BC-Georgia Tech preview

From a fan perspective, these close games can be exhausting. Who wants to be sweating out a rainy game against Army? But beyond our emotions, lots of close games are not a good sign. Very good teams win by healthy margins. The problem with playing too many close games is it magnifies one or two plays and invites the opponent to steal the game from you. Unlike say TOB's penchant for close games, I don't think it is a product of playing too conservatively. In most of these cases it is because BC either starts slow or goes cold for long stretches. To truly turn the corner, Hafley needs the team to play at a high level for 60 minutes.

What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
Georgia Tech is playing Florida State in Ireland next year. We haven't been back since we played the Yellow Jackets in 2016 and I don't know when will potentially play there again. I know we didn't max out on our tickets and packages last time (enthusiasm wasn't great coming off Addazio's worst season). But Addazio also pissed off a lot of the Irish organizers. He did his typical bully, yell at innocent people who are just trying to do their jobs routine throughout the trip. Despite our problems now, putting up with seven years of his behavior for .500 football was an incredible waste of time and good will.

Three Simple Keys
1. Avoid Castellanos turnovers. I will give him a break for the Army game. It was a wet, wet mess. But the truth is he does force some bad throws. He can't keep doing that because GT and all remaining opponents are going to stack the box and dare him to throw.
2. Put the game on the offensive line again. They get better each week, so it should remain an advantage. In Tech's bad losses this year, it was because the other team controlled the Line and put up big numbers on the ground.
3. Reset after taking on a gimmick offense. BC looked good against Army's new look until they lost focus and started biting on plays in the second half. Tech is more conventional but play action will still be a factor. BC needs to stay focused.

Gambling Notes
-- Hafley is 2-0 vs Georgia Tech
-- GT leads the series 7-4
-- BC is 1-1 against the spread this year on the road
The current line is BC+5

Factoid

BC has never won three in a row vs Georgia Tech.

Scoreboard Watching
Pitt-Wake Forest. I thought Pitt's season was over, but a QB change sparked a huge upset last week. Can they keep it up this week? 

BC is in trouble if...we don't score 30 or more. These close games are not going to always go our way. We need to be a little more aggressive and efficient on offense.

I hope to see...BC increase their pace a bit this week. As much as I appreciate a good, methodical and dominant run performance, I think a slower game helps Tech. We can keep it on the ground, but let's use tempo a good bit. 

Bottom Line
My confidence level isn't as high for this game as others, but Georgia Tech is beatable. I think Castellanos puts up some big numbers in his home state and our D does enough to win without it coming down to the last minute.
Final Score: BC 35, Georgia Tech 24

Gameday Info: Georgia Tech

What you need to know

Weather: Comfortable and in the 50s

Radio: SiriusXM 384

TV: Regional Sports Networks

BC-Georgia Tech preview

New life. That's what we have. Jurk wasn't revolutionary last week. He didn't look like a future First Round Draft pick, but his presence and rusty skill set were more than enough to energize our offense. And with the win, a hopeless situation suddenly seems promising. We missed our window into something truly special (and that will be a topic for another time) but we still can finish strong and leave everyone happy. To do that, we need keep rolling against Georgia Tech.

What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
The rollercoaster of QB management is not unique to BC. Just look at some of the crazy things that have happened this year at Oklahoma. But unlike the Sooners, we are not just rolling through a roster full of elite 5-star recruits. The good news is Jurk's reclamation project tells a great story to QBs wanting to transfer to BC. The bad news it will be hard having depth QB if we recruit over the in-house talent. 

Three Simple Keys
1. Contain the big plays. I sort of see this like the Syracuse game. We need to make sure that they don't break out any long runs.
2. Stretch the field more with Jurk. The deep balls are huge, but I would also like to see some more intermediate passes. The more threats we show, the more it will open up things all over the field and in the running game.
3. No special teams mistakes. If we are not going to be explosive (hopefully that changes), we need to avoid the costly, game-changing special teams mistakes.

Gambling Notes
-- GT leads the series 7-3
-- GT is 1-3 against the spread as favorites this year. 
-- BC is 4-5 against the spread this year
The current line is BC+2

Factoid
Matt Ryan and Scott Mutryn are the only BC QBs to lead BC to victory in Atlanta against the Yellow Jackets.

Scoreboard Watching
Miami plays FSU this weekend. The entire ACC division was based around this matchup and it means next to nothing now. I will still follow out of curiosity. As someone who is not invested in either program, I can't fathom why both have been so mediocre to bad for so long. 

I hope to see...
Jurk play really well. He had his moments last week, but didn't look sharp. This is likely his last stretch of games for BC (SPECULATION), so I would like him to go out with a blaze of glory.

BC is in trouble if...
If Georgia Tech controls the pace of the game with their rushing attack. I don't expect us to score 77, but we do need to create tempo and be aggressive with our offense. Put up big numbers and avoid an grind it out game with them. 

Bottom Line
Last week was a first step back. I think this week, we show what we can and might have been. Lots of big plays and BC pulls away in the second half.
Final Score: BC 35, Georgia Tech 21

Game Day Info: Georgia Tech

No comments this year.

What you need to know

Weather: Mid 60s and perfect.

Radio: SiriusXM 207

TV: The ACC Network.

BC-Georgia Tech preview

Normally I would love BC coming in off a sound defeat. It would seemingly be a great opportunity for Hafley to rally the troops and get everyone sharp and motivated. Georgia Tech complicates that since they are coming off a historic loss. Clemson clobbered them. They will also be looking to regroup and refocus. While neither team is destined for a National Championship, this game is critical. One team will bounce back and return to feeling good about their season. The loser will probably start wondering if their early season success was all a mirage.

What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
The Big Ten is back this weekend and the remaining FBS holdouts are following in the coming weeks. I've been pretty adamant from the beginning that these teams should be playing, so I am glad to see them back on the field. Unfortunately the movement to unionize college football seems to have lost momentum. Perhaps the discussion has moved behind the scenes and out of the public. More likely, by allowing the players back with a few concessions, the discussion went away. That would be unfortunate. The college sports model is broken and exploitative. The health, financial, and logistical challenges of COVID 19 provided an opportunity to fix things. Aside from some sports getting cut, it looks like not much will change. Hopefully when things calm down, someone in leadership somewhere will look to improve the situation for student athletes and the athletic departments caught in the middle of this bad system.

Three Simple Keys
1. Pass protection. If Jurk has time, guys will get open. GT's pass D has plenty of holes and weaknesses. And even if Jurk can't find guys open, if we protect he should be able to run for first downs.
2. Don't give up on the run game. When passing is working and Tech has so much trouble stopping the pass, the temptation is to come out throwing. I want BC to also use the run game. It looked better against Virginia Tech (aside from the fumbles).
3. Don't allow big plays. Georgia Tech will go for the home run passes. We need to make sure we stop those potential game changers.

Gambling Notes
-- Georgia Tech leads the all-time series 7-2
-- Georgia Tech is 3-0 at Alumni
-- Hafley is 2-1 at Alumni
The current line is BC-3.5

Factoid
BC Athletic Director Pat Kraft hired one of the head coaches in this game...just not the one coaching his current Football team. (Kraft hired Geoff Collins when he was at Temple.)

Scoreboard Watching
Syracuse at Clemson. The Orange look terrible and this might be the best team Dabo has ever had. Could the Tigers score 100? I don't know. Syracuse usually gives them a game, but this year I expect a blowout. A bad Syracuse is good for BC since we often recruit similar players and have them on the schedule every year. I don't mind them falling apart as Hafley tries to build up BC.

I hope to see...Garwo and Bailey hold onto the ball. While luck and carelessness are factors in fumbling, there is a mental element too. Both guys have shown they have issues protecting the ball so far in this short season. May they please hold on this week and get it out of their respective heads!

BC is in trouble if...we don't get third down stops. For the first time in weeks, we are not playing an elite QB. Sims will make mistakes and bad throws. We have to be smart and not let broken plays become third down conversions.

Overall
I think this will feel a bit like a shoot out. Only BC will capitalize on some GT mistakes and score TDs when they are scoring field goals. Jurk has a big day and we put last week behind us.
Final Score: BC 35, Georgia Tech 23

OT goes BC's way against GT

There were plenty of ups and down in BC's game against Georgia Tech. Like Wednesday night, they even had a chance to win it in the final seconds. But this time OT turned out a bit different as BC beat the Yellow Jackets 80-72. Like so many of our games this season, there were encouraging moments and times when I just shook my head.

The Good

-- Winning an OT game without Robinson. I wasn't expecting that. When he fouled out, I thought BC was done. Then we forced OT and I still thought being shorthanded would be a problem. But they got some good baskets and pulled away.

-- Positive minutes from Reyes. He provided some good D and was more than efficient on offense. It was a nice surprise.

-- Converting 3s. BC made 11-23. That can cover a lot of holes.

The Bad

-- Another flat first half. All the usual problems happened again. Imagine BC's record if they didn't have to overcome so many bad starts.

-- Turnovers down the stretch. BC crawled back and had a seven point lead with just over five left. But a few sloppy possessions and the lead was gone. 

BC falls into a familiar pattern and loses again

While both teams looked lost in the first 15 minutes of the game, BC was still able to establish a big lead. They were playing good defense, and although shots weren't dropping, they made some good decisions on the court. But just like the Pitt game, BC's opponent chipped away at the lead before the half and then dominated the second half. The final score was GT 65, BC 54.

BC did not shoot well in the second half, but that is only part of the story. The D got lazy in the second half. They let guys get position and also gave up too much space. There were other issues too. Why in the second half when were a desperate to score, did we find new ways to get it to Jeffers? The other two transfers (Tava and Chatman) dd not look good either.

Bowman seems to be trying to lead, but I don't know if the older guys are buying in to what he does. He had 13 points, but GT did a good job containing him and not give him good looks from outside.

I don't know what the answer is. Christian is still juggling the minutes. so maybe he is still trying to figure it out. I just want them to improve quickly so that there is hope for the future.

Second viewing thoughts and grades: Georgia Tech

In December when BC is getting slotted for some fourth tier bowl, remember this game. This is going to cost BC in the ACC standings and allow all the mid-level bowls to skip right past the Eagles. We were better than Georgia Tech. Watching it back, I think we have more talent than Tech. Yet we blew it. (A Georgia Tech blogger even felt that BC should have won 24-7.) There were mistakes, but ultimately it was on the coach.

The only good news is that the team is clearly better than last year. The bad news is that I am sure we will blow another game this year.

Offense: C

If Patrick Towles were a freshman or sophomore I would be very excited. Instead my enthusiasm is muted. He had real solid moments and has good speed. But he made some mistakes early in the first half. Some throws were off. He didn't read an early blitz well. He ran when he should have thrown. Hopefully it is first game gitters and the staff finds things that work for him. He played well enough but he wasn't lights out perfect (like I was hoping).

Hilliman ran well. I thought he had a little bit of happy feet in the backfield. Sometimes it slowed him but a few times, resetting or stutter stepping did get him space. Willis was good as a change of pace when he was brought in for some read options. (Towles is going to get a big run with him out of the read option. No one stayed with the QB). Rouse played sparingly. Wofford blocked well.

The Offensive Line looked like a real Offensive Line. They got good push throughout. They moved well. Lindstrom made a great second level block on Hilliman's touchdown. In general, the right side did a good job opening up holes. They also gave Towles time on passes. Lowery was flagged a few times late (and was partially responsible for the second turnover), but he played well most of the game. Baker looked good. This group is why my hopes are high for the year.

The biggest blocking problems weren't the OLine, but the Tight Ends. Giacone and Sweeney both had real bad moments where they were beat on the edge. Jeff Smith looked very good for his first game. Callinan played well. Walker had a great catch.

Loeffler's approach created a little concern for me. But it is still early so maybe he is trying to see what works. We used I plus a little Pistol and some Shotgun. Towles actually looked OK under center, so I assume that will be our primary exchange. I did like the use of multiple TE/H Backs. I thought the playcalling was too conservative at times, especially in the fourth quarter, but I will address that below with Addazio. The good news is that there was nothing moronic and the basic execution was fine. The bad news was there wasn't a call or play that really made me say "wow."

Defense: B

The DLine looked really, really good. They stuffed the option all day and really controlled up front. Gutapfel led the way. He's going to be All ACC. Kavalec played well and looks much, much bigger. (If he gets that late sack though, we win the game.) Allen had some moments. Ray made some plays. So did Smith. Landry wasn't at 100%

You will have a hard time finding a pair of LBs play the option better than Milano and Strachan did. They were both quick, disciplined and came to hit. Schwab was all over the place too.

I won't kill the DBs for this loss, because they really have the toughest job in an option game. They have to think run, run, run and then turn on a moments notice and play pass. In general, they did well supporting the run. Take Johnson as an example. He caused a huge fumble for us. Yet he also allowed numerous big passes. Harris did too. Moore slipped on the final GT drive and was also called for pass interference. McClary was good.

Addazio killed the D was allowing the big conversions. That was bad, but overall they played well. Reid clearly had them ready for the triple option. The pass plays were more about breakdowns, not bad calls. I've read some people complain that BC didn't bring pressure on the 4th and 19. But that is not a terrible call and bringing pressure against a option team just exposes other areas. We were still aggressive considering the opponent.

Special Teams: C+

Missing two field goals was terrible. The kick off coverage wasn't great either.

Our punting and punt coverage was fine.

We didn't get to return any kickoffs. Rouse looked decent as a punt returner.

Overall: C

Even though it was a close game, I am grading the game low out of frustration with Addazio. Let's rehash the the two critical coaching errors. The first was attempting a field goal on 4th and 1. At this point BC's already missed one FG. The field is very wet. The balls are wet. Regardless of what Lichtenberg did this summer, he was an inconsistent kicker last year. Also, at this point BC's OLine is controlling. Converting a 4th and 1 is not hard. Every statistical model in football shows that aggressiveness is rewarded. Instead Addazio pretends that it is 1950 and goes for the Field Goal. We miss and waste the drive.

Then there is drive when BC gets the ball with 6 minutes left and two timeouts. Six minutes is long time in college football. Regardless of what BC does on the drive, the odds say GT will get at least one more possession. Knowing that Georgia Tech will have a chance to win, BC needs to score again. Instead Addazio starts killing clock. We go power right into a crowded box and neither run does anything other than take some time off. Why telegraph like that? If Addazio wants to run, why not use the read option again. A play like that spreads the field a little and the QB keepers had been wide open earlier in the game. The fumbled snap on third down was just bad luck. But then Addazio let the clock run. I have no problem with that. But why run the playclock down to the point where you use a timeout? Why not run the clock, take the penalty and keep the TO?

Addazio is coaching from a different era. There are many issues where he's shown a willingness to embrace the new. Yet once the game starts he reverts to the old school ways. Maybe, just maybe, this will be a wake up call. My fear is that he won't change and that he'll be blowing games for the remainder or his tenure. 

Dumb calls cost BC in Dublin

We learned a lot this morning in Ireland. This season will be better, but we will never, ever be great under Addazio. He lost this game. There was plenty of blame to go around with player mistakes, but Addazio made a few critical game management errors that cost BC the lead and the win.

Much of this game felt familiar. The Defense looked really good. The Offense could only score 14 points. However, I think there were enough bright spots on Offense to think this team will be competitive this year. Towles had some rough spots, but still has some upside.

I feel better about the team, but frustrated. I feel like this is BC Football under Addazio. He is now 5-11 in games decided by 7 points or less. That is not bad luck. Luck evens out. That is bad coaching.

I will have grades and second viewing thoughts late Sunday.

In-game comments post: Georgia Tech

Here we go! Another season of BC Football. Let's make it a good one!

Leave your thoughts and comments below.

You can also follow me on Twitter.

"The trip to Ireland is a great Marketing opportunity..."

At least it doesn't say Golden Eagles.

"Someone got fired over this"
Ga Tech vs. Boston College in
Dublin, Ireland pic.twitter.com/SKMtCuF9fT

— eric jackson dodd (@ericjdodd50) September 1, 2016

BC-Georgia Tech preview

It feels like we've been waiting for this game for a long time. For years fans talked of a trip to Ireland. Now it is here. All offseason many of us couldn't wait to get the bad taste of last year behind us. Saturday starts a new season. Addazio has always pointed to Year 5 as the time when the program would show what he can do. The reality is that this season will be just as telling. What will it tell us? We'll find out Saturday

What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
This is a TV and tourism game, so it makes sense to have BC. We are usually a good TV draw in a big market and have plenty of fans of Irish decent looking to make the trip. However, we are also a school with an ever growing fan and alumni base on the West Coast. This start time is rough for those folks. I am giddy about watching BC Football during breakfast, but I don't know how much I would love it if I had to wake up at 4 AM to watch the game. I know with DVRs and streaming archives, our West Coast fans don't have to watch it live, but part of the fun of sports is the live aspect. I feel for those people out there and hope they get a good post-game nap.

Three Simple Keys
1. Interior penetration. BC needs to be collapsing the interior of the GT line and screwing up as many dives as they can. I think we have the tacklers at LB and in the defensive backfield to minimize the outside stuff. The key is blowing up the early parts of the Triple Option. Get them off schedule and maybe force a turnover or two.
2. Converting on 3rd downs. Want to see if last year was just the Perfect Storm of bad offense and that things are better now? Then watch conversions on 3rd downs. Addazio is going to keep running early, so in theory these third downs should be short and manageable. BC needs to convert a few and have some sustained drives for the first time in two years.
3. Don't allow GT to pass deep. When GT is at their best, they lull you to sleep with the option and then hit a huge downfield pass off of play action. Our DBs did a good job of preventing deep balls last year. They need to do it again Saturday.

Gambling Notes
-- Paul Johnson is 8-1 in season openers while at Georgia Tech
-- Addazio is 8-16 in ACC play
-- BC is 2-6 all time vs Georgia Tech
The current line is BC+3

Factoid
Paul Johnson has faced BC three times (once at Navy and twice at GT). This is the first time he won't be facing a Frank Spaziani Defense.

Scoreboard Watching
The most important games are Clemson-Auburn and Florida State-Ole Miss. Both of our ACC foes appear to be juggernauts. This weekend will show us how dominant they might be.

I hope to see...
The Defense look just like last year. Obviously that will help BC throughout the year, but I actually like Jim Reid and appreciate the tough position he is in. If he really does keep Brown's scheme, we might actually build some lasting success.

BC is in trouble if...
Georgia Tech gets up by more than 10 early. Addazio's not known for his game management and Georgia Tech's approach can kill clock quickly. The offense may be improved, but do you trust them to comeback from an early deficit in the first game?

Overall
I keep telling myself that BC's had the whole offseason to prepare for this team and this unique game. It should go off without a hitch, right? We'll see. I expect BC to shutdown GT and get a few big offensive plays early. I think the second half will be sloppy, but BC will hold on for the win.
Final Score: BC 24, Georgia Tech 20

What Georgia Tech fans are saying about the Ireland trip [unscientific research]

Living in Atlanta, I know lots of Georgia Tech fans and listen to plenty of Atlanta sports radio. Do you know what Jacket fans are saying about the trip to Ireland? Nothing. There is no buzz and little excitement among my crowd. I only know of one person going. Now admittedly, I don't know every Georgia Tech fan in the world and I know that there will be plenty of Jacket supporters over there. My point is that playing the game in Ireland against BC has not broken into the wider sports discussion.

Georgia Tech's struggles to get attention mirror many of BC's issues. While Atlanta might not be as passionate about their professional teams as Boston fans, the Jackets compete with the Falcons and Braves for attention, plus the Georgia Bulldogs and all the SEC fans in the area. If you listen to local Sports Radio, you hear much more on Georgia and the other Top 25 matchups opening weekend than you do about Ireland.

When there is talk, the consensus seems to be that GT must come back with a win. That travelling that far only to lose to a winless ACC team would be a demoralizing way to start the season. One thing of note about the little I have read and heard: GT is practicing and scrimmaging early in the morning so that their body clocks are ready for the 7 AM kickoff.

Just because there isn't much early excitement about the game doesn't mean it is a bad idea or lost cause. I am glad BC tried something new and the unique timeslot on the opening weekend helps raise awareness. It will probably be BC's highest rated day game this season. But the general apathy around the game here is just a reminder that if BC ever wants to be top of mind in Boston (or nationally) they need to win more.

Tips for Georgia Tech

BC's first game will be unusual. In part due to the setting in Ireland. But also because of the opponent: Georgia Tech. The Jackets' Triple Option Offense is unlike anything else BC will face this year. Because of the misdirection and multiple players involved in every play, you often hear that the defense has to play "assignment football." However, there are plenty more nuances than that. The D must also be ready for their different blocking approaches and their dangerous passing game. Watch the guys from Fox Sports South break it down a bit below. 

Announcers for Ireland and other links

BC's historic game in Ireland will be called by...Jason Benetti, Kelly Stouffer, and Paul Carcaterra? I cannot remember Benetti calling any previous BC games. I thought the ESPN2 slot in Ireland would draw a bigger name, but you get what you get. Let's hope they call a good game.

The Globe featured Davon Jones. Hopefully he's ready to break out.

Malachi Moore left Rutgers and will not use his fifth year. Best of luck to him.

Sneak peek at Ireland field

In case you missed it, our Irish hosts tweeted out the layout and paint scheme for the game in Ireland. Their maroon looks okay and I like the added touched of the Boston College at midfield. It is a neutral site, but this was our home game and we pushed for the Ireland opportunity. Labor Day weekend can't get here soon enough.

The battlefield has been marked for September 3rd in the Aviva Stadium - will you be there?! #muchmorethanagame pic.twitter.com/FRRHnVFZsn

— College Football IRE (@cfbireland) June 14, 2016

Addazio preparing for Georgia Tech already

If there is one thing to takeaway from Thursday's ESPN article on Addazio and Paul Johnson, it is that BC will be ready for the Jackets' triple option offense. Addazio has been studying it for years. Because we are beginning the season facing a gimmick offense, I agree with Addazio that we need to start now. Defeating them won't just be about maintaining gap control and assignments. It is also about their speed and cutbacks.

But no matter what Addazio does, Johnson will have a counter. That is the beauty of a gimmick offense. You create problems for the opponent and can change the game with a few momentum plays. Because of the gimmick, Johnson is never totally lost like BC was last year. He can create layers of depth and plug new people in from year to year. Addazio will never have that luxury if he keeps switching OCs and philosophies.

TV time "officially" set for Ireland game

We've all known about the kickoff and coverage of the BC-Georgia Tech Ireland game for months. Tuesday, ESPN made it official as they released their opening weekend coverage schedule. Basically it is wall-to-wall college football starting the Thursday before Labor Day. BC's game will be Saturday morning at 7:30 ET on ESPN2.

The ability to put live football on Saturday morning is really the biggest reason for the Ireland game. I am sure the Irish like the tourism boost and BC and Georgia Tech appreciate the marketing opportunity, but this is a TV event.

In-game comments post: Georgia Tech

I am not going to be able to watch this live, but I know some of you are. We all feel your pain. Tech is playing well so this doesn't appear promising. Leave your thoughts and comments below during the game and hope things break our way today.

I will have a post-game post later today after I watch it back.

Let's get some Mass schools in the Global Ireland Football Tournament

The Global Ireland Football Tournament invited two Atlanta Catholic schools to their 2016 Tournament. I didn't even know the Global Ireland Football Tournament was a thing until the announcement, but hats off to the organizers. They smartly said, "we have a team from Atlanta playing a Catholic team, maybe if we invited Atlanta Catholic schools there will be some overlap." The Tournament will include 10 U.S. high school teams and there are still spots left. I hope BC is strongly suggesting at least two Massachusetts schools are included.

Adding Mass schools helps BC in a couple of ways. It generates that much more local interest and it sells a few more tickets. If a family flies over to see Everett or BC High or whoever, you have to assume they are going to stick around to watch BC play Georgia Tech.

There is also a nice recruiting edge to all of this. BC recruits at the Atlanta invitees already (Marist and Blessed Trinity). Now they will get nearly a week to watch these kids practice and see how they behave and interact with their teams off the field. Jesuit Prep -- another BC friendly school -- is also being courted for the Irish event. Let's hope they get a few more Catholic schools from Ohio or California. But there has to be a Massachusetts team.

I assume BC has some say in the process. Perhaps Bates is making suggestions daily, so that the Irish trip becomes a big marketing and recruiting success too.