about the team pressing. No one wants to start 0-2 and that is when good players and coaches start doing dumb things. If we lose another close game the mood of the team could nose dive and we could have another lost year of BC Football.
Overall
Like the UMass-Florida game, I think it will be a slowish, defensive game to start. I think BC gets a big play in the passing game that opens up the lead. This time Addazio doesn't choke it away.
Final Score: BC 20, UMass 13
Wednesday, September 07, 2016
Bowl talk and other links
CBS' Jerry Palm, who tends to be the most accurate, saw enough from BC to now slot us in a Bowl. He places us against Maryland in Detroit. That's progress, I guess.
The guy who scored the winning TD for Georgia Tech is now suspended. How come these things never happen before the game?
Andre Williams is hoping for a career resurrection in San Diego.
The guy who scored the winning TD for Georgia Tech is now suspended. How come these things never happen before the game?
Andre Williams is hoping for a career resurrection in San Diego.
Tuesday, September 06, 2016
Being aggressive when you have a great Defense
Beyond what the statistics say about conversions and clock, there is another way in which Addazio's game management is too conservative. He never calls surprise plays on Special Teams. As we've struggled to score, we haven't seen a fake field goal, a fake punt, or an onside kick. Where are these plays? If a Coach truly believes in his defense, he would roll the dice more often.
In 2008 Jags pulled out every trick in the book, but other BC coaches took more risks than Daz. TOB used fake field goals and an onside kick. I even remember Dan Henning calling a perfectly timed fake field goal against Notre Dame (when Jim Reid was his DC). If you have a great Defense, those sorts of risks need to be taken. Whatever you lose in scoring or field position, you trust your D to protect you.
The only glimpse that Addazio might be saving something, is that he has Jeff Smith holding on Field Goals. Smith is our best athlete and can throw. I hope that BC is spending time on something special with him. If not, we are just wasting another asset.
Monday, September 05, 2016
Rehashing Addazio's decisions
I am going to try to let this go after this post, but I want to rebut Addazio's press conference logic. He said that attempting the field goal was the right call as was killing clock with six minutes. He also seems to put most of the blame on the D for allowing the 4 and 19 conversion. In my opinion, he's wrong on all counts.
Kicking vs going for it on 4th down
Prior to this season, Lichtenberg had only made 50% of his field goal attempts. His first attempt Saturday was blocked. It was drizzling and the field was slippery. Apply any logic you want, but given the kicker's history and the circumstances, it wasn't a high percentage play. However, in college football, 4th and 1 is (look at this or this). And who are the best conversion teams? Teams with strong running games and big OLines like Navy or Pitt or Stanford. And they tend to convert at a high percentage, or at least higher than Lichtenberg's career percentage. Addazio referenced the play as 4th and 2, not 4th and 1, but that still doesn't change the argument. The better play is going for it. And it has been studied to death by the analytics community, yet Addazio doesn't want to stray from his old school mentality.
Wanting the D on the field
Hoffses already picked this apart, but what is Addazio talking about when he says he wanted to get the ball back to Georgia Tech so his defense would be on the field? If your D is on the field, the other team's chance of scoring is high. You don't want them on the field scoring. You want to be on the field scoring. Forget statistics. That's just basic common sense. I think in an effort to defend how it played out, Addazio is twisting his argument. I don't really think he wanted to put it all on the Defense. I just think he trusted his D to do it.
4th and 19
I am actually not worked up about that play. It wasn't a strategic mistake. It was an execution issue. And I've watched a lot of Paul Johnson football over the years. Because you are so focused on the run, these sorts of plays happen (regardless of down and distance). It contributed to the loss, but it was out of Addazio's control. The other issues were all on him.
Kicking vs going for it on 4th down
Prior to this season, Lichtenberg had only made 50% of his field goal attempts. His first attempt Saturday was blocked. It was drizzling and the field was slippery. Apply any logic you want, but given the kicker's history and the circumstances, it wasn't a high percentage play. However, in college football, 4th and 1 is (look at this or this). And who are the best conversion teams? Teams with strong running games and big OLines like Navy or Pitt or Stanford. And they tend to convert at a high percentage, or at least higher than Lichtenberg's career percentage. Addazio referenced the play as 4th and 2, not 4th and 1, but that still doesn't change the argument. The better play is going for it. And it has been studied to death by the analytics community, yet Addazio doesn't want to stray from his old school mentality.
Wanting the D on the field
Hoffses already picked this apart, but what is Addazio talking about when he says he wanted to get the ball back to Georgia Tech so his defense would be on the field? If your D is on the field, the other team's chance of scoring is high. You don't want them on the field scoring. You want to be on the field scoring. Forget statistics. That's just basic common sense. I think in an effort to defend how it played out, Addazio is twisting his argument. I don't really think he wanted to put it all on the Defense. I just think he trusted his D to do it.
4th and 19
I am actually not worked up about that play. It wasn't a strategic mistake. It was an execution issue. And I've watched a lot of Paul Johnson football over the years. Because you are so focused on the run, these sorts of plays happen (regardless of down and distance). It contributed to the loss, but it was out of Addazio's control. The other issues were all on him.
Sunday, September 04, 2016
Second viewing thoughts and grades: Georgia Tech
In December when BC is getting slotted for some fourth tier bowl, remember this game. This is going to cost BC in the ACC standings and allow all the mid-level bowls to skip right past the Eagles. We were better than Georgia Tech. Watching it back, I think we have more talent than Tech. Yet we blew it. (A Georgia Tech blogger even felt that BC should have won 24-7.) There were mistakes, but ultimately it was on the coach.
The only good news is that the team is clearly better than last year. The bad news is that I am sure we will blow another game this year.
Offense: C
If Patrick Towles were a freshman or sophomore I would be very excited. Instead my enthusiasm is muted. He had real solid moments and has good speed. But he made some mistakes early in the first half. Some throws were off. He didn't read an early blitz well. He ran when he should have thrown. Hopefully it is first game gitters and the staff finds things that work for him. He played well enough but he wasn't lights out perfect (like I was hoping).
Hilliman ran well. I thought he had a little bit of happy feet in the backfield. Sometimes it slowed him but a few times, resetting or stutter stepping did get him space. Willis was good as a change of pace when he was brought in for some read options. (Towles is going to get a big run with him out of the read option. No one stayed with the QB). Rouse played sparingly. Wofford blocked well.
The Offensive Line looked like a real Offensive Line. They got good push throughout. They moved well. Lindstrom made a great second level block on Hilliman's touchdown. In general, the right side did a good job opening up holes. They also gave Towles time on passes. Lowery was flagged a few times late (and was partially responsible for the second turnover), but he played well most of the game. Baker looked good. This group is why my hopes are high for the year.
The biggest blocking problems weren't the OLine, but the Tight Ends. Giacone and Sweeney both had real bad moments where they were beat on the edge. Jeff Smith looked very good for his first game. Callinan played well. Walker had a great catch.
Loeffler's approach created a little concern for me. But it is still early so maybe he is trying to see what works. We used I plus a little Pistol and some Shotgun. Towles actually looked OK under center, so I assume that will be our primary exchange. I did like the use of multiple TE/H Backs. I thought the playcalling was too conservative at times, especially in the fourth quarter, but I will address that below with Addazio. The good news is that there was nothing moronic and the basic execution was fine. The bad news was there wasn't a call or play that really made me say "wow."
Defense: B
The DLine looked really, really good. They stuffed the option all day and really controlled up front. Gutapfel led the way. He's going to be All ACC. Kavalec played well and looks much, much bigger. (If he gets that late sack though, we win the game.) Allen had some moments. Ray made some plays. So did Smith. Landry wasn't at 100%
You will have a hard time finding a pair of LBs play the option better than Milano and Strachan did. They were both quick, disciplined and came to hit. Schwab was all over the place too.
I won't kill the DBs for this loss, because they really have the toughest job in an option game. They have to think run, run, run and then turn on a moments notice and play pass. In general, they did well supporting the run. Take Johnson as an example. He caused a huge fumble for us. Yet he also allowed numerous big passes. Harris did too. Moore slipped on the final GT drive and was also called for pass interference. McClary was good.
Addazio killed the D was allowing the big conversions. That was bad, but overall they played well. Reid clearly had them ready for the triple option. The pass plays were more about breakdowns, not bad calls. I've read some people complain that BC didn't bring pressure on the 4th and 19. But that is not a terrible call and bringing pressure against a option team just exposes other areas. We were still aggressive considering the opponent.
Special Teams: C+
Missing two field goals was terrible. The kick off coverage wasn't great either.
Our punting and punt coverage was fine.
We didn't get to return any kickoffs. Rouse looked decent as a punt returner.
The only good news is that the team is clearly better than last year. The bad news is that I am sure we will blow another game this year.
Offense: C
If Patrick Towles were a freshman or sophomore I would be very excited. Instead my enthusiasm is muted. He had real solid moments and has good speed. But he made some mistakes early in the first half. Some throws were off. He didn't read an early blitz well. He ran when he should have thrown. Hopefully it is first game gitters and the staff finds things that work for him. He played well enough but he wasn't lights out perfect (like I was hoping).
Hilliman ran well. I thought he had a little bit of happy feet in the backfield. Sometimes it slowed him but a few times, resetting or stutter stepping did get him space. Willis was good as a change of pace when he was brought in for some read options. (Towles is going to get a big run with him out of the read option. No one stayed with the QB). Rouse played sparingly. Wofford blocked well.
The Offensive Line looked like a real Offensive Line. They got good push throughout. They moved well. Lindstrom made a great second level block on Hilliman's touchdown. In general, the right side did a good job opening up holes. They also gave Towles time on passes. Lowery was flagged a few times late (and was partially responsible for the second turnover), but he played well most of the game. Baker looked good. This group is why my hopes are high for the year.
The biggest blocking problems weren't the OLine, but the Tight Ends. Giacone and Sweeney both had real bad moments where they were beat on the edge. Jeff Smith looked very good for his first game. Callinan played well. Walker had a great catch.
Loeffler's approach created a little concern for me. But it is still early so maybe he is trying to see what works. We used I plus a little Pistol and some Shotgun. Towles actually looked OK under center, so I assume that will be our primary exchange. I did like the use of multiple TE/H Backs. I thought the playcalling was too conservative at times, especially in the fourth quarter, but I will address that below with Addazio. The good news is that there was nothing moronic and the basic execution was fine. The bad news was there wasn't a call or play that really made me say "wow."
Defense: B
The DLine looked really, really good. They stuffed the option all day and really controlled up front. Gutapfel led the way. He's going to be All ACC. Kavalec played well and looks much, much bigger. (If he gets that late sack though, we win the game.) Allen had some moments. Ray made some plays. So did Smith. Landry wasn't at 100%
You will have a hard time finding a pair of LBs play the option better than Milano and Strachan did. They were both quick, disciplined and came to hit. Schwab was all over the place too.
I won't kill the DBs for this loss, because they really have the toughest job in an option game. They have to think run, run, run and then turn on a moments notice and play pass. In general, they did well supporting the run. Take Johnson as an example. He caused a huge fumble for us. Yet he also allowed numerous big passes. Harris did too. Moore slipped on the final GT drive and was also called for pass interference. McClary was good.
Addazio killed the D was allowing the big conversions. That was bad, but overall they played well. Reid clearly had them ready for the triple option. The pass plays were more about breakdowns, not bad calls. I've read some people complain that BC didn't bring pressure on the 4th and 19. But that is not a terrible call and bringing pressure against a option team just exposes other areas. We were still aggressive considering the opponent.
Special Teams: C+
Missing two field goals was terrible. The kick off coverage wasn't great either.
Our punting and punt coverage was fine.
We didn't get to return any kickoffs. Rouse looked decent as a punt returner.
Overall: C
Even though it was a close game, I am grading the game low out of frustration with Addazio. Let's rehash the the two critical coaching errors. The first was attempting a field goal on 4th and 1. At this point BC's already missed one FG. The field is very wet. The balls are wet. Regardless of what Lichtenberg did this summer, he was an inconsistent kicker last year. Also, at this point BC's OLine is controlling. Converting a 4th and 1 is not hard. Every statistical model in football shows that aggressiveness is rewarded. Instead Addazio pretends that it is 1950 and goes for the Field Goal. We miss and waste the drive.
Then there is drive when BC gets the ball with 6 minutes left and two timeouts. Six minutes is long time in college football. Regardless of what BC does on the drive, the odds say GT will get at least one more possession. Knowing that Georgia Tech will have a chance to win, BC needs to score again. Instead Addazio starts killing clock. We go power right into a crowded box and neither run does anything other than take some time off. Why telegraph like that? If Addazio wants to run, why not use the read option again. A play like that spreads the field a little and the QB keepers had been wide open earlier in the game. The fumbled snap on third down was just bad luck. But then Addazio let the clock run. I have no problem with that. But why run the playclock down to the point where you use a timeout? Why not run the clock, take the penalty and keep the TO?
Addazio is coaching from a different era. There are many issues where he's shown a willingness to embrace the new. Yet once the game starts he reverts to the old school ways. Maybe, just maybe, this will be a wake up call. My fear is that he won't change and that he'll be blowing games for the remainder or his tenure.
Then there is drive when BC gets the ball with 6 minutes left and two timeouts. Six minutes is long time in college football. Regardless of what BC does on the drive, the odds say GT will get at least one more possession. Knowing that Georgia Tech will have a chance to win, BC needs to score again. Instead Addazio starts killing clock. We go power right into a crowded box and neither run does anything other than take some time off. Why telegraph like that? If Addazio wants to run, why not use the read option again. A play like that spreads the field a little and the QB keepers had been wide open earlier in the game. The fumbled snap on third down was just bad luck. But then Addazio let the clock run. I have no problem with that. But why run the playclock down to the point where you use a timeout? Why not run the clock, take the penalty and keep the TO?
Addazio is coaching from a different era. There are many issues where he's shown a willingness to embrace the new. Yet once the game starts he reverts to the old school ways. Maybe, just maybe, this will be a wake up call. My fear is that he won't change and that he'll be blowing games for the remainder or his tenure.
Things to think about
In Addazio’s first 26 games as Head Coach at BC, Ryan Day served as Offensive Coordinator. In those 26 games BC failed to score more than 14 points four times. In the thirteen games since, BC has failed to score more than 14 points seven times.
In his four seasons at BC, Addazio has lost a lead or tie in the fourth quarter eight times.
In his four seasons at BC, Addazio has lost a lead or tie in the fourth quarter eight times.
- Clemson 2013
- Syracuse 2013
- Colorado State 2014
- Clemson 2014
- Florida State 2014
- Penn State 2014
- Syracuse 2015
- Georgia Tech 2016
This morning on Wake Up CFB, we unveiled our new trivia series: LSU or Boston College! pic.twitter.com/GpUyX8AIAi
— Ryan Nanni (@celebrityhottub) September 4, 2016
Saturday, September 03, 2016
Dumb calls cost BC in Dublin
We learned a lot this morning in Ireland. This season will be better, but we will never, ever be great under Addazio. He lost this game. There was plenty of blame to go around with player mistakes, but Addazio made a few critical game management errors that cost BC the lead and the win.
Much of this game felt familiar. The Defense looked really good. The Offense could only score 14 points. However, I think there were enough bright spots on Offense to think this team will be competitive this year. Towles had some rough spots, but still has some upside.
I feel better about the team, but frustrated. I feel like this is BC Football under Addazio. He is now 5-11 in games decided by 7 points or less. That is not bad luck. Luck evens out. That is bad coaching.
I will have grades and second viewing thoughts late Sunday.
Much of this game felt familiar. The Defense looked really good. The Offense could only score 14 points. However, I think there were enough bright spots on Offense to think this team will be competitive this year. Towles had some rough spots, but still has some upside.
I feel better about the team, but frustrated. I feel like this is BC Football under Addazio. He is now 5-11 in games decided by 7 points or less. That is not bad luck. Luck evens out. That is bad coaching.
I will have grades and second viewing thoughts late Sunday.
In-game comments post: Georgia Tech
Here we go! Another season of BC Football. Let's make it a good one!
Leave your thoughts and comments below.
You can also follow me on Twitter.
Leave your thoughts and comments below.
You can also follow me on Twitter.
Friday, September 02, 2016
End of the Week rant: Bates needs to stop talking about schedules!
(I am thinking of ending each week with a little bit of a rant. We'll see how long it lasts.)
The New York Times published an article this week on the challenge of College Football scheduling. BC's Athletic Director Brad Bates is one of the featured quotes. You can go read it yourself, but the general message is the BC party line: "it is so hard to find like-minded opponents...blah, blah, blah...it is so hard to schedule non-conference games..."
Is anyone else tired of this whining? Eight games are scheduled automatically (via the ACC). There is one FBS game annually. We have Notre Dame in a rotation. When all is said and done, BC does not have that many games to fill. It is not that hard. The only challenge comes because BC is overly cautious and in who they schedule for those few open games. They want someone good, but not too good. A winnable game, that generates interest and respectability. That sort of game is hard to find because that is what every program wants! If BC's primary schedulers (Bates and Addazio) were smart they would evaluate the supply and demand issue of those games and say: "screw it, let's go schedule the big boys on our terms."
If BC were willing to play a neutral site game opening weekend every year (like they are this year) we could play a Power 5 team annually. Would you like to see BC at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin? How about playing Georgia in the Georgia Dome? Don't want to be in hostile environments like that? Okay, how about playing Alabama at Fenway or Gillette? Those opportunities are out there every year. Hell, ESPN will help broker them. They are profitable. They are exciting. They are different. The only problem is the potential loss. But padding the win total is not doing BC any favors these days. What is going to juice our fanbase and reputation more: beating UMass or losing to Alabama? Because every once in a while we will beat those tradtional powers and it will feel glorious. The best moment of Addazio's career was beating USC. But neither he nor Bates learned the lesson of that night. Instead they are continuing to try to thread the needle of practical scheduling. But because of their caution, the odds are that neither of them will be around for these games they are scheduling.
The New York Times published an article this week on the challenge of College Football scheduling. BC's Athletic Director Brad Bates is one of the featured quotes. You can go read it yourself, but the general message is the BC party line: "it is so hard to find like-minded opponents...blah, blah, blah...it is so hard to schedule non-conference games..."
Is anyone else tired of this whining? Eight games are scheduled automatically (via the ACC). There is one FBS game annually. We have Notre Dame in a rotation. When all is said and done, BC does not have that many games to fill. It is not that hard. The only challenge comes because BC is overly cautious and in who they schedule for those few open games. They want someone good, but not too good. A winnable game, that generates interest and respectability. That sort of game is hard to find because that is what every program wants! If BC's primary schedulers (Bates and Addazio) were smart they would evaluate the supply and demand issue of those games and say: "screw it, let's go schedule the big boys on our terms."
If BC were willing to play a neutral site game opening weekend every year (like they are this year) we could play a Power 5 team annually. Would you like to see BC at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin? How about playing Georgia in the Georgia Dome? Don't want to be in hostile environments like that? Okay, how about playing Alabama at Fenway or Gillette? Those opportunities are out there every year. Hell, ESPN will help broker them. They are profitable. They are exciting. They are different. The only problem is the potential loss. But padding the win total is not doing BC any favors these days. What is going to juice our fanbase and reputation more: beating UMass or losing to Alabama? Because every once in a while we will beat those tradtional powers and it will feel glorious. The best moment of Addazio's career was beating USC. But neither he nor Bates learned the lesson of that night. Instead they are continuing to try to thread the needle of practical scheduling. But because of their caution, the odds are that neither of them will be around for these games they are scheduling.
Friday Picks Week 1
Here they are again. No context. No tips. Just straight picks. Wish me luck and best of luck to all who follow any of my advice.
(Picks in bold.)
Army+15 at Temple
Ball State+5 at Georgia State
Colorado State+8.5 at Colorado
UCLA+3 at Texas A&M
Georgia-3 at North Carolina
San Jose State+5.5 at Tulsa
Southern Miss+6 .5 at Kentucky
BYU-1 at Arizona
Notre Dame-3.5 at Texas
Ole Miss+4.5 at Florida State
(Picks in bold.)
Army+15 at Temple
Ball State+5 at Georgia State
Colorado State+8.5 at Colorado
UCLA+3 at Texas A&M
Georgia-3 at North Carolina
San Jose State+5.5 at Tulsa
Southern Miss+6 .5 at Kentucky
BYU-1 at Arizona
Notre Dame-3.5 at Texas
Ole Miss+4.5 at Florida State
Thursday, September 01, 2016
"The trip to Ireland is a great Marketing opportunity..."
At least it doesn't say Golden Eagles.
"Someone got fired over this"— eric jackson dodd (@ericjdodd50) September 1, 2016
Ga Tech vs. Boston College in
Dublin, Ireland pic.twitter.com/SKMtCuF9fT
BC-Georgia Tech preview
It feels like we've been waiting for this game for a long time. For years fans talked of a trip to Ireland. Now it is here. All offseason many of us couldn't wait to get the bad taste of last year behind us. Saturday starts a new season. Addazio has always pointed to Year 5 as the time when the program would show what he can do. The reality is that this season will be just as telling. What will it tell us? We'll find out Saturday
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
This is a TV and tourism game, so it makes sense to have BC. We are usually a good TV draw in a big market and have plenty of fans of Irish decent looking to make the trip. However, we are also a school with an ever growing fan and alumni base on the West Coast. This start time is rough for those folks. I am giddy about watching BC Football during breakfast, but I don't know how much I would love it if I had to wake up at 4 AM to watch the game. I know with DVRs and streaming archives, our West Coast fans don't have to watch it live, but part of the fun of sports is the live aspect. I feel for those people out there and hope they get a good post-game nap.
Three Simple Keys
1. Interior penetration. BC needs to be collapsing the interior of the GT line and screwing up as many dives as they can. I think we have the tacklers at LB and in the defensive backfield to minimize the outside stuff. The key is blowing up the early parts of the Triple Option. Get them off schedule and maybe force a turnover or two.
2. Converting on 3rd downs. Want to see if last year was just the Perfect Storm of bad offense and that things are better now? Then watch conversions on 3rd downs. Addazio is going to keep running early, so in theory these third downs should be short and manageable. BC needs to convert a few and have some sustained drives for the first time in two years.
3. Don't allow GT to pass deep. When GT is at their best, they lull you to sleep with the option and then hit a huge downfield pass off of play action. Our DBs did a good job of preventing deep balls last year. They need to do it again Saturday.
Gambling Notes
-- Paul Johnson is 8-1 in season openers while at Georgia Tech
-- Addazio is 8-16 in ACC play
-- BC is 2-6 all time vs Georgia Tech
The current line is BC+3
Factoid
Paul Johnson has faced BC three times (once at Navy and twice at GT). This is the first time he won't be facing a Frank Spaziani Defense.
Scoreboard Watching
The most important games are Clemson-Auburn and Florida State-Ole Miss. Both of our ACC foes appear to be juggernauts. This weekend will show us how dominant they might be.
I hope to see...
The Defense look just like last year. Obviously that will help BC throughout the year, but I actually like Jim Reid and appreciate the tough position he is in. If he really does keep Brown's scheme, we might actually build some lasting success.
BC is in trouble if...
Georgia Tech gets up by more than 10 early. Addazio's not known for his game management and Georgia Tech's approach can kill clock quickly. The offense may be improved, but do you trust them to comeback from an early deficit in the first game?
Overall
I keep telling myself that BC's had the whole offseason to prepare for this team and this unique game. It should go off without a hitch, right? We'll see. I expect BC to shutdown GT and get a few big offensive plays early. I think the second half will be sloppy, but BC will hold on for the win.
Final Score: BC 24, Georgia Tech 20
This is a TV and tourism game, so it makes sense to have BC. We are usually a good TV draw in a big market and have plenty of fans of Irish decent looking to make the trip. However, we are also a school with an ever growing fan and alumni base on the West Coast. This start time is rough for those folks. I am giddy about watching BC Football during breakfast, but I don't know how much I would love it if I had to wake up at 4 AM to watch the game. I know with DVRs and streaming archives, our West Coast fans don't have to watch it live, but part of the fun of sports is the live aspect. I feel for those people out there and hope they get a good post-game nap.
Three Simple Keys
1. Interior penetration. BC needs to be collapsing the interior of the GT line and screwing up as many dives as they can. I think we have the tacklers at LB and in the defensive backfield to minimize the outside stuff. The key is blowing up the early parts of the Triple Option. Get them off schedule and maybe force a turnover or two.
2. Converting on 3rd downs. Want to see if last year was just the Perfect Storm of bad offense and that things are better now? Then watch conversions on 3rd downs. Addazio is going to keep running early, so in theory these third downs should be short and manageable. BC needs to convert a few and have some sustained drives for the first time in two years.
3. Don't allow GT to pass deep. When GT is at their best, they lull you to sleep with the option and then hit a huge downfield pass off of play action. Our DBs did a good job of preventing deep balls last year. They need to do it again Saturday.
Gambling Notes
-- Paul Johnson is 8-1 in season openers while at Georgia Tech
-- Addazio is 8-16 in ACC play
-- BC is 2-6 all time vs Georgia Tech
The current line is BC+3
Factoid
Paul Johnson has faced BC three times (once at Navy and twice at GT). This is the first time he won't be facing a Frank Spaziani Defense.
Scoreboard Watching
The most important games are Clemson-Auburn and Florida State-Ole Miss. Both of our ACC foes appear to be juggernauts. This weekend will show us how dominant they might be.
I hope to see...
The Defense look just like last year. Obviously that will help BC throughout the year, but I actually like Jim Reid and appreciate the tough position he is in. If he really does keep Brown's scheme, we might actually build some lasting success.
BC is in trouble if...
Georgia Tech gets up by more than 10 early. Addazio's not known for his game management and Georgia Tech's approach can kill clock quickly. The offense may be improved, but do you trust them to comeback from an early deficit in the first game?
Overall
I keep telling myself that BC's had the whole offseason to prepare for this team and this unique game. It should go off without a hitch, right? We'll see. I expect BC to shutdown GT and get a few big offensive plays early. I think the second half will be sloppy, but BC will hold on for the win.
Final Score: BC 24, Georgia Tech 20
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