No budging with UConn and other links

In the last portion of this notes column, UConn Head Coach Randy Edsall continues his public campaign to get BC back on the schedule. He also acknowledges that it will probably not happen as long as Gene is around. I'm in the Gene camp on this issue. I don't think we should ever play the Huskies again. Closeness can help interest and travel costs, but the State of Connecticut and UConn were at the forefront of the Big East lawsuits. They, along with Mike Tranghese, did everything they could to disparage BC. Why help them now?

Speaking of UConn, new BC coach women's coach locked down her first big recruit. The Huskies had shown interest in Shields.

USA Hockey named Nathan Gerbe the College Player of the Year.

For those who missed this article in the Herald: BC has two of the best heptathletes in the country.

BC guy Brooks Orpik was considered a game changer in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Random article via Google News' RSS feeds: some Arizona kid places third in a national basketball skills competition and says he wants to play for BC one day. I don't know how good he actually is (hell, he's not even in high school yet) but this goes back to some fans' contention that BC recruits itself!

Sailing sails to another championship and other links

The women's sailing team won the ICSA Women's National Championship. It is the first national title won by any BC sailing team.

Here is more on Kevin Challenger's adjustment to the CFL.

Georgia prospect Joel Knight says good things about BC (among other schools).

This Tobacco Road writer doesn't expect much from our basketball team next season.

The marching band has put together their own little recruiting videos.

Here's part 2 of their campaign.

Fontaine changes his mind and other links

Two weeks after his first decision (?) prized local recruit Arthur Fontaine took back his verbal commitment and is now opening up the process again. This is just another reason why I passively follow recruiting.

This post looks back at ACC basketball recruits from 2005. I did not realize that Marquez Haynes had a better rating than Rice coming out of high school.

SMQ breaks provides an early look at ACC foe Maryland.

Guess the source of Athlon's bulletin board material?

I am not buying Athlon's preview this year. However, their use of candid and, at times, biting critiques from anonymous sources does have me intrigued. Here is what their ACC source said about BC:

Boston College: “Overrated. Good coaches, and their kids play hard. But their cupboard is bare this year. They lost that edge of toughness on offense when the new coach [Jeff Jagodzinski] came in.”

Fair enough take. I think our cupboard is less bare than perception. Other ACC teams dished on include Florida State, Duke, Georgia Tech, Maryland, and Miami. Because of the assistant tag, we'll never guess the coach serving as Ahtlon's Deep Throat but you can narrow which staff he came from.

Who is out? Obviously the schools named. I also think you can cross off anyone from NC State. I just don't see one of the former TOB staffers degrading our talent and crediting our coaches. My guess is that it is someone from Clemson. The Tigers played all of the teams listed with the exception of Miami. However, if they were scouting BC, Duke, Georgia Tech, and Florida State they would have seen the 'Canes plenty on tape and noticed that "Last year the defense was extremely vanilla. Mostly just man-free with occasional blitzes. You’ve got to mix it up once in a while.”

Because the unnamed source mentioned Miami's vanilla schemes, I am guessing he was watching his potential opponents' offenses. Therefore, if it is someone from Clemson, he is probably on the defensive side. I won't go so far as to guess which Clemson defensive coach may have been the source. You can do your own speculating by looking at their staff bios.

They're back: Ryan's supporting cast crucial for Crane

Chris Crane will have one advantage over Matt Ryan -- a very experienced group of pass catchers. I don't think we'll pass as often or as effectively as last season, but I also don't think this returning production will disappear. These stats and factoids should make us all feel better about throwing the ball this season.

-- 15 Eagles caught passes in 2007. Eight of those Eagles return this year. Of the seven who left via graduation or disciplinary issues, only two caught more than 20 passes.
-- Three of 2007's four most productive pass catchers return.
-- The two most productive wide receivers return. The most productive tight end returns.
-- Our returning players accounted for 60% of our completions.
-- Our returning players accounted for 65% of our passing yards.
-- Our returning players accounted for 64% of our passing touchdowns.
-- Incoming freshman wide receiver Colin Larmond was All-State in New Jersey and ranked as the No. 7 prospect in the state of New Jersey according to Rivals.com.
-- Incoming freshman Clyde Lee was ranked within the top 100 recruits coming out of Texas by Rivals.com.
-- Redshirt freshman Lars Anderson was ranked by ESPN as the 26th-best tight end in the country and ranked as one of the Top 50 and #2 TE in the state of Florida.

Fashion sense

Memorial Day has come and gone, so now BC fans can wear the following.

And this.

Make a note, you can't wear the suit and pants after the Kent State game.

Recruiting update

According to realfootball365 we stand a good chance with these recruits. It seems like Jags continues to emphasize speed. The team will look very different in three or four seasons.

Agents tip their hats to Condon and other links

Matt's agent and BC grad Tom Condon received kudos from the Sports Agent blog. I am sure he appreciates the respect. The commision from the biggest deal in NFL rookie history doesn't hurt either.

This blog forecasts Mark Herzlich as a first rounder in next year's2010 draft. If he has a good season, he'll be a first day pick in the 2009 draft...I hope he comes back for his Senior season.

Former Eagle Eric Boatwright is playing in the Continental Indoor Football League (the what?). Glad to see he is still giving it a go. It would have been nice for him to finish up his career at BC.

BC message board nomenclature drifting into the mainstream press and other links

I am not sure of the exact etymology of the term "TOB" but I know it first appeared on the original Eagle Action message boards. My guess is that the "T" was added to the shorthand "OB" to differentiate Tom O'Brien from former BC basketball coach Jim O'Brien. Through time the reference spread through most of the BC community and eventually to the other teams' college football message boards. And while those around the program certainly knew about "TOB" I don't think it was ever widely used around Tom O'Brien himself. When he went to NC State the nickname followed and now it is to the point that mainstream media is using it in headlines (and even in the article). It may seem silly to take note of it...I guess I just get a kick out of some BC fan being too lazy to type out "O'Brien" and the reference becoming common place.

The NFL is featuring Matt Hasselbeck and his daughters in an ad campaign for Canon cameras. I am sure you've all seen Matt's Reebok ad with Tory Holt, Chad Johnson and Stacey Keibler a millions times the past month.

Here are some ACC games to keep an eye on this season.

For those of you who haven't already read this, here are ESPN's ACC highlights of the BCS era.

The truth about transfers

Some fans get on Al for his seemingly high rate of transfers. They shouldn't. As David Glenn lays out, transfers are now a very common part of college basketball.

Moe Maloney update and other links

Wicked Local has an update and feature on former BC baseball coach Moe Maloney (no relation). He is still active in the community. It's nice to finally get positive press from the Brighton media.

Former Eagle Chris Snee is angling for a new deal. (Thanks to Brian for the link.)

The Globe finally gets around to the Brady Smith story and throws in an update on Cherilus and Tribble for good measure.

ACC money and other links

According to tax returns, the ACC revenue continues to rise. Even in BC's final year as a partial member, we took in more than $8 million.

People are still talking about Rice's 46-point outburst against UNC. I don't know if I agree that Rice is under the radar. He was first team ACC.

Former Eagle Lenny Walls signed on with the Ravens.

Ron Brace is getting more attention. I am giddy at the thought of Brace and Raji on the field together for a full season.

Gonzalez realizes he can be cut by the Falcons at any minute.

Here is some discussion of whether Matt should start right away. (Thanks to Tim E. for the link.)

Matt signs contract with the Falcons

Matt is now officially an Atlanta Falcon. With the contract, he avoids a prolonged holdout like some of Tom Condon's past QBs. With the deal out of the way, Matt will be in camp when it opens and able to compete for the starting job.

A little Haden hype and other links

Josh Haden is listed as a freshman running back who will make an impact this season.

Entering the season, BC's strength of schedule number is not very impressive. The calculation is somewhat misleading as UNC, NC State and Notre Dame should all be better than they were last year.

The ACC put together a committee to review every basketball game from last season and grade the officials.

Incoming hockey player Barry Almeida put together a good run in the United States Hockey League.

As we've covered the Falcons signed Tony Gonzalez.

Siravo interview and other links

In a rare occurrence the football staff speaks! BC Secondary Coach and Recruiting Coordinator gave an interview to a San Diego site regarding DeJuan Tribble. He has good things to say about DeJuan's skills. Even if this interview is pretty pat, I like reading what the staffers think...about anything. Regardless of who has been in charge, we only really hear from the Head Coach. The coordinators occasionally are asked for a quote or two, but that's it. I would like to see more of this.

This Falcon blog raises an interesting counterpoint to those who thought the Falcons should have taken Glenn Dorsey. Like QBs, first round defensive tackles have a high failure rate too. Dorsey was not a sure thing.

The first Falcons franchise QB has advice for the latest franchise QB.

Interesting takes on a college football playoff that may show the difference between mainstream media and bloggers. Ivan Maisel, an insider who works for the company that benefits the most from the current system, looks at the tea leaves and doubts we'll see a playoff anytime soon. SMQ, a blogger with no vested interest in the sources or outcomes (other than being a fan), cuts through all the speculating and finds a great quote from Florida State President on the inevitable playoff. SMQ is right -- it all comes down to money. And the money in a playoff is too huge to pass on forever.

Advice on being a BC fan after you graduate

Ten years ago today, I graduated from Boston College. With the Class of 2008 walking Monday, I thought it was appropriate to provide some sort of commencement address. I won't try to inspire you into making a difference or bore you with life lessons. I don't have those answers. Instead I'll stick to what I know and provide a guide on making the transition from student to lifetime Super Fan.

10. Get to the game on time. This goes to fans of all ages, but the new graduates need to set the example. You’ve lived during the Super Fan era. Keep that enthusiasm going. Getting into Alumni is not tough. Give yourself enough time to be there for when the team storms onto the field. We've all complained about the older alumni. Now you are an alum. Help change the gameday culture.

9. Join your local alumni club. Alumni clubs are great places to keep your BC passion alive. I have a toddler, so game watches are rarely an option, but assuming you’re childless, a game watch allows you to watch the game with other fans. It can make things that much sweeter when we win and it is nice to commiserate with someone who understands your pain when we lose.

8. Buy BC merchandise and paraphernalia. Have you ever seen some sort of chotchke or piece of clothing with a sports logo and said to yourself “I would totally buy that if they made a BC version”? Well the marketplace is driven by dollars. Licensors won’t make cool BC stuff unless we buy the stuff that is out there now. So next time you see a BC Christmas ornament or some whalepants, pull out the credit card. Consider it an investment.

7. Don’t be a jerk at work. Your first real job is important in your life. It’s your first transition to the real world. Depending on your industry and geography you could very well be surrounded by other sports fan. Sports can be a great ice breaker and way to bond with your new coworkers. However, these people will influence your pay and your career. You’re there to contribute and work. Don’t be the guy or girl who comes in after a big game talking all sorts of trash. It will only come back to bite you in the end. Always take the high road with your coworkers when it comes to BC sports.

6. Talk with significant others about what BC sports means to you. This isn’t first date material, but if you think the relationship has potential you better have the talk early. Let this person know that BC sports is very important to you. Ask them to respect that importance. If he or she expresses interest and wants to share in your passion, great! Our tent is big and can use the support. However, if this new love doesn’t care, don’t force it. Just ask that he or she respects your interest and understands that fall and at times March are probably not the best times for big plans.

5. Don’t be that guy (or gal) in the Mods. Your first year after graduation you can return to the Mods. It is not unheard of after two years out of school. By your third year, you better have a blood relative living in the Mod before you enter. The rule holds for female graduates too. There are plenty of tailgates across campus with people you know. Being the old guy in the mod clinging to college just looks bad.

4. Travel to a game. You now have a little extra spending money. You probably now know a grad who lives near one of our opponents. Make the trip. It’s fun seeing BC somewhere new and experiencing a gameday environment that is different from Alumni. A few notes about travel. 1. Buy your tickets through BC. 2. Wear BC stuff and not Red Sox stuff. 3. Remember you're representing BC (don’t be a jerk.)

3. Be true to your school. Many of you will go on to grad school somewhere. Many of those schools could potentially have much better sports programs than BC. You are free to root for those schools, but never let them replace BC. You only have one true school.

2. Give to BC. It doesn’t have to be to the Flynn Fund but it is important to give back to BC. The team you root for, the school that provided a great four years, the friends you made, the education you received has a priceless value. Sure, you and/or your parents paid a fortune to attend BC and the school’s endowment is already over a billion dollars, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t contribute. Even a small donation helps.

1. Keep perspective. It will happen sooner or later. One day someone very important to you will need you or invite you to something that conflicts with a BC game. Inside you’ll be dreading it. Outside you need to put on a good face and suck it up. Weddings of your friends and families, funerals, birthday parties and other events are important. Show your support by skipping the game and attending. Technology is now in place that you really don’t have to miss much. You can follow the game on your cell phone and watch it back later on your Tivo or DVR. (Plus we don’t need your evil mojo working against BC. If you blow off an important family event, you can count on BC losing.) The game and the team is important but not as important as those you love.

As the Class of 2008 knows, being a Super Fan is never easy. The lows might make you question why you even root for the Eagles. But even during the down times, you should stick with it...the highs are just around the corner.

Falcons still interested in Gonzo and other links

The Falcons brought Tony Gonzalez back to mini-camp. There are no assurances that he'll make the team, but it doesn't hurt to have the team's No. 1 draft pick on your side.

Here is a fantasy-football perspective on our team. (Are there many people out there that play college fantasy football?)

The baseball team closed out its uneven season with a win over Wake Forest.

Eagle Insider poster Aguilafan found this countdown to our season.

Friday roundup

Useless, premature Bowl forecast time! College Football News predicts we'll play South Carolina in the Peach/Chick-fil-A Bowl. Do they post these things to tease me specifically? I would looooove to play in the Georgia Dome...I just know that it is the longest of long shots.

Did you know our game against Kent State in Cleveland actually has a name and title sponsor? You can read the press release here.

ESPN's college football guys wrote about upcoming ACC storylines. BC is not among them.

Zoning in on Gibbs' zone blocking

As former BC consultant and Jags mentor Alex Gibbs continues his sojourn around football, his once secretive and protected techniques on zone blocking are becoming much more documented. My fellow Fanhouse blogger Stephanie Stradley found these videos on zone blocking related to Gibbs move to the Texans. Both are informative and give insight into the philosophies Jags is using at BC.

Here is an article on Gibbs' work in Houston.

Tough times for the ACC and other links

The ACC Now is predicting another rough season for the conference. I really don't care about outside perception since it is so predictable. "Life after Ryan" will be the theme the media takes. Assuming we start strong and stay competitive, you'll hear plenty of people refer to us as a "surprise team."

More developments in the Brady Smith case.

Tony Barnhart has clearly provided the best coverage of the ACC meetings. The latest news: lower ticket prices for the ACC Championship Game and questions about San Fran as a long term ACC bowl option.