Do you think after seven years, Addazio is tired of these "must win" games? Since Year 4, he has been able to do just enough to stay alive, but there must be a grind to that sort of thinking. Or maybe it helps him and gives him focus and clarity. The only time since Year 3 that things seemed totally stable was when we hosted Clemson for GameDay. Yet he followed that moment with a series of ugly games filled with bad luck and bad coaching. Maybe the pressure this week helps BC get back on track.
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
This fall I have found myself driving during nearly every BC game. 99% of the time, I am chauffeuring my kids around. This leads to me listening to the radio broadcast with a captive audience. At home when I put the BC game on, they never watch and are off doing a million other things. In the car, they are forced to listen and start to understand what's going on with BC. My son has lots of questions. My daughter don't care, but pay enough attention to ask something or other. It is refreshing experience especially when things are not going well. At home I stew on things. In the car -- with them -- I am forced to let go and not get as frustrated (although if I ever get in an accident, I am blaming Addazio). I also enjoy Meter, Cronin and Mute. They're emotionally invested like we are which is comforting during a roller coaster season.
Three Simple Keys
1. Basic production from Grosel. Syracuse is not Clemson, so that will help, but he needs to make good read snad good throws and run when he can. If he is off again, BC's season might fall apart.
2. Get pressure. Last week confirmed we can't stay with WRs on the deep stuff. I expect Syracuse to try to go deep early. BC needs to counter with lots of QB pressure so he doesn't even get the passes off.
3. Get the WRs involved in the game. This is somewhat related to the shrinking playbook, but there should be plenty of passes to hit with Syracuse crowded the box.
Gambling notes
-- The visiting team has won three straight in this series
-- Addazio is 2-4 vs Syracuse
-- Addazio is 1-2 vs Babers
The current line is BC+3.5
Factoid
BC has only won in the Carrier Dome four times.
Scoreboarad watching
I don't know how Virginia Tech rebounded from their terrible start, but they have. They now have a chance to knock off a reeling Notre Dame. This game should show how vulnerable the Irish are.
I hope to see...
Dillon in the passing game. It is a win-win. He develops and it opens up our offense.
BC is in trouble if...
We can't stop their run. Last year's gameplan against us was so simple, yet we were helpless. If we had five or six DBs on the field, they ran. And yet we couldn't adjust or recognize what was happening.
Overall
I've been calling this a W for BC for weeks. Cuse is bad and there is no reason we can't just run on them like we did with NC State. I think BC controls early and plows over them en route to a comfortable win.
Final Score: BC 28, Syacuse 13
Thursday, October 31, 2019
BC-Syracuse preview
Do you think after seven years, Addazio is tired of these "must win" games? Since Year 4, he has been able to do just enough to stay alive, but there must be a grind to that sort of thinking. Or maybe it helps him and gives him focus and clarity. The only time since Year 3 that things seemed totally stable was when we hosted Clemson for GameDay. Yet he followed that moment with a series of ugly games filled with bad luck and bad coaching. Maybe the pressure this week helps BC get back on track.
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
This fall I have found myself driving during nearly every BC game. 99% of the time, I am chauffeuring my kids around. This leads to me listening to the radio broadcast with a captive audience. At home when I put the BC game on, they never watch and are off doing a million other things. In the car, they are forced to listen and start to understand what's going on with BC. My son has lots of questions. My daughter don't care, but pay enough attention to ask something or other. It is refreshing experience especially when things are not going well. At home I stew on things. In the car -- with them -- I am forced to let go and not get as frustrated (although if I ever get in an accident, I am blaming Addazio). I also enjoy Meter, Cronin and Mute. They're emotionally invested like we are which is comforting during a roller coaster season.
Three Simple Keys
1. Basic production from Grosel. Syracuse is not Clemson, so that will help, but he needs to make good read snad good throws and run when he can. If he is off again, BC's season might fall apart.
2. Get pressure. Last week confirmed we can't stay with WRs on the deep stuff. I expect Syracuse to try to go deep early. BC needs to counter with lots of QB pressure so he doesn't even get the passes off.
3. Get the WRs involved in the game. This is somewhat related to the shrinking playbook, but there should be plenty of passes to hit with Syracuse crowded the box.
Gambling notes
-- The visiting team has won three straight in this series
-- Addazio is 2-4 vs Syracuse
-- Addazio is 1-2 vs Babers
The current line is BC+3.5
Factoid
BC has only won in the Carrier Dome four times.
Scoreboarad watching
I don't know how Virginia Tech rebounded from their terrible start, but they have. They now have a chance to knock off a reeling Notre Dame. This game should show how vulnerable the Irish are.
I hope to see...
Dillon in the passing game. It is a win-win. He develops and it opens up our offense.
BC is in trouble if...
We can't stop their run. Last year's gameplan against us was so simple, yet we were helpless. If we had five or six DBs on the field, they ran. And yet we couldn't adjust or recognize what was happening.
Overall
I've been calling this a W for BC for weeks. Cuse is bad and there is no reason we can't just run on them like we did with NC State. I think BC controls early and plows over them en route to a comfortable win.
Final Score: BC 28, Syacuse 13
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
This fall I have found myself driving during nearly every BC game. 99% of the time, I am chauffeuring my kids around. This leads to me listening to the radio broadcast with a captive audience. At home when I put the BC game on, they never watch and are off doing a million other things. In the car, they are forced to listen and start to understand what's going on with BC. My son has lots of questions. My daughter don't care, but pay enough attention to ask something or other. It is refreshing experience especially when things are not going well. At home I stew on things. In the car -- with them -- I am forced to let go and not get as frustrated (although if I ever get in an accident, I am blaming Addazio). I also enjoy Meter, Cronin and Mute. They're emotionally invested like we are which is comforting during a roller coaster season.
Three Simple Keys
1. Basic production from Grosel. Syracuse is not Clemson, so that will help, but he needs to make good read snad good throws and run when he can. If he is off again, BC's season might fall apart.
2. Get pressure. Last week confirmed we can't stay with WRs on the deep stuff. I expect Syracuse to try to go deep early. BC needs to counter with lots of QB pressure so he doesn't even get the passes off.
3. Get the WRs involved in the game. This is somewhat related to the shrinking playbook, but there should be plenty of passes to hit with Syracuse crowded the box.
Gambling notes
-- The visiting team has won three straight in this series
-- Addazio is 2-4 vs Syracuse
-- Addazio is 1-2 vs Babers
The current line is BC+3.5
Factoid
BC has only won in the Carrier Dome four times.
Scoreboarad watching
I don't know how Virginia Tech rebounded from their terrible start, but they have. They now have a chance to knock off a reeling Notre Dame. This game should show how vulnerable the Irish are.
I hope to see...
Dillon in the passing game. It is a win-win. He develops and it opens up our offense.
BC is in trouble if...
We can't stop their run. Last year's gameplan against us was so simple, yet we were helpless. If we had five or six DBs on the field, they ran. And yet we couldn't adjust or recognize what was happening.
Overall
I've been calling this a W for BC for weeks. Cuse is bad and there is no reason we can't just run on them like we did with NC State. I think BC controls early and plows over them en route to a comfortable win.
Final Score: BC 28, Syacuse 13
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Clemson embarrasses BC
When you enter a game as a 34-point underdog, winning is not expected. You plan and hope for the "W", but your primary goal should be to play your best and put up a fight. BC did neither in their loss to Clemson. The Tigers throttled BC in nearly every phase of the game. But most embarrassing was Boston College's Defense.
The talent between our D and their O was already a mismatch. But the awful tackling and continued blown assignments should not be happening in the eighth game of the season, regardless of who you are playing. Any sign of improvement from last week was wiped away.
Grosel was also overmatched. Do you pull him going into Syracuse? No, but his leash has gotten shorter. If any of the future games get out of reach, you might as well see what Valecce can do.
Dillon hit some BC milestones in rushing and TDs. I wish the marks had occurred in a less frustrating game.
Syracuse presents a great opportunity to bounce back. With Addazio being Addazio, I expect us to look like a different team next week.
The talent between our D and their O was already a mismatch. But the awful tackling and continued blown assignments should not be happening in the eighth game of the season, regardless of who you are playing. Any sign of improvement from last week was wiped away.
Grosel was also overmatched. Do you pull him going into Syracuse? No, but his leash has gotten shorter. If any of the future games get out of reach, you might as well see what Valecce can do.
Dillon hit some BC milestones in rushing and TDs. I wish the marks had occurred in a less frustrating game.
Syracuse presents a great opportunity to bounce back. With Addazio being Addazio, I expect us to look like a different team next week.
Clemson embarrasses BC
When you enter a game as a 34-point underdog, winning is not expected. You plan and hope for the "W", but your primary goal should be to play your best and put up a fight. BC did neither in their loss to Clemson. The Tigers throttled BC in nearly every phase of the game. But most embarrassing was Boston College's Defense.
The talent between our D and their O was already a mismatch. But the awful tackling and continued blown assignments should not be happening in the eighth game of the season, regardless of who you are playing. Any sign of improvement from last week was wiped away.
Grosel was also overmatched. Do you pull him going into Syracuse? No, but his leash has gotten shorter. If any of the future games get out of reach, you might as well see what Valecce can do.
Dillon hit some BC milestones in rushing and TDs. I wish the marks had occurred in a less frustrating game.
Syracuse presents a great opportunity to bounce back. With Addazio being Addazio, I expect us to look like a different team next week.
The talent between our D and their O was already a mismatch. But the awful tackling and continued blown assignments should not be happening in the eighth game of the season, regardless of who you are playing. Any sign of improvement from last week was wiped away.
Grosel was also overmatched. Do you pull him going into Syracuse? No, but his leash has gotten shorter. If any of the future games get out of reach, you might as well see what Valecce can do.
Dillon hit some BC milestones in rushing and TDs. I wish the marks had occurred in a less frustrating game.
Syracuse presents a great opportunity to bounce back. With Addazio being Addazio, I expect us to look like a different team next week.
Clemson embarrasses BC
When you enter a game as a 34-point underdog, winning is not expected. You plan and hope for the "W", but your primary goal should be to play your best and put up a fight. BC did neither in their loss to Clemson. The Tigers throttled BC in nearly every phase of the game. But most embarrassing was Boston College's Defense.
The talent between our D and their O was already a mismatch. But the awful tackling and continued blown assignments should not be happening in the eighth game of the season, regardless of who you are playing. Any sign of improvement from last week was wiped away.
Grosel was also overmatched. Do you pull him going into Syracuse? No, but his leash has gotten shorter. If any of the future games get out of reach, you might as well see what Valecce can do.
Dillon hit some BC milestones in rushing and TDs. I wish the marks had occurred in a less frustrating game.
Syracuse presents a great opportunity to bounce back. With Addazio being Addazio, I expect us to look like a different team next week.
The talent between our D and their O was already a mismatch. But the awful tackling and continued blown assignments should not be happening in the eighth game of the season, regardless of who you are playing. Any sign of improvement from last week was wiped away.
Grosel was also overmatched. Do you pull him going into Syracuse? No, but his leash has gotten shorter. If any of the future games get out of reach, you might as well see what Valecce can do.
Dillon hit some BC milestones in rushing and TDs. I wish the marks had occurred in a less frustrating game.
Syracuse presents a great opportunity to bounce back. With Addazio being Addazio, I expect us to look like a different team next week.
Clemson embarrasses BC
When you enter a game as a 34-point underdog, winning is not expected. You plan and hope for the "W", but your primary goal should be to play your best and put up a fight. BC did neither in their loss to Clemson. The Tigers throttled BC in nearly every phase of the game. But most embarrassing was Boston College's Defense.
The talent between our D and their O was already a mismatch. But the awful tackling and continued blown assignments should not be happening in the eighth game of the season, regardless of who you are playing. Any sign of improvement from last week was wiped away.
Grosel was also overmatched. Do you pull him going into Syracuse? No, but his leash has gotten shorter. If any of the future games get out of reach, you might as well see what Valecce can do.
Dillon hit some BC milestones in rushing and TDs. I wish the marks had occurred in a less frustrating game.
Syracuse presents a great opportunity to bounce back. With Addazio being Addazio, I expect us to look like a different team next week.
The talent between our D and their O was already a mismatch. But the awful tackling and continued blown assignments should not be happening in the eighth game of the season, regardless of who you are playing. Any sign of improvement from last week was wiped away.
Grosel was also overmatched. Do you pull him going into Syracuse? No, but his leash has gotten shorter. If any of the future games get out of reach, you might as well see what Valecce can do.
Dillon hit some BC milestones in rushing and TDs. I wish the marks had occurred in a less frustrating game.
Syracuse presents a great opportunity to bounce back. With Addazio being Addazio, I expect us to look like a different team next week.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
BC-Clemson preview
What a difference a win makes. Instead of dreading this game, I actually have some hope. Is BC pulling off the biggest upset in program history? Probably not. Will I be cursing Addazio by the end of BC's first possession? Probably. But does BC have an outside chance to make this interesting? Yes.
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
Amidst all the speculation on Addazio's future, there is still plenty of talk of where BC belongs and who is responsible for the conference shift and who gets credit, etc. I can't believe we are still having this conversation in 2019. Regardless of what UConn did or does, BC is in the Big East in a way that UConn is not. We are in the same conference as Miami, Pitt, Virginia Tech and Syracuse. Throw in the weird Notre Dame relationship and Louisville (who weren't a real Big East team) and we are clearly where we belong. But what is not discussed in the who belongs where and who deserves credit nonsense is that BC's current position was somewhat inevitable. All the original Big East Football schools aside from Temple ended up in Power 5 conferences. Defilippo will always take credit, but it probably would have happened with or without him. The only real big decision looming is what to do when the P5 conferences break away from the NCAA and become a true minor league. I think that is coming. I just hope our leadership has a plan.
Three Simple Keys
1. Don't abandon the running game. Like everyone else, Clemson will sell out to stop our run game. They will probably be more successful doing so than others. The key for BC is to stay with it. It is the only advantage we have. We need to keep pounding them. Eventually, big plays will break.
2. Bring lots of pressure. Lawrence can handle the pressure. But I like our chances of coming at him instead of playing lots of zone. Our DBs can't be trusted in lots of zone against mediocre QBs. Against a great one, they will be killed.
3. Grosel has to complete at least 50% of his passes. He doesn't need to be aggressive or make huge throws. But he has to keep Clemson honest and hit some passes.
Gambling Notes
-- BC has lost eight straight to Clemson
-- Dabo is 70-7 at home
-- Addazio is 16-16 on the road as BC's coach
The current line is BC+33.5
Factoid
BC hasn't won at Clemson since this game.
Scoreboard Watching
Florida State and Syracuse is somewhat interesting. Both teams' seasons are teetering. A big loss for either might have them packing it in when they play us.
I hope to see...
Some kickoffs in bounds. Who knows what was going on last week. Hopefully it is corrected.
BC is in trouble...
If the DBs are lost again. The young guys played well last week (and arguably better than most of the starters from earlier in the year). This is a different sort of game. If they allow Clemson guys to run free, BC is toast.
Bottom line
Clemson has the occasional hiccup. If our OLine dominates and if the D is serviceable, I think BC can make this an interesting game. I think it is a slugfest and but BC attempts field goals instead of going for it and can't keep up.
Finale Score: Clemson 24, BC 16
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
Amidst all the speculation on Addazio's future, there is still plenty of talk of where BC belongs and who is responsible for the conference shift and who gets credit, etc. I can't believe we are still having this conversation in 2019. Regardless of what UConn did or does, BC is in the Big East in a way that UConn is not. We are in the same conference as Miami, Pitt, Virginia Tech and Syracuse. Throw in the weird Notre Dame relationship and Louisville (who weren't a real Big East team) and we are clearly where we belong. But what is not discussed in the who belongs where and who deserves credit nonsense is that BC's current position was somewhat inevitable. All the original Big East Football schools aside from Temple ended up in Power 5 conferences. Defilippo will always take credit, but it probably would have happened with or without him. The only real big decision looming is what to do when the P5 conferences break away from the NCAA and become a true minor league. I think that is coming. I just hope our leadership has a plan.
Three Simple Keys
1. Don't abandon the running game. Like everyone else, Clemson will sell out to stop our run game. They will probably be more successful doing so than others. The key for BC is to stay with it. It is the only advantage we have. We need to keep pounding them. Eventually, big plays will break.
2. Bring lots of pressure. Lawrence can handle the pressure. But I like our chances of coming at him instead of playing lots of zone. Our DBs can't be trusted in lots of zone against mediocre QBs. Against a great one, they will be killed.
3. Grosel has to complete at least 50% of his passes. He doesn't need to be aggressive or make huge throws. But he has to keep Clemson honest and hit some passes.
Gambling Notes
-- BC has lost eight straight to Clemson
-- Dabo is 70-7 at home
-- Addazio is 16-16 on the road as BC's coach
The current line is BC+33.5
Factoid
BC hasn't won at Clemson since this game.
Scoreboard Watching
Florida State and Syracuse is somewhat interesting. Both teams' seasons are teetering. A big loss for either might have them packing it in when they play us.
I hope to see...
Some kickoffs in bounds. Who knows what was going on last week. Hopefully it is corrected.
BC is in trouble...
If the DBs are lost again. The young guys played well last week (and arguably better than most of the starters from earlier in the year). This is a different sort of game. If they allow Clemson guys to run free, BC is toast.
Bottom line
Clemson has the occasional hiccup. If our OLine dominates and if the D is serviceable, I think BC can make this an interesting game. I think it is a slugfest and but BC attempts field goals instead of going for it and can't keep up.
Finale Score: Clemson 24, BC 16
Monday, October 21, 2019
Will Addazio ever beat Clemson?
We all know Addazio's issues. But the one that is probably least discussed is his record against Clemson (0-6). The Tigers are the only team on BC's annual schedule that Addazio has not beaten. There have been moments and one relatively close game, but in his six previous tries nothing has turned BC's way and he has never bested Dabo and Company.
Now the Addazio apologists would point out that Addazio's time at BC also coincided with the best six years in Clemson Football history. But that is out of Addazio's control. As is playing them every year. But that familiarity of playing them annually should result in the occasional upset. Since Addazio has been at BC, Pitt, Syracuse, Florida State and Georgia Tech have all pulled off upsets against the Tigers.
I don't expect a miracle this year. Clemson is once again a heavy favorite. But I think that too often Addazio has purposefully tried to play it close against them in order to pull off an upset. That hasn't worked, so why not go for broke and play every trick in the bag? At this point, he has nothing to lose.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
BC runs over NC State
One of the benefits of having three former Offensive Line coaches as head coaches the past 25 years is that our Olines are usually good and often great. This year's unit (aside from their penalties) is playing really, really well. Saturday's performance was their best effort of the season as they controlled the game and allowed Dillon and Bailey to run all over NC State.
The win is critical to BC's season and postseason hopes. They now are that much closer to six wins and also have a blueprint to beat the remaining teams on the schedule.
I know fans fear that winning means Addazio's tenure continues, but I can't worry about that. BC winning is fun. BC playing well is fun. Watching BC's RBs and OLine steamroll opponents is really fun.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Rutgers and Addazio would be good for each other
I know this sounds like me pushing a used car, but I really think Rutgers should pursue Steve Addazio and that the BC coach should seriously consider going to the Big Ten doormat.
If you believe the coaching gossip, Rutgers is considering a run at Joe Moorhead. There is some boldness in poaching an SEC coach with a buyout, but it also makes sense. Rutgers has hired a lot of coordinators and assistants in the past and the only one to succeed was Greg Schiano. A more established coach with northeast ties is a different approach and might be less risky. Moorhead fits that bill...and so does Addazio. Yet Addazio might be even less risky than Moorhead. Moorhead rebuilt Fordham but hasn't done a rebuild at the P5 level. He also doesn't have as much experience as a head coach at the P5 level. While Addazio might not have the same upside as Moorhead, producing consistent seven win seasons would be welcome at Rutgers.
Why would Addazio want to leave BC? Well, even if he turns this season around, there is a certain stagnation to his tenure. Maybe he survives this year and maybe he takes things to the next level, but the reality is he is more likely done all he can at BC. And the next losing season he has will probably be his last one as a head coach. Going to Rutgers probably buys him another three to five years as a head coach. There is very little downside for Addazio. He gets more money. He gets a fresh start yet can apply much of what he has done at BC and Temple. If he fails, no one holds it against him (everyone fails at Rutgers). If he wins at all, his legacy will be that of a program builder and a guy who stabilized programs.
BC has seen this sort of thing before with TOB's move to NC State. That was a win-win as BC got a shot in the arm with a new coach, and TOB got six more years of coaching that he wouldn't have ever had at BC. Did he change his legacy or NC State's place in college football? No, but he didn't hurt his image or his bank account either.
If this marriage is going to come together, Addazio will have to get to .500. BC hired him off of a losing season at Temple. I doubt Rutgers would do the same.
The fact that Addazio's name has not been floated means this is unlikely to happen, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't. Maybe six weeks from now both sides will realize that they belong together.
If you believe the coaching gossip, Rutgers is considering a run at Joe Moorhead. There is some boldness in poaching an SEC coach with a buyout, but it also makes sense. Rutgers has hired a lot of coordinators and assistants in the past and the only one to succeed was Greg Schiano. A more established coach with northeast ties is a different approach and might be less risky. Moorhead fits that bill...and so does Addazio. Yet Addazio might be even less risky than Moorhead. Moorhead rebuilt Fordham but hasn't done a rebuild at the P5 level. He also doesn't have as much experience as a head coach at the P5 level. While Addazio might not have the same upside as Moorhead, producing consistent seven win seasons would be welcome at Rutgers.
Why would Addazio want to leave BC? Well, even if he turns this season around, there is a certain stagnation to his tenure. Maybe he survives this year and maybe he takes things to the next level, but the reality is he is more likely done all he can at BC. And the next losing season he has will probably be his last one as a head coach. Going to Rutgers probably buys him another three to five years as a head coach. There is very little downside for Addazio. He gets more money. He gets a fresh start yet can apply much of what he has done at BC and Temple. If he fails, no one holds it against him (everyone fails at Rutgers). If he wins at all, his legacy will be that of a program builder and a guy who stabilized programs.
BC has seen this sort of thing before with TOB's move to NC State. That was a win-win as BC got a shot in the arm with a new coach, and TOB got six more years of coaching that he wouldn't have ever had at BC. Did he change his legacy or NC State's place in college football? No, but he didn't hurt his image or his bank account either.
If this marriage is going to come together, Addazio will have to get to .500. BC hired him off of a losing season at Temple. I doubt Rutgers would do the same.
The fact that Addazio's name has not been floated means this is unlikely to happen, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't. Maybe six weeks from now both sides will realize that they belong together.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
BC-NC State preview
The timing of the bye week was fairly fortunate for Addazio. It gave him time to prep his new QB and hopefully find a solution to his abysmal defense. It also lines up well with down year NC State team coming to BC. BC remains a home underdog, but as he prepares for the second half of the season, this is not a bad way to start.
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
We all want a breakthrough from seven wins, but getting one or two more Ws still doesn't guarantee a memorable or notable season. Look at NC State under Doeren. He has an eight-win season and two nine-win seasons, yet has what to show for it? Their fans are still a bit bored and jaded. There is no national attention. They are not regularly ranked nor going to premiere bowl games. I guess we want more than just winning football. I think it is also about those seasons where it feels like anything can happen and you get excited about being a BC fan again.
Three Simple Keys
1. Lots of play action passes. This was never AB's strong suit, but it seems like Grosel can get off the quick hitters to Tight Ends and whoever else. I imagine NC State is going to sell out to stop the run and dare Grosel to beat them.
2. Remain aggressive and high scoring. State's D is not great either. With Grosel in, BC can't decide to slow it down and play ball control. If BC wins, it will be in a high possession shootout. A slow game just puts more pressure on the BC D.
3. Turnovers. I've given up on BC getting QB pressure. So now it is on the D to get turnovers.
Gambling Notes
-- Addazio and Doeren are 3-3 in this series
-- Addazio is 3-9 coming off a bye at BC
-- BC leads the all time series 9-7
The current line is BC+3
Factoid
Doeren has now passed TOB in wins at NC State. Addazio still trails TOB in wins at BC by 34.
Scoreboard watching
Pitt plays Syracuse this weekend. Do you feel like you have a good handle on either team? Does Addazio? Both represent potential wins. It will be interesting to see how they handle each other.
I hope to see...
Grosel play a great game. I know the backup QB is everyone's favorite player. I also know that Brown played hard for BC, but he was also frustrating to watch. Maybe we will luck into something this week. As I have said over and over, with this scheme, these running backs and this OLine, BC doesn't need a game changer at QB. A game manager will do just fine.
BC is in trouble if...
If we still see busted coverages in the first half. Athleticism can't change in a bye week, but players understanding where to be can. If guys are still roaming free in our coverages, then you know the season is done.
Bottom Line
I am still somewhat optimistic about the remaining schedule. That doesn't mean I think much of BC or Addazio, but I also don't think much of this year's NC State. I think this is a close, high scoring game and a few breaks go BC's way.
Final Score: BC 38, NC State, 30
We all want a breakthrough from seven wins, but getting one or two more Ws still doesn't guarantee a memorable or notable season. Look at NC State under Doeren. He has an eight-win season and two nine-win seasons, yet has what to show for it? Their fans are still a bit bored and jaded. There is no national attention. They are not regularly ranked nor going to premiere bowl games. I guess we want more than just winning football. I think it is also about those seasons where it feels like anything can happen and you get excited about being a BC fan again.
Three Simple Keys
1. Lots of play action passes. This was never AB's strong suit, but it seems like Grosel can get off the quick hitters to Tight Ends and whoever else. I imagine NC State is going to sell out to stop the run and dare Grosel to beat them.
2. Remain aggressive and high scoring. State's D is not great either. With Grosel in, BC can't decide to slow it down and play ball control. If BC wins, it will be in a high possession shootout. A slow game just puts more pressure on the BC D.
3. Turnovers. I've given up on BC getting QB pressure. So now it is on the D to get turnovers.
Gambling Notes
-- Addazio and Doeren are 3-3 in this series
-- Addazio is 3-9 coming off a bye at BC
-- BC leads the all time series 9-7
The current line is BC+3
Factoid
Doeren has now passed TOB in wins at NC State. Addazio still trails TOB in wins at BC by 34.
Scoreboard watching
Pitt plays Syracuse this weekend. Do you feel like you have a good handle on either team? Does Addazio? Both represent potential wins. It will be interesting to see how they handle each other.
I hope to see...
Grosel play a great game. I know the backup QB is everyone's favorite player. I also know that Brown played hard for BC, but he was also frustrating to watch. Maybe we will luck into something this week. As I have said over and over, with this scheme, these running backs and this OLine, BC doesn't need a game changer at QB. A game manager will do just fine.
BC is in trouble if...
If we still see busted coverages in the first half. Athleticism can't change in a bye week, but players understanding where to be can. If guys are still roaming free in our coverages, then you know the season is done.
Bottom Line
I am still somewhat optimistic about the remaining schedule. That doesn't mean I think much of BC or Addazio, but I also don't think much of this year's NC State. I think this is a close, high scoring game and a few breaks go BC's way.
Final Score: BC 38, NC State, 30
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Speculation sharks are circling
It has been my experience that since DeFilippo left, BC has not been a place where gossip leaked. But that hasn't stopped two of the biggest College Football Media guys -- Pete Thamel and Bruce Feldman -- from openly speculating that a change is coming at BC. Both are reputable enough with good track records. So if it is not coming from BC, where is it coming from? My guess -- coaches and agents.
Agents and coaches talk to media folks to get names out there and names associated with certain jobs. I will do a breakdown of candidates depending on the outcome of the NC State game, but most of the names kicked around are ones we would guess anyway (Candle, Hafley, Leipold, etc.). The one name of the bunch that I find fascinating and exciting is Joe Moorhead. Moorhead's name was prominently tied to BC the last time Addazio's seat got really hot. But Addazio pulled out of the nose dive and Moorhead jumped at the Mississippi State opportunity. BC was always a better fit and Moorhead leaving his current job might be one of those win-wins for all involved.
The timing of the coaching carousel might also really work to BC's favor this year. Rutgers is the only job which will seemingly have a similar search list. All the others will certainly target different guys from BC, meaning we won't be bidding against other programs.
But we've been down this road with Addazio before and he is still here, so don't buy into the agent gossip just yet.
Agents and coaches talk to media folks to get names out there and names associated with certain jobs. I will do a breakdown of candidates depending on the outcome of the NC State game, but most of the names kicked around are ones we would guess anyway (Candle, Hafley, Leipold, etc.). The one name of the bunch that I find fascinating and exciting is Joe Moorhead. Moorhead's name was prominently tied to BC the last time Addazio's seat got really hot. But Addazio pulled out of the nose dive and Moorhead jumped at the Mississippi State opportunity. BC was always a better fit and Moorhead leaving his current job might be one of those win-wins for all involved.
The timing of the coaching carousel might also really work to BC's favor this year. Rutgers is the only job which will seemingly have a similar search list. All the others will certainly target different guys from BC, meaning we won't be bidding against other programs.
But we've been down this road with Addazio before and he is still here, so don't buy into the agent gossip just yet.
Monday, October 14, 2019
AB is done but BC isn't
As speculated, Anthony Brown is done for the season. BC was light on specifics, only mentioning that it was leg-related and he would have surgery soon. The official announcement of the injury shifted the talk on BC twitter and message boards to whether this excuses Addazio's season and if it buys him more time. In my opinion, it does neither. And I also feel this season is salvageable.
Addazio can't blame anything that happens on Brown's injury. With Brown, BC was already floundering at 3-3. Brown provided some explosiveness, but he was hardly carrying the offense. If anything, Brown had missed his fair share of passes that could have changed outcomes. Plus, Brown has a very clear injury history. If Addazio didn't have a plan for the offense without Brown, than that is on him. Coaching college football is not just X&Os during the game. It is also managing the entire program. One of Addazio's biggest failures is his inability to develop backup QBs. Hopefully Grosel will prove the exception.
Although I called for the end of the Addazio era after the Kansas loss, I still think this team can get to six regular season wins and a bowl game. Grosel is not the second coming of Doug Flutie, but he seems serviceable. The Oline is very good and we still have playmakers. This team should still score points. I also think the remaining schedule is not that tough. NC State, Pitt, FSU and 'Cuse are winnable games. Notre Dame and Clemson will be heavy favorites, but neither are as good as they've been in the past.
The key to the remaining season is to get even marginal improvement out of the defense. The unit has been lost and sloppy for weeks. If Addazio wants to save his job, he needs to get them improved quickly.
I hope Brown recovers and continues his career. If it is under Addazio at BC, the coach is going to have to get a lot out of Grosel and improve his D starting this week.
Addazio can't blame anything that happens on Brown's injury. With Brown, BC was already floundering at 3-3. Brown provided some explosiveness, but he was hardly carrying the offense. If anything, Brown had missed his fair share of passes that could have changed outcomes. Plus, Brown has a very clear injury history. If Addazio didn't have a plan for the offense without Brown, than that is on him. Coaching college football is not just X&Os during the game. It is also managing the entire program. One of Addazio's biggest failures is his inability to develop backup QBs. Hopefully Grosel will prove the exception.
Although I called for the end of the Addazio era after the Kansas loss, I still think this team can get to six regular season wins and a bowl game. Grosel is not the second coming of Doug Flutie, but he seems serviceable. The Oline is very good and we still have playmakers. This team should still score points. I also think the remaining schedule is not that tough. NC State, Pitt, FSU and 'Cuse are winnable games. Notre Dame and Clemson will be heavy favorites, but neither are as good as they've been in the past.
The key to the remaining season is to get even marginal improvement out of the defense. The unit has been lost and sloppy for weeks. If Addazio wants to save his job, he needs to get them improved quickly.
I hope Brown recovers and continues his career. If it is under Addazio at BC, the coach is going to have to get a lot out of Grosel and improve his D starting this week.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Addazio and close losses
With the loss to Louisville, Addazio's record in one score games (8 points or less) fell to 12-18 at BC and 14-21 in his career. Obviously that is not good. But is it unlucky? Maybe. Given a large enough sample size a coach's record in close games should be around .500. The idea is that the close games are almost like coin flips and for everything that goes against BC, there should be some things that go for BC. Has Addazio screwed up games? Sure, but so have our opponents. In his most frustrating close loss (Wake 2015), he and Clawson took turns screwing up the game. I don't think Addazio is a good game manager, but I don't think the close losses are the bigger problem. I think the main issue is like TOB when he was at BC, too often Addazio doesn't press his advantage (i.e. keep his foot on the gas). By keeping it close or letting up, you let the other team back in and invite the game to become a coin flip. Prime examples of this in his BC tenure include Colorado State, Georgia Tech in Ireland and Florida State last year.
I am now reading and hearing a few BC true believers say that luck will even out this year and BC will get some close wins. That may happen, but like a coin flip, each game is an independent event. He could lose all his close games this year too. The key for Addazio is going to be not keeping it close.
I am now reading and hearing a few BC true believers say that luck will even out this year and BC will get some close wins. That may happen, but like a coin flip, each game is an independent event. He could lose all his close games this year too. The key for Addazio is going to be not keeping it close.
Saturday, October 05, 2019
Game Day: Louisville
No comments this year.
What you need to know.
Weather: Mid 60s to low 70s.
TV: Regional sports networks. Whatever channel used to carry the Raycom secondary game in your market is likely doing it again.
Radio: SiriusXM 194
What you need to know.
Weather: Mid 60s to low 70s.
TV: Regional sports networks. Whatever channel used to carry the Raycom secondary game in your market is likely doing it again.
Radio: SiriusXM 194
Friday, October 04, 2019
BC-Louisville preview
BC's last trip to Louisville was a turning point. Addazio's job and BC's season seemed on the line and the team responded in a shocking shootout from a previously stagnant offense. Now Addazio takes a team to Kentucky needing another jump start. Could this be the right opponent at the right time again?
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
The Chris Ash firing sparked a new round of media speculation on who is next and Addazio was often listed in the mix. I am on record saying it is time for change, but I have no idea if change will happen. I still think six regular season wins is happening. Would that be enough to save him? I hope not, but after seeing Christian survive, I have no idea.
Three Simple Keys
1. Third down defense. This has been embarrassingly bad. If BC just stops two or more drives a bit earlier against Wake, they win. Louisville should not be as efficient. BC needs sound tackling and pressure on the QB.
2. No false starts and formation penalties. Is it too much to ask? This has been very sloppy this year. Our line should dominate this weekend. Don't let Louisville off the hook with stupid mistakes.
3. No Special Teams mistakes. Aside from the kicking issues, there was a bad punt last week and some sloppy returns. Clean that up.
Gambling Notes
-- Addazio has won the last two vs Louisville
-- Satterfield is 27-6 when coaching at home
-- Addazio is 16-15 on the road as BC's coach
The current line is BC+5.5
Factoid
BC's first trip to Louisville was in 1986.
Scoreboard Watching
This is a pretty slow weekend for ACC Matchups. The one most relevant to us is Pitt-Duke. Is Pitt legit? If they look bad, it will make me feel a little better about our matchup with them at Thanksgiving.
I hope to see...
The Oline dominate. Lost among the false starts and hit or miss passing game is that our Oline has been pretty good. The other team is selling out to stop the run, yet we are still controlling the line of scrimmage. Keep that up and BC will be ok.
BC is in trouble if...
We can't get sacks. Like Kansas and Rutgers, Louisville heads into our game with QB uncertainty. This should lead to us wrecking things, not giving them confidence.
Bottom Line
I've been throwing the game in the "toss up" group and actually think we pull it off. Louisville is even less prepared than Wake for our run game. I think we grind away with Dillon and Bailey and the D does just enough to win.
Final Score: BC 24, Louisville, 17
What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
The Chris Ash firing sparked a new round of media speculation on who is next and Addazio was often listed in the mix. I am on record saying it is time for change, but I have no idea if change will happen. I still think six regular season wins is happening. Would that be enough to save him? I hope not, but after seeing Christian survive, I have no idea.
Three Simple Keys
1. Third down defense. This has been embarrassingly bad. If BC just stops two or more drives a bit earlier against Wake, they win. Louisville should not be as efficient. BC needs sound tackling and pressure on the QB.
2. No false starts and formation penalties. Is it too much to ask? This has been very sloppy this year. Our line should dominate this weekend. Don't let Louisville off the hook with stupid mistakes.
3. No Special Teams mistakes. Aside from the kicking issues, there was a bad punt last week and some sloppy returns. Clean that up.
Gambling Notes
-- Addazio has won the last two vs Louisville
-- Satterfield is 27-6 when coaching at home
-- Addazio is 16-15 on the road as BC's coach
The current line is BC+5.5
Factoid
BC's first trip to Louisville was in 1986.
Scoreboard Watching
This is a pretty slow weekend for ACC Matchups. The one most relevant to us is Pitt-Duke. Is Pitt legit? If they look bad, it will make me feel a little better about our matchup with them at Thanksgiving.
I hope to see...
The Oline dominate. Lost among the false starts and hit or miss passing game is that our Oline has been pretty good. The other team is selling out to stop the run, yet we are still controlling the line of scrimmage. Keep that up and BC will be ok.
BC is in trouble if...
We can't get sacks. Like Kansas and Rutgers, Louisville heads into our game with QB uncertainty. This should lead to us wrecking things, not giving them confidence.
Bottom Line
I've been throwing the game in the "toss up" group and actually think we pull it off. Louisville is even less prepared than Wake for our run game. I think we grind away with Dillon and Bailey and the D does just enough to win.
Final Score: BC 24, Louisville, 17
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
