BC-Syracuse preview

This is bad. I've been an engaged BC fan for nearly 30 years and I can't remember a season where mood and expectations changed so dramatically. We've had situations where things fell apart, but many of us knew things were tenuous at the time. We've had major injuries before, but I can't think of one where the drop was so significant nor one where we could scheme around things a bit. The good news is that the season can still be saved. We won't win the ACC or go to a real bowl, but we have a chance to turn it around and finish the season on a high note. But to do that, we have to get a win here and stop the bleeding.

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

We are halfway into the season and nearing the Signing Day for football and you are not seeing much new news on paying players. Small deals keep getting made, but no blockbusters and you are not really seeing talk of players making their decision based on the new NIL rules. Maybe paying players won't be the game changer people predicted. You could speculate why. My guess is that many players were already getting paid and that others are still getting paid without their likeness being used for anything other than a reason to grease palms. 

Three Simple Keys

1. Get Zay at least seven touches. Syracuse has no one that can stay with him. Getting him in space should lead to multiple touchdowns. 

2. Don't let Syracuse get cheap yards in the running game. I think we can contain them in the passing game. My fear is that our Dline won't stop much...especially when they spread the field. We need the linebackers to be able to stop the run and take care of the underneath stuff. 

3. Continue to force turnovers. Last week we wasted a huge edge in this category. Can't do that again.

Gambling Notes

-- Syracuse leads the series 31-22

-- Syracuse is 6-1 against the spread in their last seven home games

-- Syracuse is 6-0 against the spread in their last six games

The current line is BC+5.5

Factoid

We have won three straight in the Carrier Dome.

Scoreboard Watching

Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech should be a good scouting opportunity. The Hokies are a mess. I wouldn't mind seeing them lose so they check out of their season and provide an easy W.

I hope to see...

A new QB. Hafley has been coy with the media and there is all sorts of gossip and speculation about who will start and who will play. In my opinion, if Hafley does start Grosel after last week and leaving him hanging with the media, he just wasted goodwill in the locker room and with the fanbase.

BC is in trouble if...

They can't throw over a stacked box. Regardless of the QB, we can't be one dimensional.

Bottom Line

I believe this offense has potential and talent. I do think QB play has hindered things. I also believe that Hafley and staff will right things this week. Hopefully that means with a new QB, but if it is Grosel, I hope they have figured out a winning game plan for him. I think this will be back and forth, but BC pulls ahead in the fourth.

Final Score: BC 28, Syracuse 24