Regardless of Towles' health, Wade needs to start

On Monday, Addazio elaborated on Patrick Towles' status and said that they are preparing Darius Wade to start against NC State. In my opinion -- regardless of if Towles is healthy -- Wade should start against the Wolfpack.

In ACC games this season, Patrick Towles is completing just 43% of his passes and has thrown just one TD, while also throwing three INTs. As a reference point, John Fadule completed 53% of his passes against the three FBS teams he faced last year and threw one TD and four INTs.

Towles has great physical abilities, but it is not coming together in this offense, this year against the quality opponents. If we were using his running ability more, than I would be in favor of keeping him on the field. But the fact is we're not using it that often and his hamstring issues negate his effectiveness running.

Even in his short time on Saturday, Wade's passes seemed a little more on target. We need that element, if we are ever going to sustain any sort of drive. We don't know what sort of decisions Wade will make under pressure, but we know Towles' instincts are all out of wack. Maybe, if given the chance, Wade will also find the right guy or have a better understanding of when to run and when to throw it away.

While I predict Addazio will call Wade young, his age isn't an issue. He's been in the program three years. What he lacks is on field experience. Let him sink or swim. What is the downside? Another loss? Playing Wade now might be a spark that has been missing. If he is a disaster, than one less unknown issue is tabled. Addazio needs to think about saving the season and figuring out how to save his BC tenure. Playing Patrick Towles won't do that. Wade might not either, but at least it is something different.

BC posts about the scrimmage without really posting about the scrimmage

BC released a write up of their second scrimmage and it sounded more like a write up from a newspaper. No statistics are listed for the QBs. No mention of leading tacklers or who lined up where. It is a change from how things used to be covered by BC.

I notice these things because I've been doing this for so long. But maybe those sorts of details don't really matter. If Wade looked sharp or Towles went 8 for 8, is that really going to change Addazio's decision? Probably not. What's is encouraging is seeing new names like Tavon Jones or Glines sprinkled into the news. The hope is one of those new names turns his scrimmage showing into an impact on the real season.

BC also mentioned the focus on Georgia Tech. While it might seem early, I understand why they are doing prep for GT now. Playing a option team always creates more work. Plus we are going to be totally off schedule with the trip to Ireland. It makes sense to deal with this now. 

QBs are the focus of the media and other links

The QBs said all the right things after the first practice. I still doubt the "wide open" ness of this process. What if Wade is demonstrably better? Will he really start? Based on the lack of quotes, it seems like Fadule is not really in the mix.

Here is Fox Sports' preview of the team. They deal with the typical questions regarding QB and coordinator changes.

After a preseason injury the Redskins decided to waive Stephen Daniels. Supposedly there is still a space waiting for him on their IR once he clears waivers.

Chris Pantale is converting to Fullback with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Towles-Harambe dedication is going to be a thing

Last week Patrick Towles posted an Instagram (below) dedicating his season to the deceased Cincinnati Zoo Gorilla Harambe. BCI noticed it and I thought it was just a college kid working an internet meme into his pictures. No bid deal, right?

Of course I was wrong. Now the story is getting picked up by other outlets (here and here). I fear that this will be mentioned a lot before the season and more than we want once the games start. Personally I think the idea is funny (and I assume Towles is going for laughs), but this really runs the risk of becoming a dead horse. The best ending for this meme is for Towles to really kick butt and everyone gets into Harambe. If not, let's hope it just dies out.

Dedicating this season to the realist there ever was... #RIPHARAMBE

A photo posted by Patrick Towles (@patty_ice_8) on Aug 4, 2016 at 1:48pm PDT

More signs staff expects Towles to start

Preseason awards "watch lists" are sort of a joke. Nearly every team works to get one of their players on every list. And now there is a specialty award for nearly every position, so hundreds of players end up on these lists. Yet it still takes a great season to actually win an award and plenty of players who weren't on the preseason lists emerge and win the prizes. But the awards do tell you what the coaches expect. BC put Patrick Towles on the preseason Unitas List. In my opinion that is another sign that the staff expect him to start.

But I don't think the preseason list guarantees Towles anything beyond the Georgia Tech game. Addazio admitted his mistakes from last year. He needs to win and if Towles doesn't step up, Wade will get a shot. Who knows, maybe Wade could even win the Unitas award.

Addazio talks 5th years again

Addazio freely admits he made a mistake not bringing in a 5th year QB last year, but now he is opening up even more. This time with a Virginia paper. As assumed, Addazio did not take a QB last year out of fear of how it would hurt his recruiting and reputation:

"You didn’t want to get a reputation for not having faith [in the guys you have],” Addazio said. “No matter how you cut these things, they get sensitive.”

So with sophomore Darius Wade set to take over in 2015, Addazio opted against seeking outside depth.

“I closed my mind to it and said, ‘OK, it’s Darius’ deal. I want to develop a young guy,’” Addazio said. “I didn’t want to keep bringing fifth-year guys in here. I did it once with Murphy. I didn’t want to do it again. “You know, in hindsight — almost like, duh — it didn’t pan out.”

At least he learned. Yet I still can't believe a guy who has been around so long made such a mistake. You know what's worse than a reputation for bringing in 5th years? Losing. Losing big and going winless in conference play. That hurts your reputation. How about wasting one of the best defenses in college football? Does that hurt your reputation? But it also makes me shake my head that Addazio even thinks that long term. All coaches should think season to season. They are not guaranteed to have the next one. While I don't think Addazio is on the hot seat this year, he ruined a lot of good will with last year. If the players you recruit don't like when you bring in new players, that is their problem. Leave or compete. That is the answer. If a guy can't beat out some 5th year at BC, where is he going to be an impact player?

Coaches hate criticism from those on the outside. Yet they are so deep into their problems they often lose perspective. Think back to TOB trying to keep Quinton Porter happy while Matt Ryan sat on the bench? You should never promise playing time. Just the opportunity and a chance to get an education. Don't worry about reputations. I would rather have other schools say "Addazio will bring in someone over you" rather than "if you go to BC you will lose."

Based on media attention, Towles seems like the QB

The supposed open battle at QB doesn't look so open when you just read the press clippings. In interview after interview Addazio talked about the Towles and the mistake he made in not having more QB experience last season. This article references the "politics" of the situation last year. But the article also goes on about Towles winning qualities and fit with the approach. There is barely a mention of Wade.

in the end, I am not concerned with who plays and starts at QB. I am more concerned that Addazio learned from his mistakes. A QB rotation never really works and you can't worry about the player politics when the season is on the line. 

Camp, kicking camp and Towles stuff

BC posted a a slide show of some of their Football camps. It is a pretty good insight into much of what goes on...which is nothing. While it is critical to get targets and good regional teams to campus for camps, there is also plenty of kids who camp at BC who have zero chance to play FBS football. For starters, many are young and this is just something to do in the summer. BC and its football staff make a few bucks, kids get a great experience and it grows BC Football and Football in general in the area. Most colleges do this in all sports. One of my kids just spent a week at a Georgia Tech camp. But there are also camps for older, elite prospects which are very important. We've generated dozens of players from these events over the year. The camp environment allows the players and coaches to get to know one another in a football setting. And unlike the new satellite camps, it a kid attends camp at Alumni, you know the guy has real interest in BC.

Another smart camp related thing that Addazio is doing is hosting a Kohl's Kicking Camp at Alumni. Ours just took place last week. Kohl's sponsors a series of these around the country and they are a tool to showcase Special Team's specialists. BC coaches have attended these for years looking for kickers and punters. By having it on campus, BC improves their access and ability to recruit kickers and punters that much more.

Athlon thinks Towles was one of the bigger QB transfers this year. They don't mention the chance of Wade starting. It should be an interesting training camp. I think both guys think they will start.

Athlon's Preview of BC

Athlon released their BC preview and has the Eagles at No. 65 nationally and 6th in the Division. They believe Towles will start and that the season will come down to what Loeffler can do. Overall Athlon considers Towles the 10th best QB in the conference. They consider Addazio the 12th best coach in the conference.

The most reassuring thing of all their BC coverage, is the confidence in the Defense. There is talent and good coaching on that side of the ball. As Athlon -- and everyone else is saying -- this year will come down to how the Offense performs.

Simmons signs with Broncos and other links

Justin Simmons signed with the Broncos. Under the current bargaining agreement, there is not much negotiating room. Your pick really determines your pay.

If Mehdi Abdesmad doesn't make the Titans, he will be in high demand in Canada. As a Canadian, he can fill a valuable roster slot.

This guy thinks BC has the 5th best QB situation in the division. I remain more optimistic. If one of the guys steps up, we could surprise plenty of teams.

ESPN optimistic about Towles

ESPN posted an article on recent ACC QB transfers and how their histories projects to our new QB Patrick Towles. The short history of these transfers is mixed, but the good news is that the successes are closely tied to BC. We all know about Tyler Murphy and how he carried the team in 2014. But there are also huge differences between Murphy and Towles. Murphy got to play in a run heavy system with Ryan Day calling the plays. Murphy was also less experienced than Towles having only started six games to Towles' 22 starts.

The other relevant QB in the article was Virginia Tech's Michael Brewer. Despite some injuries, his two years in Blacksburg were very productive and a seemingly easy transition. That is comforting considering his Offensive Coordinator in those two seasons is BC's current OC Scot Loeffler.

The most reassuring part of the article was this quote from Bobby Petrino:

“I’ve known Patrick for a long time,” Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said recently on the ACC teleconference. “He had a great high school career and we competed against him at Kentucky. He's a very fine quarterback. He's big and physical, has a good release, and can really throw the football. He definitely should do a good job there.

With regards to most things, I don't trust Bobby Petrino. However, evaluating college QBs is one area where his expertise is superior to most. If he likes Towles, I feel pretty good about him too.

Wade looks good in Spring Game

This season is suppped to be about Patrick Towles. He was going to lead the team back to the postseason and help establish our passing game. Yet during Saturday's Spring Game, the QB who stood out was Darius Wade.

Technically the Maroon squad beat the White. Because it is Addazio in charge, the score ended up 6-2. QB of the future Anthony Brown looked pretty god, but also threw a pick. John Fadule also played.

I'll have more thoughts on the game in the coming week. For now, just be glad that our QB controversy has changed. Now we have too many QBs...which is a nice problem to have.

Spring Game's new look

At some schools the Spring Game is a big event. At BC, it has been a bit of a cluster of late. Injuries, weather and the unfortunate events of the Marathon Bombing have all created issues with the annual Jay McGillis Memorial Game. This year, Addazio has the roster he wants and the format he wants. It is going to be a true split squad scrimmage.  

What I like about the split squad and not just first team vs second team or offense vs defense, is that we get a sense of depth and systems. The sly thing about split squad is that it also keeps Wade and Towles happy and engaged. Neither will be declared the "starter" of the first team. I also like the idea of both guys getting thrown in with random teammates. We need next year's QB to be a gamer who can adapt to any situation. 

Regardless of how these tweaks to the game translate to the field, I am glad we get to see the new offense, new QBs and new defense. 

First Day of Spring Practices

BC Football began Spring Practices Thursday. It is the team's first chance to improve off of last season's disaster and also the first chance for the new QB and new coordinators to work with the team. ESPN posted the three big issues of Spring Practice, but it is even simpler than they suggest.

BC needs just one QB to step up. ESPN and Loefffler say that the team needs to find the top two or three QBs. That will be too many. BC needs one clear cut guy who has command for the offense, respect from the team and the ability to win games. I want to be optimistic about the season, but if all the guys are bunched together, than I am going to think all are mediocre. We've seen what Smith, Fadule and Flutie can do. The staff has good film on Towles. And although he got hurt, Addazio has a good feel for Wade. I can buy one making a huge development step forward. I can't buy all five (plus Brown). If all five are even, then none are good and BC's offense is in trouble.

Improve the OLine. Who cares if a QB steps up or if the running backs are healthy if they are running for their lives? The OLine issue last year was about development and talent. The best talent was young and undersized. Now they are all a season older and physically better. They need to use these next two weeks to find positions and work as a unit. They are not under the same time pressure that the QBs are, but progress is important.

While ESPN focused on the D and new staffers, I am not worried there. Reid took over Defenses before -- including BC's. The rest of the guys all have history with Addazio or BC, so it shouldn't be a problem. If anything the overall staff should be more effective.

Spring Ball is usually overblown. This year is different. BC needs to make real progress or else it could be another long year.

Reading too much into Darius Wade's press

Before the Facilities announcement and another basketball loss, I meant to write about ESPN's article on Darius Wade. It was pretty standard "athlete recovering from injury" stuff. What surprised me is that BC even made Wade available. The school usually steers coverage towards high-profile players. With Patrick Towles coming in, I assumed he would dominate the coverage. Maybe this means Wade has a chance to actually win the job. Is that a good thing though?

Since the offense is changing all QBs should be equal. No one has the advantage of knowing the system or some sort of connection with Loeffler. Of the likely candidates, Towles has the most experience. Due to his injury Wade doesn't even have as much experience as Smith, Flutie or Fadule. Throw in Anthony Brown and that is a lot of guys for Wade to beat out. While he looked okay in limited play last year, nothing he did made anyone say that he's a future superstar. Yet here he is 100% healthy and getting PR support from the coaching staff.

I expect Towles to win the job this spring, but it makes sense that Addazio is still giving Wade a chance. It keeps Wade happy and provides some stability in case things fall apart again. I just hope someone steps up and ends the losing.

Addazio's recruiting class not impressing Recruiting Services

BC lost a lot of momentum coming off a 3-9 season. No aspect of the program demonstrates that more than the recruiting rankings. Understanding that the services are deeply flawed, they all share a the same opinion of BC's latest recruits. (Also note these rankings could change slightly after Signing Day, but not enough to disprove my point.)

Rivals ranks BC 88th nationally and last in the ACC.

Scout ranks BC 71st nationally and last in the ACC.

247 ranks BC 78th nationally and last in the ACC.

As a trend, this is not good. However, I am not all doom and gloom on this group. Its size was going to hurt the rankings. BC touts the transfers, but the recruiting rankings do not. Therefore incoming QB Patrick Towles, incoming OL Jimmy Lowery and incoming punter Satchel Ziffer do not influence the rankings. As I have been pounding home, those sorts of 5th year transfers are a better use of Addazio's scholarship count than a raw freshman. All three of those guys can make an immediate impact.

Addazio's press conference was pretty typical: "leaders" "great kids" etc. I don't think Addazio fakes enthusiasm well, so I take his high regard for this team as genuine. I didn't love his youth excuse making, but let's see how this season progresses.

The only new nugget that stood out to me was Addazio mentioning Catholic schools across the country. We've always recruited pockets of Catholic schools in certain regions, but never tried to blanket all the Catholic schools across the country. It is a great idea. We have a natural "in" and at many of those places the Admission's Office is already familiar with the school's academics.

We won't know about this class for a few years. I won't worry about the rankings. All that matters is what Addazio does with them.

Film School on Patrick Towles

These are a collection of highlights on Towles from 2014 and 2015. This doesn't show the lowlights or give a complete picture, but it does show some essentials. The guy is big, can run and has a better arm than any QB who has seen the field since Rettig. Can BC find the right plays and right scheme for him? I hope so, but the potential and experience is clearly there.

Addazio gets his 5th year QB

Former Kentucky Quarterback Patrick Towles announced that he'll use his last year of eligibility at BC. Although Towles is far from a super star or sure thing, this is great news for BC. Assuming BC can fix some of its other Offensive problems, Towles gives them an experienced, tested (SEC) QB. The comparisons to Tyler Murphy are obvious. Like Murphy, Towles has started and won in the SEC, but never held the job consistently. Both are big and athletic. The difference is that Towles can throw and Murphy was an elite runner. Towles also fits into Daz's stated desire to shift the Offense to more of a pro style. I like the move and think it sets a decent baseline of returning to a bowl.

Towles transfer does raise some other questions. What exactly will the Offense be and who will be calling the plays? Addazio must have sold him on something. Even if the guy loves the Jesuits, I don't think he would use his last year of college football without knowing what BC's offense would look like.

The other issues are related to our current QBs. It is easy to predict that some transfers and position changes are coming. This is now the second 5th year QB that has been recruited over Darius Wade. Will Wade put up with it? Should BC fans even care? If Wade can't beat out Towles, what does he have to complain about. And what of the other QBs. Do Fadule and Flutie stick around to see if the Towles offense fits their skills. Does Jeff Smith move positions or look for a new school? That will play out through Spring Practice.

There are a few BC fans criticizing Addazio for not developing a QB on his own and having to resort to transfers again. Personally I don't understand that gripe. Addazio is tasked with winning games and finding the best players he can. Sometimes a transfer might be a more efficient method than traditional recruiting. I think Addazio would love a four year starter as much as the next guy, but one year starters are better than the mess we had this season.

Welcome aboard Towles. I hope you are the missing piece to unlocking a great season at BC.