BC-Temple preview

In many seasons, in many sports there is a need to reset. Something happens that basically changes the expectations of the entire season: for good or bad. Unfortunately for BC, we have reset and it is not good. Temple shouldn't be a problem and a winning season should still be the expectation, but I don't think Dennis Grosel will be the QB to lead us to double-digit wins. That is not a slam on Grosel. He is likable and capable. And our season depends on him. But to have a special season, you needed everything to go your way. To have a special season we needed Jurk to be an elite QB who took his game to the next level. He can't take his game (or BC) to the next level on the sidelines. Instead we will get scrappy, former walk-on Dennis Grosel. It can still be fun and interesting, but will be a different kind of special.

 

What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)

USC is looking for a new coach and of course Hafley was one of a dozen names already floated for the job. I don't think he will get it -- for a variety of reasons, but seeing the names mentioned was another reminder that there are not a lot of sure things out there. USC has the history, resources and location to make a great hire yet like so many other programs (Texas, Nebraska, etc.) has trouble finding guys who can win big there. Hiring in sports is about finding the right coach and the right time and in the right place. I think we have that with Hafley. And if we do, he will go on to bigger places than USC.

Three Simple Keys

1. Dominate in the run game again. It might seem like Addazio ball, but I think we need to be a run first team in most of our remaining games. It plays to the OLine's strength, our talent in the backfield and our QB. 

2. Clean up the coverage. We kept it simple last week against UMass but there were still plenty of blown or missed assignments in the passing game. We can't let that happen this week.

3. Keep Grosel healthy. I love a QB run more than most (because so often it is there for the taking) but don't waste those plays on a bad Temple team. We need Grosel to keep us competitive the rest of the way.

Gambling Notes

-- BC leads the all time series 29-7-2 

-- BC has won six straight against Temple

-- BC is 2-0 at The Linc

The current spread is BC-16.5

Factoid
BC is 49-47-2 all time vs AAC teams.

Scoreboard Watching

The ACC is not off to a great start. We could use a good non-conference win and our best shot might be VT's game with West Virginia. While I was hoping for a down year from the Hokies, it would be nice for them to win this weekend.

I hope to see...

Some good deep balls. Arm strength is obviously the biggest difference between Grosel and Jurk. I don't think that has changed, but I don't want to forget about going deep. We have the speed to do so. Let's keep trying to hit those passes.

BC is in trouble if...

This game comes down to field goals. We are not healthy on the special teams depth chart either. It better not be a factor.

Bottom Line

I am not really worried about this game. Temple is bad and we should overpower them. As long as the D looks better, this can be a positive, building block weekend.

Final Score: BC 31, Temple 14