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 is all in on AB

In his postgame press conference and since, Addazio has defended Anthony Brown's performance so far this season. He explains away the inaccuracy due to the types of passes they are asking Brown to make. And in fairness, Brown does have the arm to make throws that few college QBs can. He has more than enough arm to throw deep downfield. And we are also scoring at a fairly high rate. Currently BC has the 42nd most efficient offense in College Football. If they hold that form, it would be the best Addazio's teams have finished since Ryan Day left.

The problem is that Brown and BC are leaving big plays on the field. Those extra scores and longer drives are the only solution to BC winning more than seven games this year. The D is lost (109 in Def Efficiency). While that will hopefully improve, what is more likely to get better: the side of the ball with the talent and experience (O) or the side with lots of youth and questionable speed (D)?

It might not be fair to ask Brown to suddenly be as accurate as some Big XII QB, but BC doesn't have a choice. They need him to hit open guys and keep drives going. That is the only way to avoid more games like Kansas, where the D couldn't stop anything.

Big questions: What's Addazio's backup qb plan this year?

A series of questions as we approach another year of Addazio.

Last year Addazio pushed the narrative of BC being in the game against Clemson until Brown went down. It probably oversimplifies things and gives Addazio an excuse for last season's collapse, but the bigger issue is how to avoid such a drop off if Brown goes down again.

Until the summer, Addazio kept talking up his QB depth and talent. That's been a downgraded talking point since three of those backups have transferred elsewhere in search of playing time. I don't view any of the guys who left (Perry, McDonald or Langan) as program changing losses. And that is part of the problem. Addazio has brought in plenty of QBs and the best of the bunch so far has been Brown. The RS Jr Brown represents the most stability Addazio has had at the team's most critical position. Yet, he has missed games both years and has been inconsistent over the course of two seasons.

Based on what has been posted and discussed, it appears Matt Valecce is the primary backup. Sam Johnson is the most highly touted but as a freshman, unless he is blowing people away, it would be a real surprise for him to see the field. Dennis Grosel and Daelen Menard are projects on the depth chart. If either of them see the field we are witnessing a miracle or a disaster.

Valecce was well regarded as a recruit and has played well in spring exposure. Like Brown, he has to adjust to a new OC. But he's basically a blank slate.

If any team is forced to play their backup QB, something is wrong. My ongoing frustration under Addazio is that we've never had a backup who could step in and really press the starter. The best backup was Wade and even he was someone who you really had to work around and manage.

I hope AB has a breakout season and proves to be an elite player. I hope he stays healthy. But given everything that has happened, I am really hoping Addazio has his backup ready and it is someone who won't require Addazio to go conservative in a critical game.

BC optimistic about Brown

After speculation regarding his spleen and lung circled over the weekend, BC and Addazio somewhat cleared the air on the status of Anthony Brown. The Coach said "Anthony Brown had an abdominal injury. He is day-to-day, but is doing well.”

BC won't elaborate on the specifics of the injury. We know Brown was hospitalized and multiple Clemson reports said it was related to the spleen. Addazio expects Brown to practice Wednesday and there doesn't seem any reason why he won't play against Florida State. Addazio talked up Perry as well during his press conference and seems confident with either option. I am far less worried than I was 24 hours ago. I am going to assume that Brown will play and will have full mobility.

As for why Clemson reports would be more detailed and accurate...it is pretty typical. If you remember years ago, Clemson news sources had accurate information about Matt Ryan being in a walking boot while the Boston media was silent. I think our media tends to defer to BC on matters like this, especially when related to player health. How would a Clemson radio show host have the info? From their coaches or medical people who were at the game. All things considered, it is a tight network and they all talk.

BC to provide update on Anthony Brown on Monday

Anthony Brown's injury was serious enough to be taken to the hospital -- which Addazio confirmed in his postgame -- yet not obvious from the replay. Addazio termed the injury as "internal." This has led to lots of rumor and speculation on message boards and twitter among BC fans and Clemson fans. I reached out to BC for an official status update and was told one would come Monday.

Beyond Brown's personal health, the news is critical for the Florida State game and the remainder of the season. BC will go from a favorite in the last two game to a potential underdog. Let's hope the news is good and Brown is in for a speedy recovery.

Brown hype building

Praise for AJ Dillon is not new. We heard it all summer. Seeing BC in the Top 25 is not unexpected. A good start and the sleeper talk from voters allowed BC to move into the rankings quickly. What is surprising is this early speculation about Anthony Brown. The AP's own hype machine is touting Brown's start in relation to its All-America team! This is a guy who wouldn't have been included in a discussion of the ACC's best preseason QBs. Now he is getting featured by the organization that produces the most prominent All America team in College Football.

Obviously this is very early in the process and probably premature. Even if Brown remains the FBS passing leader, an older or more high profile QB will probably get the call. But for Brown to get this sort of praise this early in the season is a nice surprise. As long as he keeps putting up big numbers and BC keeps winning, the praise will grow. So let's keep it going. 

BC not making a big deal about Brown practicing

We've seem to hit the doldrums of summer training camp. Things are no longer new and there isn't much concrete reporting or updates. If you read between the lines, the biggest news to me is that BC is not making a bigger deal of Anthony Brown's play. The returning starter is clearly taking snaps with the first team but they don't mention any of his throws. That leaves me to overthink this whole thing. Are they not mentioning his throws or completions because he is not making any or because it is so routine it doesn't merit a mention?

Friday will bring more vague practice reporting. However, Saturday's scrimmage will be a big deal. If BC is still not mentioning Brown's play by then, it will be time for us to truly overthink this and worry.

Brown gets media attention, which means he's ok

Anthony Brown is the starter for Steve Addazio. As much as Daz hedges and downplays the opening battle and Brown's recovery, this is not like last year. Brown will start the first game at QB.

I haven't watched practice nor do I have access to Addazio. I just know that two features on the QB in the same day (New Jersey paper | the Herald) means that is he probably ok and will the top of the depth charge until he does something to lose the job.

Watch Anthony Brown talk about being back

Because he's been sidelined with a knee injury, we haven't heard much from Anthony Brown. Friday he spoke to the media for an extended time. He didn't reveal much, but his presence and demeanor do show a level of confidence. I hope he is this calm and confident because the knee feels good and he's ready for a big year.

I guess Anthony Brown is okay

Since Anthony Brown didn't play this spring, we have no idea where he is in his recovery and how his knee is. If you want to believe an internet video, Brown is doing just fine. Take a look below.

Boston College QB Anthony Brown working Play Action getting back to Center off fake while snapping head/getting to balanced base quickly throwing Deep Post vs Cover 4. @TEST_Football @QB_Collective @quarterbackmag #qb #bostoncollege pic.twitter.com/3RlRZ4hS2Z

— Tony Racioppi (@Tonyrazz03) May 25, 2018

Some caveats about the video. It is dated May 24, but we have no idea when it was actually filmed. The guy posting it is a private QB coach in New Jersey, so it would make sense that he knows and works with Brown. The players are away from campus, so it also makes sense that Brown would be working out at home.

A few other caveats. One deep post doesn't mean a ton. Brown moves in the video, but we have no idea if he is able to move around defenders.

We are still a long time away from official practices in August. I doubt Addazio will say much about Brown until then. However, this looks promising. And I will take promising during the dog days of summer.

Brown out of year; Addazio gets no free pass

Some bad but not unexpected news on the injury front. Anthony Brown is done for the year.

Boston College redshirt freshman QB Anthony Brown is out for the season with a right leg injury. #BCEagles

— Jason Baum (@JasonBaumPR) November 13, 2017

This is unfortunate and very disappointing. While inconsistent and raw, Brown played very well as a Freshman and was a key part of BC's best games. I hope for a speedy and smooth recovery and look forward to him playing again.

HOWEVER...

BC sits at 5-5 with UConn and Syracuse remaining. Win won game and BC goes bowling. Lose both and BC is home with a 5-7 record in Year 5. If Addazio cannot get one win from these two struggling teams, he does not deserve to come back. Injuries are bad luck and BC has been unlucky this year, but a good coach manages games around injuries and a good program builder has an effective plan for his back up quarterback.

Darius Wade is the presumptive starter. Fadule is out for the year too, so I assume true freshman EJ Perry is the backup. I know Addazio wanted to redshirt Perry, but if Wade is not up to the task, I say play Perry now. If he helps beat UConn, then all of a sudden he is starting games as a true freshman and starting a bowl game. He can always redshirt next year if he and his parents want that extra year. But the point remains, Addazio has to pull out all the stops and get BC to a bowl game and finish with a winning record. UConn is terrible. There is no reason BC can't win just by handing it off to Dillon 30+ times.

When Addazio beat FSU, I said he was safe. Now -- because he mismanaged the NC State game -- that breathing room is gone. If he can't get this team ready without Brown, BC needs to make a change.

Herald thinks Brown will start

From Friday's BC summary. No byline attributed, so there is plenty of hedging:

2. No matter what gametime decision Addazio makes at quarterback, BC will have an inexperienced signal caller under center. A consensus of neutral observers during training camp agreed that redshirt freshman Anthony Brown will get the nod over graduate student Darius Wade.

We will all know shortly. Good luck to both.

Preseason Periscope

Below is my Preseason Periscope. The first of 2017. Thanks for all those who joined in. It is all a work in progress, so I appreciate any feedback and support. Also, let me know what time works for people to join. I tried a noon ET once last year and had a small audience. 10 pm ET seems a bit late. Can and would people watch mid-afternoon like 2:30 ET?

 As for what I discussed, for those who don't have the time to watch:
-- Addazio not naming a starting QB publicly is silly at best and a sign of panic at worst. No one has any significant film of Wade or Brown. Naming one doesn't offer up an advantage to NIU. I know Harbaugh is doing it too, but all these guys are out thinking themselves.
-- The shuffled OL also gives me concern for the similar reasons. When has a rotation worked well?
-- I think our Running Backs will carry the team.
-- I think we go to a low-level bowl.
-- Using more zone coverage will prevent blowouts, but also might lead to fewer sacks.

Preseason Periscope https://t.co/jMqeXmdwOJ

— Bill Maloney (@bcatleagle) August 30, 2017

Once again, I appreciate the support and hope BC has a fun season.

Addazio should name a starting QB this week

It is almost time. This is the last week of summer camp. Next week is game week. Now is the time to pick a QB. Yet Addazio seems in no hurry. 

Wade still remains the favorite for the job. The fact that he hasn't made the competition a slam dunk case is really a half-full/half-empty proposition. It is great that Brown has shown enough promise to make it a tough decision. it is disconcerting that Wade isn't a clear cut choice.

Addazio will decide soon, so you might ask: "what's the rush?" I think this is Addazio's chance to get the team ready and behind one guy. A few extra days will change the mentality around the team. 

Plus, there is very little downside to naming a guy now. Whoever gets the No. 2 slot will need to understand that he is only one snap away. The backup needs to buy in. If anything, waiting might just anger the No. 2. 

Whoever wins is going to be on a short leash. Addazio needs to win and can't let one guy fall apart when a similar option is on the bench. This season could be a bumpy ride. Let's start to get through those bumps now when there is still time to fix things. 

Revisiting the Spring Game

Did you watch the Spring Game? Well these guys on Youtube have done us all a favor of cutting it down to 34 minutes with just action. Seeing it again is a reminder that our QB situation will probably be better than expected. Wade looked decisive in his snaps and made some good passes. Brown was less poised in the pocket but did show a good arm and good escapability. This was all against a talented ACC D  (BC's own). 

But as of Monday, the Spring Game starts to matter less and less. It will be up to one of the QBs to stand out and earn the starting spot.

The first of many offseason QB competition posts

As you read BC previews this summer and listen and read about the team, the QB issue will be front and center. Even with Wade coming out of Spring as a No. 1 player, there will still be intrigue. Below is a video from the ACC highlighting both players' Spring Game performances.

Trying to read into the Spring Game

Those of us who watched the BC Spring Game know the drill. We watch because we love BC Football and the Spring Game is the only outlet for our addiction between the Bowl Game and the first game of the new season. The Spring Game is not a good predictor of anything related to real football. Because, like Saturday's 2017 Spring Game, this always feels more like a unique practice. 

The new twist this year that keeps the game from being a true look at BC was the lack of tackling. The play was dead as soon as a player had slight control on another. I am fine with limited contact. These guys shouldn't be bashing each other up now. But that I don't know how you can really evaluate BC's Defense off of today. 

The offense was a bit more telling. BC continued their tempo change from the Bowl game. Darius Wade looked decent and made numerous good throws. Antony Brown also got plenty of reps. While his athleticism and arm strength are noticeable, his throws were not as accurate. Hilliman looked sharp and healthy. Wilson also had a nice run. There were more than a few drops, but the WRs were fine.

The only true take away from all of this is that the offense is still evolving. For all of the talk -- including from Addazio -- that Brown was "the guy," he does not look ready to lead the team. Fortunately the season does not start tomorrow and he can get better. Wade, who was forgotten last year, looks capable. Aside from the QBs, the offense also seems ready to embrace modern tempo. That could change a lot about BC's games. All of those unknowns will be answered eventually...just not in a Spring Game.

News and notes from practice

The big news of the Addazio's first practice media session was his declaration that Wade heads into Spring the starter. It was much more clarity than he even offered earlier in the week. You could be cynical and think that it is all a ploy to keep Wade happy, but according to reports out of practice -- Wade looked good. Brown also got plenty of reps in practice too. But let's remember it is only the first day. I just want someone to step up this fall.

Based on the roster update, Jack Cottrell, Joel Rich and Drew Barksdale are not getting fifth years and are off the roster. Good luck to all. Not surprised that they didn't get fifth years. All were Spaz recruits who have never been major contributors. I can see why Addazio would rather bring on new players with greater upside than three guys who are there purely for depth.

Reading into Addazio's Spring Ball press conference

Despite an incoming blizzard, as far as BC Football is concerned, it is spring. The reality of College Football is that the players are working with the Strength and Conditioning staff year round, but Spring Ball allows Addazio and his coaches to run organized official practices. With the official practices about to begin, Addazio addressed the media and discussed his team. Here are a few of the takeaways:

-- Addazio says both QBs have a shot. When Wade started following other coaches on Twitter, many assumed he was transferring. But based on what Addazio said, Wade is still very much in the picture at BC. He's going to get plenty of reps in Spring Ball and Addazio talked more about him publicly on Monday than he has in months. Addazio also pumped up Anthony Brown and spoke of Brown's physical maturation. The backups like Fadule and Perry also got a token mention. While I would love Brown to emerge this Spring as a viable ACC starter, I know this will take time. Addazio doesn't need a perfect QB in three weeks, but he does need an idea of what the guys can do and where the staff is going to place their time, energy and faith.

-- BC is being cautious about injured players. I was surprised by how many players Addazio is holding out of the practices either due to injury or recovery from recent surgery. Jon Baker, Kam Moore, Chris Garrison, Connor Strachan, and Jake Burt are being "held back." Addazio implied they will have some level of participation but not full contact. In theory this caution will allow other guys to step up and develop. My fear is that one of these injuries or recoveries will linger. Plus nearly ever Spring one or two key players gets injured during the spring. BC has more depth than any other time under Addazio, but I don't want it tested with key injuries.

-- Addazio claims the offense is changing.  Addazio referenced the bowl game and BC's surprise uptempo shift multiple times. He seemed to really focus in on the number of plays. He also referenced a permanent shift in that style of play. I am glad he is finally owning up to the offensive struggles. But can he really go against his instincts this fall? I am cynical. I think BC will play faster, but I still think that Addazio is going to remain conservative and continue to screw up clock and late game management. 

Why should we trust Addazio to correctly handle Anthony Brown?

While many of us wonder why Darius Wade is not getting a shot at starting, Steve Addazio is moving onto the future. He talked up Anthony Brown to the ESPN crew and then used his radio show to also talk about Brown's upside. If I were really cynical, I would say the coach is using Brown as both an excuse for the current struggles and the promise of next year. The argument being that Addazio has been patch working his offense because of issues he inherited and next year -- Year 5 -- he will finally have his own, redshirted QB star. There is a lot of nonsense in that argument on many levels. I don't know if Addazio really believes it or is just trying to spin away his struggles. But first let's look at Addazio's track record of recruiting and developing QBs while at BC.


The Talent
In his four years at BC Addazio has recruited (including transfers and preferred walk-ons) 10 quarterbacks. Of those ten, I think it is fair to say that only one has thrived. That would be Tyler Murphy. He played like an All-ACC QB, was a great story and carried BC through what could have been a challenging year. Addazio deserves much of the credit for Murphy since he initially recruited him to Florida and then leveraged that relationship to BC years later. Conversely Addazio also deserves blame for not finding or developing another Murphy. He's thrown all sorts of different types of QBs on the field in the past two years and had little success. If you are only hitting on 1 QB recruit for every 10 you bring in, you are doing something wrong.

2013 QB Recruits
James Walsh
Mackay Lowrie (inherited Spaz recruit)

2014 QB Recruits
Darius Wade
Tyler Murphy
Troy Flutie

2015 QB Recruits
Jeff Smith
John Fadule (Preferred Walk-on)
Elijah Robinson

2016 QB Recruits
Patrick Towles
Anthony Brown

Other recruits of note who played QB in high school
Myles Willis
Mike Walker
Brendan Nosovitch

The Approach
In my opinion, Addazio's offensive issues are only partially QB related. I think there is something lacking in his offensive approach and preparation. BC has huge execution issues and has mixed a jumble of schemes, vision and talent. The mixed bag worked in the first two years with Ryan Day as the OC and a decent OLine. Since, Addazio has not had a good OL, QB or relationship with his Coordinator.

Play Brown now
If Addazio truly believes Brown is the future, he needs to play now. There is no next year for Addazio if he doesn't win these final two games. We know Towles is limited. If the staff has really given up on Wade, then Brown is the only choice. I don't care if he was going to redshirt. This happens. We've played plenty of true freshmen QBs over the years. He has more time in the program than most of the other guys before they were thrown to the wolves. It is sink or swim. Whatever time Brown might lose by playing now, he gains in game experience.

If Addazio feels like playing Brown sacrifices a 5th year four years from now, then it is on the coach to go out and find more QBs. His desired development cycle will never happen, if he doesn't start winning games now.