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.