Our killer schedule is looking easier

We all thought this season's schedule would be a challenge. Yet even some of the teams we've already lost to -- like Northwestern and UCF -- have come back down to Earth. I don't trust Spaz to make the adjustments for us to have a big run, but there is no reason it can't happen. I think we will get to at least four wins, and if our staff gets its act together, we could still get to six wins.

Very winnable games
1. Maryland has the type of offense that can pick apart our defense, but they clearly showed they are vulnerable. Not only did West Virginia light them up, but yesterday they got destroyed by Temple! They will probably be favored (since its their home game) but that is a winnable game.
2. NC State looked terrible the other night. If anyone knows how to prep for Bible's offense, it's Spaz. This year they don't have the Wild Card in Russell Wilson keeping plays alive with his feet.
3. Wake Forest earned my respect with their game against NC State. But they also blew a game against Syracuse. If we can contain their offense, their defense is vulnerable.

Those are the three wins that can get us to four. The following all look tough, but I think at least two will be close enough for us to steal a win.

Games where we need some breaks
1. Notre Dame is still Notre Dame. Weird things happen when underdog BC teams go to South Bend. Plus the Irish have shown the bad habit of playing down to their opponents and turning the ball over. I think we go all in on this game.
2. Miami falls at an interesting time in our schedule. We could be playing for a lot or a little. If we are sitting on five wins, I expect us to treat it like the Super Bowl.
3. Florida State is still very talented and will be a heavy favorite when they come to BC. That said, they've now dropped two games. Plus we get them at home on a Thursday. Could be a fluky game.
4. Clemson looks great right now. That said, I could see them taking us lightly. I also don't trust their Head Coach. The talent is there, but will he manage them as the pressure builds?
5. Virgnia Tech will be very tough. They are probably the best team left on our schedule and it is at Lane. Last time Spaz went there, we rolled over. I would be shocked if things were different this time around.
FSU has now lost two games. Granted both were tough opponents and close, but we have them at home.

Wake Forest is probably

Quick Schedule breakdown

THe ACC released the 2011 football schedules today. Here is BC's:

Sept. 3 -- NORTHWESTERN
Sept. 10 -- at UCF
Sept. 17 -- DUKE
Sept. 24 -- MASSACHUSETTS
Oct. 1 -- WAKE FOREST
Oct. 8 -- at Clemson
Oct. 22 -- at Virginia Tech
Oct. 29 -- at Maryland
Nov. 3 -- FLORIDA STATE (Thursday)
Nov. 12 -- NC STATE
Nov. 19 -- at Notre Dame
Nov. 26 -- at Miami

Good news
We are back on Thursday nights! Now that the SEC and Pac 10 play on Thursday, the former staple of the BC schedule has become rare. I always think of it as a great showcase for the program. I also like that the UMass game is back to Parents' Weekend. Starting our season with a FBS cupcake has been a momentum killer and Fools Gold. I also like the extra preparation time for NC State and Virginia Tech.

Bad news
We have some brutal stretches in this set up. Going on the road for three straight games (which includes Blacksburg and Death Valley) is tough. Then after that stretch we take on Florida State on short week. We also close on the road with games at Notre Dame and Miami.

Outlook
If Vegas put up lines today, I think we would be favored against Duke, Wake and UMass and would also be a slight favorite on the road against an improving UCF. We should be able to win all four. That means we would just have to go 2-6 against the rest of the schedule to get bowl eligible. I think it can be done. If our offense improves by even three points a game, we are a bowl team.