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
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