Wednesday, September 12, 2018

BC-Wake Forest preview

This is only the third game and yet this season already feels weird. We are 2-0 without really being tested. There is a bandwagon forming and yet no one truly knows what we have. How could they after playing two really bad teams? Now we have our first real test, our ACC opener, it's a short week, we're on the road and we have a weird start time due to an oncoming hurricane. If you made this up it wouldn't be believable. I am excited to see how BC does and think this game will determine a lot about the season.

What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
Did you notice the online excitement when BC released some new merchandise with the old logo? Or the 40,000 people at Alumni for a Holy Cross game? I think it is fair to say there are plenty of people who love BC's past and history. I don't want to live in the past, but I also think when it comes to schedules, marketing, and building excitement for BC Sports, we need to push our history and identity as much as possible. We are not just some football factory. We are unique in the landscape and should embrace that uniqueness. Our long-time fans clearly have.

Three Simple Keys
1. Stay poised on D. Wake plays up tempo and will use multiple QBs. BC needs to keep it simple and not take too many risks. Given the circumstances, it is almost like playing an option team.
2. Pass as long as possible. My biggest fear with the potential weather issue is BC not airing it out. There have been huge openings in the passing game so far and more are sure to come against Wake. BC needs to hit those opportunities.
3. Second level blocking. One of the things that I don't think we did well in the first two games was dominating on the second level. If teams crowd the box, we need to get push back and release to the next guy. That will create huge runs for any of our RBs.

Gambling Notes
-- Addazio is 1-4 in ACC openers
-- Addazio is 2-2 against Clawson
-- BC leads the series 7-4
The current line is BC-4.5

Factoid
Addazio is undefeated at BB&T Field

Scoreboard Watching
Florida State and Syracuse is the most relevant game to BC this weekend. Are the 'Noles really as bad as they look? Is Syracuse decent? We will find out soon.

What I hope to see...
Win or lose, I don't want to see or hear any excuses about the change in schedule. Is it inconvenient? Sure. But over the years any time BC has a travel issue and loses (NIT years ago, Syracuse years ago with TOB), we never hear the end of it. I don't want to hear excuses this time. Wake has to adjust their schedule too.

BC is in trouble if...
We get in a big hole early. I don't know if we have the offense or a QB who is ready to pull off a double-digit comeback.

Overall
I think despite all the distractions and uncertainty, this is still BC's game. I think it will take BC a while to adjust to playing a real team, but after a sluggish first half, I think BC pounds away and pulls away in the second half.
Final Score: BC 31, Wake Forest 17

12 comments:

Thomas said...

Half empty stadium, wake distracted with the impending weather... BC rolls 42-17

M said...

Thank you, Bill. Detailed, thoughtful analysis.
Fired up to see if the talent translates to ACC results. Hoping Daz has some creative plays installed that were not displayed in the "preseason". If Daz doesn't let AB use the talents at TE & WR, I think Wake can load the box & control time of possession despite Sauce's gifts.
If WF keeps it close late, I get nervous. Special Teams have not gelled yet, we haven't even tried a FG and Daz tends to forget how clocks work in close games.

If AJ breaks a couple to produce an early lead, I think our D can pressure the WF QBs into mistakes and we can hold. Feels like a momentum game where 1st half is important.
GO EAGLES.



NYCEagle said...

I think the keys to this game are simple: whoever stops the run and doesn’t turn the ball over will win.

Geezer eagle said...

Lose this one and it's another mediocre and disappointing season.

STL_eagle said...

Big game here. A win and BC has a good chance of rolling into its next ACC game 5-0 with some serious momentum. A loss and it will be a repeat of last year where BC works to right the ship and show “progress” in their rebuilding efforts.

mod34b said...
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Shabby1011 said...

Mod - amazingly some good points here and totally agree

Two keys are 1) Do not turn the ball over and 2) Special teams especially keep Dortch in check. Have to avoid kicking the ball to him

BC should be able to run the ball and Brown to tight ends in the middle of field on play action

D has to get after Frosh QB, last year Wake rattled Brown in first ACC start in 3 picks, BC has to reciprocate this year.

Monster game, great to finally have a early game that matters again.

Go Eagles 🦅

Knucklehead said...

They havent played anyone either. Their stats mean nothing.

Knucklehead said...

24 17 Eagles.

The place kicker hits 3/4 attempts. AB throws a pick/fumbles for a Wake TD near their end zone which he tends to do. Instead of 31-10 it ends up 24-17.

NYCEagle said...

Our secondary has the best safety duo in the country in Denis and Harris. Cheevers has looked every part of a number 1 corner. Only weakness is at the other corner where Brandon Sebastian is green (redshirt freshman) but his speed and measurables tell you he will be more than fine with some more experience. I am not worried about our secondary

dixieagle said...
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dixieagle said...

Our special teams and their guy Dortch make me very nervous. I also don't trust Addazio enough not to foul things up with his inept clock management. We have plenty of ammunition, but I've been burned too often. Will be watching while holding my breath.