WE HAVE VICTORY!!!!!

FINALLY!

It has been 49 days since we have last tasted victory and over a year since our last ACC win. BC snaps its five game losing streak and moves to 3-5 (1-3 ACC) with this win and avoids its longest losing streak (6) in 12 years. More importantly it keeps BC in bowl contention, needing to win 3 out of the last 4 games (with games against Wake Forest 2-6, Duke 1-6,Virginia 4-4, and Syracuse 6-2, it is possible to get to 6-6 and get to a bowl game).

(Coach Spaz Holding the O'Rourke, McFaddon trophy with MVP Montel being hoisted up by his teammates in the background, wearing the MVP Leather Helmet)

I had a blog post set up for Friday but I didnt have the chance to finish. All I said was that I was done feeding you statistics on why you should have hope for these Eagles. This was it. But Also BC vs Clemson is more than just a regular ACC game on the schedule. No. This was "The Battle for the Leather Helmet", a rivalry game. More importantly a rivalry game that in its two year history BC had failed to win. This was a must win for the Eagles on multiple levels. Even if the Eagles fall short of a bowl game this year, we still won "The Battle for the Leather Helmet", we have that trophy for the whole year.

First off let me talk about the Super Fans. Wow. Attendance has been declining for the past few weeks as the team has been struggling. I have been very critical of this. On Saturday you could see more Purple and Orange than Maroon and Gold and after the first play (INT by Rettig returned to the house 7-0 Clemson), it sounded like there were more of them too. But for the rest of the game the BC Super Fans and the rest of the Aluminum Monster was rocking. I have been to hard on the student section the past two weeks. The ones that actually showed up had amazing energy all game and helped will this team to their first win since week 2.

Two weeks ago at Florida State, the defense played out of their minds and almost single handedly won the game. Then the next week the defense was poor and the offense finally provided some support in a losing effort. This week they finally put it all together. The defense added to their top ten interception count with two more including one by Kuechly to seal the game. They only allowed 42 rushing yards and most importantly zero touchdowns allowed.

Rettig showed his maturity and bounced back after the INT on the third play and played mistake free football throwing for 136 yards and one touchdown. Montel Harris won the MVP of the Leather Helmet game, rushing for 142 yards on 36 carries, with a 36 yard receiving touchdown on his birthday.

(Montel Harris rushed for 142 yards on his way to MVP of the game)

BC finally played 100% on both sides of the ball and came out with this huge win. They travel to North Carolina next Saturday to face the 2-6 Wake Forest Demon Deacons. For the fans who showed up the last two weeks, well done, the team needed you and you were there. For those of you who had tickets but skimped out, as my friend told me after the Clemson game, "The people who didn't show up were just filling anyway, they didn't care about the team or the game." These past few weeks have shown who the real fans are vs the fair weather fans and if you skipped the last two games because they were struggling, you will never be a real BC fan. BC will carry this momentum into next week, they will pull out the win and get one game closer to bowl eligibility.

WE ARE BC

BC vs Maryland Post Game Reaction

Frustrating, Exciting, Promising, Disappointing. These are just some of the adjectives that could describe BC's game against Maryland. After a hard loss at home to the Terps, BC is left with their longest losing streak (five) in over a decade, when they lost six in a row in 1998.

Watching this game was like a roller-coaster ride, with lows of going down 24-7 and the highest point, in a 24-21 game with 5:23 left in the 4th after a huge stop by the defense, Montel Harris returns a punt into Maryland territory. This game was one of the more frustrating games I have recently been too, because BC did some very good things and some very bad things. At this point in the season though, you want the inconsistent play to be hammered out. This game to me seemed more like a season opener, where a team is still knocking out the rust, than a mid season ACC match up.

It started with a Maryland punt, then a Montel Harris 9 yard run. Then Rettig throws two bad incompletions and BC is forced to punt. Three and outs have been the story of the year for this offense, the longest BC drive coming into this game was 3:31 against Florida State. Next Maryland marches down the field on a BC defense that seemed invincible against Florida State. A 13 play, 6:05 minute, 48 yard touchdown drive for the Terps.

Our top ten run defense lived up to its billing, allowing only 43 yards rushing and zero touchdowns on the ground. Unfortunately our 93rd ranked pass defense lived down to its ranking, allowing true freshmen quarterback Danny O'Brien throw for 179 yards and 3 touchdowns. On that first Maryland TD drive, O'Brien threw for 35 yards on 6 for 8 passing and a four yard touchdown to cap it off. They let a true freshmen pick them apart and gain confidence early on in the game, and he continued to find open receivers all game.

After that negative, BC had its best drive all year, caped by a Chase Rettig touchdown pass. The drive started at their own 25 with 5:18 left in the first quarter and concluded with a touchdown at the 12:09 minute mark of the second quarter. An 8:09 minute, 15 play, 75 yard touchdown drive, by far the longest of the year (both time and distance). My thoughts: Ok Rettig's got this under control, the Maryland drive was just a hiccup for the defense. BC's got this game. Wrong.

O'Brien continued to air it out against a lack luster BC secondary and by the end of the first half it was Maryland: 21 Boston College: 7. I was ready to declare full on crisis mode if BC couldn't do anything in the second half. The defense was bipolar, playing like a championship team in Tallahassee against 5th year senior quarterback Christian Ponder, and in the first half against of this game, they made freshmen O'Brien look like a senior. The offense couldn't get things going at all, receivers dropping passes, running game failing to open up anything through the air. And losing 21-7 against a Maryland team that hadn't beating a quality opponent this year, in the Aluminum Monster.

But BC once again gave me hope when, after going down 24-7, they came roaring back to make it a 24-21 game with 5:23 left to play, with the ball in Maryland territory, all three timeouts, and all the momentum. But as quickly as they turned it around, BC's offense turned back into the stagnant unit it had been all year, going for it on fourth down the next two drives and failing to convert. Final score MD: 24 BC: 21

Well here we sit at 2-5. I have been saying all year, "wait till Rettig plays, just wait and BC will turn things around." Two and a half games later, still no result. BC hasn't had a solid team effort for the full sixty minutes this year, when the defense comes up big, the offense never capitalizes, and when the offense finally gives something to the defense, they become complacent and allow teams to walk all over them.

Rettig showed what kind of a quarterback and leader he can be and continues to gain confidence, but still made some very bad mistakes, one being the horrible INT he threw on a drive before half time that could have given Freese a chance to kick a field goal (turned out to be the deciding factor).

BC needs to win out to have a winning record this year, not likely, and to keep their bowl streak of 12 straight years with an appearance alive they need to win four of the last five games, possible. They play ACC opponents Duke and Wake Forest on the road as well as non-conference, old Big East Rival Syracuse at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse New York. All winnable games with Wake Forest being the toughest opposition from that list. They also play a weak Virginia team at home which has to be a win for Boston College. However if BC loses against its next opponent, all of those games become a must win for the Eagles.

ACC rival Clemson comes to town next week for the annual "Leather Helmet Game". This young rivalry game has produced some dramatic moments. Two years ago at Chestnut Hill, BC had a 21-20 lead late in the game when C.J. Spiller busted an 80 yard run to set up the winning touchdown and giving Clemson the 1st Leather Helmet of this series. 27-21 Clemson. Last year at Death Valley during a bizarre day that had two thunder delays, Clemson came out on top 22-3 in a defensive battle.

I have been looking forward to this game all year long. BC has yet to claim the Leather Helmet in this series and this upcoming game on Saturday, is arguably the most important for the Eagles. If they can pull out a win at home against a tough Clemson side, not only will they finally get to hoist the rivalry trophy that eluded them two years ago, but it will give this team momentum going into the final stretch of of three road games and only one home game, keeping BC's hopes of a winning season and a bowl game alive.

The only way this can happen is for BC to show up as a team, and give a full effort on both sides of the ball for 60 minutes. There is no more looking forward or "wait till…" That time has passed. If BC is going to do anything this season it has to start on Saturday at home vs Clemson. No result against Clemson, no bowl game. Its that simple. Win or go home.

WE ARE BC

Notes:

-Montel Harris becomes only the fourth Eagle to reach 3,000 yards rushing in a career, with his 116 yard effort against Maryland. He also becomes the first to accomplish this feat in his junior season. He is now 4th all time on the BC rushing list.

-Luke Kuechly lead the Eagles with 15 tackles against the Terps on Saturday. He extends the nations longest double digit tackle streak to 16 games in a row. He also leads the country in tackles and tackles per game with a 13.67 average going into the Maryland game.

-BC lost senior captains Wes Davis (Neck) and Alex Albright (Foot) to injuries on Saturday. The news so far is that both of them are done for the year, a huge blow to the Eagles. Also injured in the game, senior cornerback and return man, DeLeon Gause (Knee). The severity of his injury is unknown at this point.

BC vs FSU Post Game Reaction

Yes, I know this post is really late, I had a busy week of tests and papers but not to fear! I am back to analyze BC's performance last Saturday and tell BC fans why they should expect things to turn around starting this week.

Watching the game, a couple things jumped out at me. The first, happened on the first play of the game, Montel Harris busts up the middle for a 72 yard run (Two years earlier Harris busted a 42 yard run (first play in video) on the very first play in Tallahassee, leading an upset of then #19 Seminoles).

Why is this significant? Well besides the fact that Harris couldn't get any running room against NC State, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech, it showed that Florida State respects Chase Rettig. Thats right, I believe the presence of Rettig affected the Florida State defense.

After watching film on Boston College all week, Florida State must have known that on First down BC runs it 66% of the time and passes it only 33% of the time. It wouldn't be considered a bold move to stack the box against the run on first down.

However, Florida State didn't dial up any blitz packages and had four defensive backs guarding against the pass. I think it was apparent that FSU's defensive coordinator Mark Stoops respected Rettig's ability to beat them with the pass despite the fact that this was only the second start for the BC freshmen (First ACC game as well).

I have seen with Rettig in the game, the field opens up more for the BC offense because of the big play threat he brings to the table (as Notre Dame found out the hard way on a 58 yard touchdown strike). This is what I have been saying all year, when Shinskie and Marscovetra were in the game the opposing defenses would send eight to nine guys to stop the run because there wasn't the threat of even a 15-20 yard pass. BC's running woes were a direct result of not having a legitimate threat at the quarterback position, not the play calling or the o-line. All the people bashing the offensive line for their skill and effort should think twice about laying blame on one of the only constant parts of this team.

Chase also brings another aspect to the table that I believe has been over looked thus far by everyone. He plays mistake free football.

Rettig has dropped back to pass 34 times in his two starts and has had zero turnovers. One touchdown, zero interceptions and zero fumbles. Now some people may say "Hold on a minute. There were several times that Rettig held onto the ball for too long and got sacked." True, this is to be expected though as he progresses into a Division 1 college athlete. However, while it was a problem, I wouldn't call it a mistake. I would much rather that he hold onto the ball and take a sack if nothing is open, than force it into double coverage like his predecessors. His decision making thus far seems pretty advanced for a true freshmen and this only bodes well for BC.

The biggest thing that jumped out at me though was the defensive performance. Now I said last week that in some circles, Florida State senior quarterback Christian Ponder was considered a legit Heisman candidate. Now I don't know if those people watch college football but BC made Ponder look like a freshmen last Saturday.

BC once again has an outstanding defense this year, tied for eighth in the country with 11 interceptions and is ranked number 10 in the country in run defense for the fourth or fifth time this decade. Lead by sophomore linebacker Luke Kuechly, who is leading the nation in both tackles and tackles per game. The defense is the only reason why BC almost upset FSU in Tallahassee, scoring the only touchdown of the game for Boston College on an INT return by Jim Noel (One of two picks on the day) who was subbing in for the suspended Dominick LeGrande.

Overall I was very happy with the performance of the team, it was a tough loss and one that could have kept BC in the hunt for the ACC Atlantic crown. Now, barring a total collapse by Florida State, BC's title hopes are pretty much done, but a bowl game for the 12th straight year is still in the cards. With the schedule they have left, it wouldn't be far fetched to think BC could win out and make a respectable bowl game. I saw more positives than negatives in a valiant effort on the road against the best team in the ACC this year.

BC is back at home this week against a good, but not great Maryland team (4-2). Rettig will have to make some plays because they can't keep relying on the defense to keep them in games.

This one should be good. (Game Preview post coming later today).

WE ARE BC

Last weeks Picks: 17-10 (ACC: 5-2) (Big 10: 3-2) (Big 12: 3-3) (SEC: 4-2) (Pac 10: 2-1)

BC vs FSU Live Blog

Live Updates from Doak Campbell Stadium.

***UPDATE***

First play from scrimmage for BC Montel Harris busted a 72 yard run into the red zone. Eerily similar to the first play from scrimmage two years ago with Harris busting a 60+ yard run that led to an early lead.

***UPDATE***

Nate Freese drills a 38 yard field goal, 3-0 BC.

BC looks like a team on a mission.

***UPDATE***

BC's defense forces a Florida State 3 & out, impressive defensive stand for the Eagles.

***UPDATE***

Harris breaks another HUGE run, I think he is already over 100 yards rushing in the first four minutes of the game. Florida State has already allowed more rushing yards then they average allowing in the first quarter.

***UPDATE***

Nate Freese hits a 37 yard field goal, 6-0 BC. Very impressive performance all around, special teams, offense and defense clicking on all cylinders. Its still very early but if BC's defense can have another strong series Im putting this game on upset alert!

***UPDATE***

BC's defense forces another 3 & out, Alex Albright with the sack on 3rd down to force the punt. UPSET ALERT UPSET ALERT UPSET ALERT

***UPDATE***

3 & out for the BC offense, wish they had called a more creative play on 3rd and 2 then a dive to Harris, everyone in the stadium knew that was coming.

***UPDATE***

Touchdown Florida State 7-6. A mix of terrible refereeing and an incredibly fluky bounce on 3rd and 5 leads to the FSU touchdown. BC is dominating this game but find themselves down by 1 with under a minute left in the 1st quarter.

END OF THE 1st QUARTER. FSU LEADS 7-6.

This is gonna be a good one.

***UPDATE***

Another punt for the BC offense. Florida State is figuring out this BC run game and stacking the box, forcing Rettig to make plays. He converted on 3rd and medium distance but couldn't convert again. BC punts, Florida State's Reid has a negative 16 yard return inside the 10 yard line.

***UPDATE***

INTERCEPTION DONNIE FLECHER FOR BOSTON COLLEGE

BC takes over in Florida State territory at the 40 yard line.

-Boston College goes 3 & out, two runs to Harris and a sack on 3rd and 9. BC's Ryan Quigly punts and pins FSU inside the 10 on the 6 yard line.

***UPDATE***

BC's defense forces another 3 & out and take over at their own 45 yard line. Gary Tranquil has to start dialing in the passes, Montel has zero room to run.

***UPDATE***

Yet another 3 & out for Boston College, Rettig sacked on 3rd and 9 and fell funny. Rettig limps off the field. This would be disastrous for Boston College. Quigly Shanks a terrible punt to give FSU decent field position.

***UPDATE***

BC forces a FSU 3 & out after an FSU false start on 1st down put them at 1st and long. BC takes over deep in their own territory.

***UPDATE***

BC had a long sustained drive that ended on a terrible non-call where it should have been pass interference on the Noles. Quigly pins FSU inside their own 5 but FSU is marching down the field, currently inside BC territory.

***UPDATE***

FLORIDA STATE TOUCHDOWN. 14-6 FSU

The seminoles put together a very impressive drive but the referees are clearly favoring the hometown team aiding them on their touchdown drive. Awful awful calls.

HALFTIME: FLORIDA STATE 14 BOSTON COLLEGE 6

BC fans (including myself) have to be pleased with the teams effort on the road in a hostile environment with a true freshmen quarterback. After going up 6-0 the offense has grinned to a halt. They have to get something going with Rettig in the 3rd quarter. The defense is great today, couldn't be happier with their effort. If the offense can get some more diversity in their play calls and the refs stop giving FSU all the calls, this is a very winnable game for the Eagles.

***UPDATE***

BC kicks off to FSU, Jim Noel picks off FSU returns it to the 15 yard line. Another 3 & out. Nate Freese with another field goal from the 28 yard line.

FLORIDA STATE 14 BOSTON COLLEGE 9

***UPDATE***

BC can't move the ball at all. Another 3 & out and a bad punt this time for Quigly. FSU currently inside the BC 30.

***UPDATE***

FLORIDA STATE FIELD GOAL

FLORIDA STATE 17 BOSTON COLLEGE 9

***UPDATE***

TOUCHDOWN BOSTON COLLEGE

Pick six Jim Noel, a Massachusetts kid from Everett. Second interception of the day for Noel, and third interception thrown by Christian Ponder.

FLORIDA STATE 17 BOSTON COLLEGE 16

***UPDATE***

FLORIDA STATE FUMBLE RECOVERED BY BOSTON COLLEGE DAMIK SCAFFE.

Boston College first and 10 around midfield.

END OF THE 3rd QUARTER. FLORIDA STATE 17 BOSTON COLLEGE 16

BC has the ball inside the Florida State 25 yard line to start the fourth.

Nate Freese hits a 38 yard field goal and is now 4-4 on the day.

BC LEADS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE 1st QUARTER.

BOSTON COLLEGE 19 FLORIDA STATE 17

***UPDATE***

Florida State marched down the field to set up a 42 yard touchdown on a reverse play for Reid.

FLORIDA STATE 24 BOSTON COLLEGE 19

***UPDATE***

Chase Rettig shows why he has so much hype, stepping up on 3rd and long and delivered a strike to Chris Pantale for a first down. However BC goes three and out after that and punts the ball away down to the 22 yard line of the Seminoles. 8:42 left in the fourth, if BC is going to win this game their defense has to come up big one more time on this next series.

***UPDATE***

4th and 1 inside field goal range for FSU, 2:10 left and BC has 1 timeout. Florida State took a time out. Next play decides the game….

***UPDATE***

Florida State goes for it on 4th and 1 gets it. BC challenges, play upheld, Florida State is running out the clock, it looks like this one is over. Overall I'm very pleased with BC's performance today, a huge jump from the last few weeks. Post game reaction post to come later this weekend. Until next time keep the faith BC Nation, good things are in our future.

FINAL SCORE: FLORIDA STATE 24 BOSTON COLLEGE 19

BC vs FSU Preview

Here are some facts:

-Montel Harris has never lost to Florida State.

-Since joining the ACC in 2005, Boston College is 2-0 playing at Florida State.

-In the last four years BC is 3-1 vs the Seminoles.

-Florida State starting quarterback Christian Ponder has never beat Boston College.

-In Tom O'Brien's 14 years as a head coach, a fullback has never run the ball. (Link)

-All this will change (except the Tom O'Brien thing probably).

Lets face it, Boston College is severely out matched this week. They go into Tallahassee 21 1/2 point underdogs with their longest losing streak in 12 years against a team ESPN's college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit says "might be the best team I've seen all year." Yes and it keeps getting worse. Florida State has scored at least 31 points in all five of their wins, -the lone loss coming against #10 Oklahoma on the road- for the past three weeks lead the country in sacks, and the last four weeks have only allowed 10.3 points per game. In the past three weeks for BC, they have scored a combined 30 points and have a true freshmen quarterback starting this week. Not an ideal match up for a team who cant score points to go up against a team that scores in bunches and doesn't allow more than 10 points per game.

And what about Rettig? His first start was against BC most hated rivals, Notre Dame, at night on ESPN. Gets injured on a misstep, out for the second half and against NC State. His second start? Once again on ESPN (how that happened I dont know), against arguably the best team in the ACC -the only ranked team in the ACC- Florida State at the most hostile environment BC will travel to all year. Welcome to Division I College Football Chase.

(Rettig will have his hands full against a talented FSU defense)

In the long term this will be good for Chase, giving him valuable experience dealing with adversity and being thrust into the spotlight and asked to perform. While I don't doubt Rettig's ability to lead this team -Can't wait to see what he can do on Saturday- there are too many problems with this offensive unit. Inexperienced receivers dropping passes, a porous O-line and more than questionable play calling by Gary Tranquil will be too much for this talented freshmen to overcome.

Looking at this game going into the year I thought one area BC would have an advantage in, and be able to rely on against a stout Florida State defense was their run game. However in five games this year Montel Harris has carried the ball 96 times for 387 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. Florida State's dynamic running back tandem, sophomore Chris Thompson and junior Jermaine Thomas, have rushed for 421 yards 4 touchdowns on 47 carries and 386 yards and 6 touchdowns on 65 carries respectively.

(The speedy Thompson will be hard to catch)

BC, who held Virginia Tech's potent running back duo to under 100 yards, will have to slow down Florida State's rushing attack and force them to beat us through the air. No simple task. Senior quarterback Christian Ponder, a Heisman candidate in some circles, has already thrown for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. BC's defense must have a signature performance this Saturday if there is any hope of victory. However if BC cuts off the run, FSU will beat them with the pass. Simply put, Florida State will be the best team Boston College faces all season.

Realistically the best thing Boston College will do this weekend is put in a respectable showing against a vastly superior Florida State team. FSU will no doubt be motivated when their Atlantic division rivals come to town, with a win Florida State become bowl eligible and finally beat Boston College at home for the first time since BC's inception into the ACC in 2005. However BC fans there is reason for hope.

With Rettig back he should jump start the offense and continue to grow and gain experience for the future. Montel will benefit most from Chase's return, if the pass game opens up so will the running lanes. It can't get much worse for the Eagles this season, being shut out at home for the first time since '98 and the worst losing streak in over a decade, things should begin to turn in BC's favor. After FSU, Boston College plays Maryland and Clemson at home, then they travel to Wake Forest and Duke before coming home for their home finale against Virginia and concluding the season on the road against Syracuse. All winnable games and I'm saying right now that BC WILL MAKE A BOWL GAME.

I have cautious optimism for this weekend against FSU. Florida State will most likely win but BC will put up a respectable performance. But don't be surprised if BC stays perfect in Tallahassee, I'm not putting this game on upset alert (or am I?) but if Rettig can play like he did on his last couple series against ND, Saturday, October 16th could be a day to remember for BC fans and the start of a Boston College legend.

"When you haven't played [in college] you get caught up in the whole experience. But when I got out there, it was the same game I have played my entire life."-Chase Rettig (Boston Globe).

WE ARE BC

Weekly Predictions

I had a rough week last week picking the ACC games but Im going to rebound big time this week. Ill also include Big 10, Big 12, SEC and PAC 10 games as well as other ranked teams outside those conferences. Here we go…

ACC:

12:00 PM: Boston College (2-3) at #16 Florida State (5-1): Florida State by 17

-Florida State is now the best Florida team after they dismantled the U and a Florida Gators loss. The key to the game is how effective can Boston College's run game be against a very tough defense. BC has too many question marks going into Tallahassee. Despite a 2-0 record at Doak Campbell stadium since they joined the ACC in 2005, expect the Eagles to lose this one.

12:00 PM: North Carolina State (5-1) at East Carolina (3-2): NC State by 14

-This could be a shootout. NC State is ranked 8th in passing yards per game and 13th in points per game while East Carolina is ranked 13th in passing ypg and 12th in ppg. However the telling stat is that in ECU's two meetings with ACC teams this year, (and under maned UNC team and an under performing VT) they have lost by a combined 91-44.

12:00 PM: Maryland (4-1) at Clemson (2-3): Maryland by 3

-For Maryland to keep pace with FSU and NC State for the Atlantic Division crown they have to win at death valley. 2-3 Clemson has lost to all the quality teams they've played (albeit one is #7 Auburn). I expect a close game having Maryland coming out on top by a field goal.

1:00 PM: Miami (3-2) at Duke (1-4): Miami by 21

3:30 PM: Mid Tennessee (2-3) at Georgia Tech (4-2): Georgia Tech by 17

3:30 PM Wake Forest (2-4) at Virginia Tech (4-2): Virginia Tech by 10

6:00 PM: North Carolina (3-2) at Virginia (2-3): North Carolina by 7

Big 10:

12:00 PM: Arkansas St. (2-4) at Indiana (3-2): Indiana by 14

12:00 PM: Illinois (3-2) at #13 Michigan State (6-0): Michigan State by 7

-Illinois is coming off its first win in Happy Valley against Penn State and had a good showing against Ohio State. This game is going to be closer than people think.

12:00 PM: Minnesota (1-5) at Purdue (3-2): Purdue by 7

3:30 PM: #15 Iowa (4-1) at Michigan (5-1): Michigan by 3

7:00 PM: #1 Ohio State (6-0) at #18 Wisconsin (5-1): Ohio State by 10

Big 12:

(Thurs.) 7:30 PM: Kansas State (4-1) at Kansas (2-3): Kansas State by 10

12:00 PM #21 Missouri (5-0) at Texas a&m (3-2): Texas a&m by 3

3:30 PM: Texas (3-2) at #5 Nebraska (5-0): Nebraska by 10

3:30 PM: #20 Oklahoma State (5-0) at Texas Tech (3-2): Oklahoma State by 7

7:00 PM: Baylor (3-2) at Colorado (4-2): Colorado by 3

7:00 PM: Iowa State (3-3) at #6 Oklahoma (5-0): Oklahoma by 17

Pac 10:

3:30 PM California (3-2) at USC (4-2): USC by 7

7:30 PM #17 Arizona (4-1) at Washington State (1-5): Arizona by 17

10:15 PM #24 Oregon State (3-2) at Washington (2-3): Oregon State by 14

SEC:

12 PM: Vanderbilt (2-3) at Georgia (2-4): Georgia by 7

3:30 PM: #12 Arkansas (4-1) at #7 Auburn (6-0): Auburn by 3

6:00 PM: #10 South Carolina (4-1) at Kentucky (3-3): South Carolina by 17

7:00 PM: Mississippi State (4-2) at #22 Florida (4-2): Florida by 10

7:00 PM: McNeese State (2-3) at #9 LSU (6-0): LSU by 21

9:00 PM: Ole Miss (3-2) at #8 Alabama (5-1): Alabama by 14

Stay tuned for my mid-season conference champion picks and a post previewing the Boston College vs Florida State game...

NC State Post Game Reaction

Embarrassing. Awful. Terrible.

Ok now that we've got that out of the way I can get on with analyzing the actual game and Ill start with an improvement. Montel Harris actually found running room this week going up from 28 yards against Notre Dame to 53 yards against the Wolfpack. Not much of an improvement but the real stat lies in the average which went from 1.8 yards per carry to 3.8. A respectable number but not close to what it needs to be if BC hopes to actually compete. The ground game HAS to open up for our offense to be successful because 3rd and short is better than 3rd and 10. Thats why Shinskie was so successful last year because Harris would pick up 4-8 yards and leave us with an option to run or pass on second and he could make the throw on 3rd.

BC was in the game though going down 10-3 and having NC State backed up with a 3rd and 9. Wilson dropped back and threw a 37 yard strike, prolonging the drive and leading to a touchdown. Down 24-10 at the half. They were still in the game at the beginning of the 3rd quarter, a touchdown makes it a one possession game, but Shinskie threw a touchdown pass to the wrong team killing any hopes of winning. It was a frustrating game with very few positives. Someone needs to take control of this team. Anybody.

Props to Tom O'Brien and more importantly Russel Wilson (Three TD passes). They had a good game plan and they executed. BC was beat by a better team on Saturday and NC State looks like it could make it to its first ACC Championship game ever. All that stands in their way is, FSU who dismantled Miami. NC State vs Florida State is going to be the game of the year in the ACC.

BC has gotten themselves into a vicious cycle, and it all starts where? You guessed it! The quarterback position! Right now BC cannot throw the ball. At all. Shinskie was talking big all week about how being pulled was a "wake up call for Dave Shinskie." Yes he referred to himself in the third person. I was actually confident that he could step up and lead this team, or at least this offense. What happens? More open receivers overthrown, and more throws into double coverage.

Because BC cant throw the ball, they can't run the ball either. Defenses stack the box with 8 men leaving our good offensive line, and they are good, overmatched and out numbered. As a result our best offensive weapon can't be utilized, finding no room to run and forcing us into third and longs that our quarterbacks have to throw their way out of.

Because the offense cant run the ball, they can't control the clock and wear down the opponents defense. More often then not BC goes three and out taking little to no time off the clock, in the process losing the battle of field position, hoping the defense will bail them out. Which they do. But they can only bail us out so many times before our opponents start scoring on us. And because the offense cant take time off the clock the defense is always on the field wearing them down.

So let me review. Cant throw--->Cant run (Opponents crowd the line b/c they know a run is coming.)--->Force us into 3rd and long--->Three and outs--->Loses Battle of field position--->Defense wears down, on field to long and in poor field position= Other Team 100 BC 0

It seems that the only way to improve our team is to improve our quarterback, calling Chase Rettig. Chase went 5-10 in his rookie debut on national T.V. against BC's biggest rivals, completing 5 passes in a row and leading two drives that resulted in 10 points. He was leading us back into the game before he got hurt. After he gets hurt 10-3 Notre Dame. Bottom Line: Rettig plays BC will win some games.

Around the Boston College campus I have been hearing nothing but negativity about the team since the Weber State game (First game of the season). The problem was only made worse when they lost to a better Notre Dame team on national T.V. which was a breaking point for the vast majority of BC fans, alum and students alike. I tried to defend this team on every point. I viciously defended Spaz and the defense pointing out that they are the only positive thing about our team this year. I said that the NC State and Florida State game would give us a good idea how the rest of the season would go. After the 44-17 drubbing by the Wolfpack, I cant blame the fans for the negativity anymore. It looks bleak, but I will offer you five reasons not to give up on this team, they need us more than ever right now.

1. CHASE RETTIG. Comparisons to Matt Ryan, Rettig is the future of this program. His brief stint leading the offense was promising and should give BC fans hope for the rest of this year and the next three years. If he starts on Saturday in arguably the most hostile environment in the ACC and plays well then our season looks up.

2. DEFENSE: BC has had a top 20 defense in the country the past five years, producing NFL talent like top 10 pick BJ Raji, and midround picks Jamie Silva, Jolon Dunbar, Dejuan Tribble, Ron Brace ect. BC's defense is once again tops in the nation in run defense, holding a very potent Virginia Tech backfield to under 100 yards and only one touchdown all day. Who recruited these players? Coach Spaz.

He has been getting the most grief from BC fans for his play calling. First of all HE DOESNT CALL THE OFFENSIVE PLAYS, GARY TRANQUIL IS THE GUY YOU WANT. Second of all, what he is in charge of is the best part of our team. His only full recruiting class has produced Luke Kuechly, who will be the best BC linebacker of all time. CHILL OUT ABOUT SPAZ HE IS THE ONLY GOOD THING WE HAVE RIGHT NOW.

3. Nate Freese is the greatest kicker BC has ever had. In the ACC good kicking games = Wins.

4. Our two best Receivers are hurt but will be back. Once they return they will also drastically help the passing game.

5. It cant get any worse! We have a very young team and they are gaining more experience every day. The more game experience the better our team gets.

If you haven't abandoned ship yet I commend you join the club of the 5 remaining BC fans.

Keep the Faith! (If you can) WE ARE BC

NC State game Reaction Post Coming Soon

I will have my post game reaction post up for tomorrow. Ill analyze the game, look ahead to FSU and will talk about our chances for the rest of the year and give five good reasons to not give up on the season.

WE ARE BC

This weeks predictions

ACC: 2-4

Season Record: 7-6

Shoutout

I've been meaning to give a shout out to the womens soccer team and the mens hockey team. The BC women were ranked #1 last week, an incredible accomplishment considering the ACC is the toughest division for soccer in the country, until falling to NC State 4-3. I encourage anyone who can to go watch and support our womens soccer team as they have a chance to do something special this year. The mens hockey team is ranked preseason #1 in the country after winning the 2010 national championship last year in Detroit. They played an exhibition game against the University of Toronto last Sunday, winning 8-0 in an impressive fashion. Their home opener is Halloween weekend and there will be a special banner raising ceremony for the national championship and hanging Jerry York's number in the rafters. BC history will be made that night as our all time winningest coach will be retired to the rafters (let me be clear though, Jerry York is not retiring from coaching, he is just being honored).

Last Weeks Football predictions:

ACC play: 5-2

Other games: 3-1

BC vs ND Post Game Reaction

8:00pm, the Aluminum Monster:

The stadium is rocking. All of Eagle Nation has turned out for the "Holy War" 2010. The superfans have been filling the stadium since the gates opened and have been on their feet cheering the whole time. A packed house of 44,500 fans fill the stadium on the crisp October night. The gold of the student section, prominently displayed on national tv as well as maroon and gold painted faces. The students are loud and ready. The rest of the stadium loud and ready. An excellent showing for BC nation ready to cheer their team onto victory. Finally kick off, Nate Feese kicks the ball high into the October night. A missed tackle here, a missed tackle there and Notre Dame is at midfield. Just a few plays later ND's QB Dayne Crist walks the ball into the endzone. 7-0. All the air leaves the stadium.

I have to give credit to Brian Kelly and this Notre Dame Fighting Irish team. They were well disciplined, well coached and took it to BC on their home field in front of a national audience. From the first whistle to the last tick of the clock ND dominated all aspects of the game and quieted the sold out Alumni Stadium crowd early.

1st Quarter Debacle...

That being said this game was very winnable for Boston College. The defense came out flat and spotted Notre Dame with 21 points. After allowing those 21 points in the first quarter, BCs defense shut down an inexperienced Notre Dame offense. Allowing only 10 points in the final three quarters, the lone Notre Dame touchdown was aided by maybe the worst pass interference call I have ever seen so BCs defense isn't 100% responsible for those points. (I'd say 85%)

Even after a rocky start, which was expected from a true freshmen starting Quarterback, Rettig and the BC offense settled in and put together some good drives. One was his first career touchdown pass that went 58 yards to Bobby Swigert with less then a minute to go in the first quarter. Rettig's next drive set up a Nate Freese field goal from a distance of 49 yards, something a BC kicker hasn't done since at least the 90s. BC goes into half time down 21-10.

The Rettig Era starts with a lightning strike and ends just as quick….

Mr. Rettig did not disappoint in living up to his hype on Saturday. In his first touchdown pass (around 25 seconds) ever for BC he offered fans a glimpse into a brighter future for the program. But just as quickly as he came, Rettig left after a 2nd quarter scamper where he hurt his ankle, knocking him out for the remainder of the game. He is listed as day-to-day and all of Eagle Nation wishes him a speedy recovery.

The Second Half...

BC started the second half with a punt, then a few plays later they recovered fumble and kicked a field goal. 21-13, a one possession game. From there Notre Dame took over and controlled the clock with a punishing run game and conversion after conversion on third down. BC's linebackers and secondary often looked confused as Notre Dame receivers were left wide open down field. If BC is going to be competitive for the rest of the season they must step it up on defense. Sure they only allowed on touchdown in the Virginia Tech game and then after the 1st quarter debacle of Notre Dame only allowed one more touchdown and a field goal but they cannot afford to take drives or possessions off. BC's defense is not good enough to take drives off, if we are to win games our defense has to be the catalyst, they have to be there on every down.

Looking Forward…

Terrible start. Good effort to get back in and make it a 8 point game in the third quarter. Too many defensive lapses. BC could have won this game but instead they lost to a superior team with superior play calling. Gary Tranquil and the offense must try something new in their approach this coming Saturday against the NC State Wolfpack. There need to be changes and fast if the season is to be salvaged. That being said, if Rettig is able to come back from injury and play this Saturday it will be a huge boost to this offense.

Keep in mind BC still hasn't played any ACC Atlantic opponents so a division title is still very much in the cards, providing the proper changes and adjustments are made by the players and coaching staff. Don't lose hope fellow Eagles, there is still much football to be played. I am confident in the coaches to make the changes necessary this week and that after being embarrassed at home on national t.v. the players will execute. They have to or it will be a very long season for Eagle fans. WE ARE BC.

Next Post Coming Soon

Ok so I've been meaning to do a game recap post after Saturday nights game, but I have a history paper due on Tuesday as well as an exam so I will make my post (as well as special post about my experience of watching the game on the BC sideline!) once I have finished my paper.

Thanks and keep the faith BC Nation!

Game Day

Its finally here Eagle Nation,

The game that has been circled on our calendars since last time Notre Dame visited Chestnut Hill. Tonight will be a game that changes BC football. A night that will set us on the path to the ACC Atlantic Division crown, and a night that will raise our expectations of what this team is capable of. BC football changes tonight for the better. I call upon Eagle Nation to make the Aluminum Monster a place where teams don't want to play. To give our Eagles the best home field advantage in the country. Time to get that respect. GET READY. LETS GO! BEAT ND! WE ARE BC!

(I will be going to the Stadium around 4pm to help out with the arrival of the live Eagle. I am what is called a spotter for the Eagle team and I will be following them around up until game time. Of course after that I will make my way to the Q to watch the game. I will write a post game blog post tomorrow, then I will write the special post on my experience with Challenger the live Eagle. GO BC!)

Cheerleaders, Players and…yellow spandex?

The lights went out and the big screens came on. Shipping up to Boston blaring through the loud speakers while highlights flashed and the students cheered. The cheerleaders and the band were on hand to greet the team and the fans. As the video montage ended the students were all riled up and ready to greet their team. The music stops and the lights come on….and two kids dressed in suits come out and start yelling into their microphones. The students quieted down as the energy was replaced by confusion. No one could hear anything they were saying, the hosts were talking far too loud into their microphones so for ten minutes we didn't know what was going on.

I had been getting psyched all day to go to this pep rally and instead of getting amped to go watch a great game I was straining to hear and losing interest. After more rambling by the hosts, who Im sure were funny I just couldn't understand, I was able to catch the words "…they're here! In the building! Give it up for your Boston College Eagles!!!!!"

At first nothing happened, "What kind of pep rally is this?" I heard some kid behind me say. Then a guy walks out slowly from the tunnel underneath the stands. People didn't recognize him at first, but I knew exactly who it was….the man I had a chance meeting with just the other day. The one, the only, Coach Spaz.

In an instant all the energy that the video montage produced was back, and got much louder as the rest of the team filed out behind the coach led by Mark Herzlich. The band playing them on with their rendition of "For Boston" the Boston College fight song. Herzlich grabbed a microphone and began pumping up the student section, which was pretty much the highlight of the night. That or the friendly pie eating contest between a fan and a unidentified player, with Thomas Claiborne (my boy) playing cheerleader.

After Herzlich and Spaz addressed the superfans, the captains, Anthony Costanzo, Wes Davis, Alex Albright and James McCluskey, called upon Eagle Nation to get to the game early and get loud. We must protect the Aluminum Monster. The speeches concluded, and the students were ready, when the BC fan who wears a greenman suit, only in yellow, ran out onto the floor and, along with Spaz began pumping up the crowd again. It truly was a sight to behold.

The pep rally served its purpose for the most part, although it was somewhat of a disappointment to what I was expecting (But hey at least I got a free T-shirt!). It had its moments, and it was good to see the student body getting out to support the team. The atmosphere on campus this week has been electric, you can feel the excitement in the air. Although the pep rally was a disappointment, I have no doubt that come game time, our fans will be on their feet, lead by the Superfans, and we will make a statement about our program, football and fans alike, on national television.

WE ARE BC

Ill leave you this time with a video from the BC website, ignore the fact that it asks for a donation at the end (Anyone who watched the video, did you notice that they blurred out Shinskie's number in the highlights? Its around the 30 second mark).

BC vs ND Pep Rally

UPDATE: Pep Rally has been moved indoors due to rainy weather. It is now in the basketball stadium Conte Forum.

Today there is a pep rally for the upcoming BC vs Notre Dame game Saturday at 5pm in the Dust Bowl (the site of the old BC football field). I will be in attendance and will try to take pictures of the event and upload them to the blog. There are going to be guest speakers and free T-shirts to anyone going.

I will write a post about the pep rally tonight as well as a special blog post of my experience helping with the live Eagle coming to BC to fly into the game before Saturday!! Stay tuned this should be an exciting weekend.

Its more than a game, its Notre Dame. WE ARE BC.