BC-Stanford preview

Last week was frustrating, but encouraging. However, in the post-game it was clear that Billy O was mad. That’s good. I don’t want him to burn out or lose hope, but for us to push through and get to the next level (which is only eight wins) we need a leader who is not settling and is pushing through. Billy O still has the fire and I love it.

What's on my mind (not totally related to this game)
BC didn’t make a big deal out of September 11 this week. A few social media posts, but seemingly less than previous years. Maybe some of it was sensitivity in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assasination, but maybe it is also time. I imagine many of the people running BC’s various social media accounts were either not born in 2001 or so young that they don’t have any real memory of it. Also, BC purposely separated the memory and celebration of Welles Crowther from September 11 years ago. I don’t want to shame BC into putting up 9/11 posts that are empty or insincere. I don’t even know the solution…just a thought that I’ve been kicking around since someone pointed it out to me Thursday.

Three Simple Keys
1. Don’t worry about the run this week. This is counter to what I usually preach, but this week I think wasting downs and possessions on an ineffective run game is not worth the effort. BC needs to open it up and light Stanford up. Let’s see them keep up with us in a shootout. Stubbornly running and lowering the score only helps them.
2. Get defensive turnovers. That was the difference between Michigan State 2024 and Michigan State 2025. We need to be aggressive (but smart).
3. Better tackling. On kick coverage and in the red zone. Sometimes it is just that simple.

Gambling Notes
– BC is 0-2 at Stanford
– Billy O has still only won one road game
– Stanford has lost four straight
The current line is BC-13.5

Factoid
The last time BC played at Stanford, it was days before 9/11 and also a late night West Coast game.

Scoreboard Watching
USF-Miami. Can USF play spoiler again? We need the Hurricanes to win and represent the ACC well nationally.

BC is in trouble if…Lonergan turns it over. He’s been so careful with the ball, but as we get more aggressive, some things won’t go our way. Let’s hope it is not an issue this week.

I hope to see…more success when we do run the ball. I don’t want to make it a priority, but it would be nice to see some success.

What ChatGPT Thinks "Boston College has a decent edge. I’d bet on Boston College to win this one — something like 27‑16 (just a guess)."

Bottom Line
Based on his dealings with the media this week, I think Billy O is not resting on his laurels. I think he will be aggressive in his gameplan and in his game management. I think BC starts the scoring early and never looks back.
Final Score: 35-14

Stanford added to future schedules

The good news is that BC scheduled another Power 5 series. The bad news is that it is more than a decade away. When BC plays Stanford in 2028 and 2029, both schools will be very different and very likely playing under different coaches.

This is a step in the right direction on many fronts. Stanford is a good role model on how an Athletic Department should look. We have legions of fans in California who will jump at the chance to see a game in person. Even with potential coaching changes down the road, adding Stanford helps BC's perception. We can sell this type of scheduling to the media and recruits.

My doubt about the series is still in effect. If the ACC adds a ninth game, this series could be in trouble. If the Power 5 break off, this series could be in jeopardy. Future football coaches and ADs from both schools might not want to play the game.

Brad Bates deserves credit for signing the deal. Now let's hope this one stays and we get more schedule quality in the coming seasons.