Part of BCI's season preview week.
The 2009 Eagles football season is sure to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Before we reveal our final season predictions tomorrow, we thought it would be useful to rank the Eagles schedule in terms of the toughest victories to come by. Our list and thoughts below. Leave your thoughts on the list in the comment section below.
Food Chain: Toughest 2009 Games
September 5: Boston College vs. Northeastern
Brian: This is the obvious choice for the easiest game of the year. In what will be a glorified exhibition game, the Eagles should roll behind a bruising ground game. I wouldn’t expect much of a passing game and this game will likely resemble last year’s 42-0 beat down of Rhode Island where the Eagles scored 5 touchdowns on the ground and 0 through the air.
September 12: Boston College vs. Kent State
Jeff: For the real BC haters out there this game against Kent State will be our second and last victory of the season. This MAC team showed it was clearly over matched by the Eagles last year in Cleveland when they failed to score and still let BC score 21 points when their offense was not working well at all.
September 19: Boston College at Clemson
Jeff: Are Clemson fans more worried about Boston College or BC fans more worried about Clemson? BC will be 2-0 heading into this game while Clemson might be coming off a loss to Georgia Tech in Atlanta where a second loss would pretty much solidify another disappointing season for the Tigers. Clemson is in a similar position to the Eagles on offense because they have CJ Spiller returning which leaves them nothing to worry about in the backfield. However, the Tigers are going with a new quarterback in Kyle Parker who does not have terribly big shoes to fill.
September 26: Boston College vs. Wake Forest
Brian: The Deacons have to take a step back this season, right? I know that Wake Forest will be sound offensively led by senior "it feels like he’s been there for 8 years" quarterback Riley Skinner. But the Deacons seem to have lost just too much talent on the defensive side of the ball to rank this game too high up in pecking order. It is true that you should never count out a Jim Grobe-led team, and Wake Forest has given the Eagles fits at Alumni Stadium over the years, but this game seems to be one of the more winnable ACC games this season. I guess that is saying something.
October 3: Boston College vs. Florida State
Brian: Florida State has owned the Eagles in Chestnut Hill since we joined the ACC (0-2, including ending any hope of a perfect season in 2007) and this season should prove yet again to be one of the toughest outs of the season. Best case scenario for the Eagles is that the ‘Noles limp into Alumni Stadium at 2-2 with losses to Miami and at BYU in September. My fear though is that FSU comes rolling into Boston with the momentum of a 4-0 record.
October 10: Boston College at Virginia Tech
Jeff: Virginia Tech is pretty much unanimously the highest ranked team in the ACC entering the season by everyone covering the conference and college football. Those same writers would probably unanimously rank Blacksburg as the most intimidating road game for ACC opponents. Add those two factors and it does not look good for the Eagles.
Brian: Darren Evans or no Darren Evans, Blacksburg continues to be one of the toughest places to play in the ACC. Beamer will have the Hokies ready for this game and despite an anemic Hokie offense, will likely get the job done yet again on defense and special teams.
October 17: Boston College vs. NC State
Jeff: If Russell Wilson isn't giving you nightmares thinking about the problems quarterbacks of his pedigree have always given BC in the Spaziani era, he will give you nightmares after October 17. If healthy, Wilson gives NC State the chance to win virtually every game on their schedule this season. If he's not healthy, however, NC State will be in for a long disappointing season.
October 24: Boston College at Notre Dame
Brian: Despite what the media pundits would have you believe, this is not the greatest of Irish teams. You’ll see the Irish popping up in preseason Top 25 ballots based more on their strength of schedule than because of the talent they return. Notre Dame will likely have their asses handed to them by USC the week before, so they will be hungry for a win against the Eagles the following week. If the Eagles can get the offense clicking by week eight (they better!), this will be one hell of a game. Not to mention the Eagles always get up for a trip to South Bend. Still, because this game is on the road, I'd say you have to place it in the top half of the toughest games of the year for the Eagles.
October 31: Boston College vs. Central Michigan
Jeff: In most preseason rankings Central Michigan is either right above or right below BC. Central Michigan is perhaps the most well-known team in the MAC as a respectable, bowl-bound program. And with Dan LeFevour returning at quarterback, they are going to be tough to beat and hopefully will not be overlooked by the players simply because of the conference they are from.
November 14: Boston College at Virginia
Brian: The Cavaliers may very well be 3-6 or 4-5 going into this game and might even be without their head coach. With a 3-6 record including a loss to Duke at home, the Virginia AD may have already started looking in a different direction for the program’s head coach. Even though this game is on the road, Virginia doesn’t scare me all that much. Offense will be a big question for the 'Hoos starting at the quarterback position. And because of the uncertainty at quarterback, I’m less concerned about this game than I am about, say, the Central Michigan game.
November 21: Boston College vs. North Carolina
Brian: Butch Davis should have his team ready for a late season surge against Duke, Miami Fla., Boston College and NC State. I wouldn’t expect a late-season collapse from the Heels like last season. UNC will be in the hunt for the Coastal Division crown and their last two games against the Atlantic Division’s Eagles and Wolfpack will go a long way to determining whether they should challenge Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Miami for the title.
November 28: Boston College at Maryland
Jeff: Is BC going to a bowl game this year? It's entirely possible that their postseason fate will come down to the final game of the season at Maryland. Maryland returns their starting quarterback, a Meggett and Da'Rel Scott at tailback, not to mention several other players. However, the Terps do lose the top 10 WR they had in Darrius Heyward-Bey. If Maryland couldn't be successful through the air with Heyward-Bey, how will they be without him? Too much of their offensive success came off of running reverses to Heyward-Bey or other gimmicky plays that his speed allowed. It will be interesting to see how much success, if any, the Maryland offense has this year.
Jeff's Food Chain
12. vs. Northeastern
11. vs. Kent State
10. vs. Central Michigan
9. at Virginia
8. at Maryland
7. at Notre Dame
6. vs. Wake Forest
5. at Clemson
4. vs. Florida State
3. vs. NC State
2. vs. North Carolina
1. at Virginia Tech
Brian's Food Chain
12. vs. Northeastern
11. vs. Kent State
10. at Virginia
9. vs. Central Michigan
8. vs. Wake Forest
7. at Maryland
6. at Notre Dame
5. vs. NC State
4. vs. North Carolina
3. at Clemson
2. vs. Florida State
1. at Virginia Tech
Showing posts with label food chain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food chain. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Food Chain: Most Indispensable Eagles for the 2009 Football Season
Brian: As spring football is now in our rear view mirror, we begin to look ahead as to what 2009 has in store for the BC Eagles football team.
Today we play a game of food chain that asks the question, Who is the most indispensable Eagle on the team next season?
Food Chain: Top 5 Most Indispensable Eagles for the 2009 Football Season
We consider these 9 Eagles and each rank our top 5 in terms of being the most indispensable to the success of the BC Eagles in 2009. Then we ask you to chime in in the comments section.
Montel Harris
Last year, the freshman broke the BC freshman rushing record with 900 yards on the ground. He played with a chip on his shoulder and was a beast in his homecoming at Florida State (25 carries, 121 yards and a TD). If the Eagles offense is to be successful next season, we'll need Harris to duplicate or best his efforts from freshman year.
Dominique Davis OR Justin Tuggle OR Codi Boek
Do the Eagles have an indispensable QB on the roster? Will Davis get the nod? The quarterback position will be arguably the most important position on the Eagles roster in 2009. With a new offensive coordinator and a more up-tempo pace to the game, we'll need a capable field general to move the offense. But without knowing who the starter is, can any of these three really be considered to be 'indispensable'?
Frank Spaziani
The Eagles head coach provides what little consistency the Eagles will carry over from the 2008 season. New offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator, new offensive skill position coaches. It will be on Spaziani to keep the team focused, especially with one of the teams key returners likely being unavailable. Herzlich's news can have a profound effect on the psyche of this team, and the Eagles will look from leadership from the top to keep it all together.
Damik Scafe
Of course, one of the key losses to the defense is losing both Ron Brace and BJ Raji to graduation and the NFL Draft. It's certainly not easy to replace 647 pounds of running-stopping goodness up the middle, but Damik Scafe will try to do just that. Scafe is sort of an unproven commodity so far, having played behind Brace and Raji in 2007 and 2008, so there is some hesitancy as to how indispensable he is as a player. No question, however, that we'll need solid contributions from our DTs if we are to have a successful season.
Anthony Castonzo
I don't think anything more needs to be said about the importance to Castonzo other than this line from his BCEagles.com player bio: "First true freshman to start on the BC offensive line in 10 years." Last season, he made the move from RT to LT and has started all 28 games in his two years with the Eagles. Castonzo adds consistency to our offensive line at the most important position on the line. At least, so says Michael Lewis in his book The Blind Side.
Mike McLaughlin
McLaughlin tops HD's list of players BC needs to make a comeback this fall. I would agree with her. McLaughlin is still very much a question as to whether he can return to form this fall after suffering an Achilles injury, but with Herzlich most likely not available in 2009, the Eagles linebacking corps will need a leader to step up and take charge.
Matt Tennant
Tennant is probably the second or third biggest injured Eagle question mark this offseason as he tries to recover from having Tommy John surgery. Should Tennant make a full recovery, he will likely be our starting center on the offensive line. Tennant and Castonzo are the two most tenured returning offensive linemen, as we'll certainly need that experience on the O Line given that we are breaking in yet another offensive playbook and possibly a new starting QB.
Rich Gunnell
Gunnell led the receiving corp with 49 catches and 4 TDs last season. He returns for his senior year as the #1 option at wide out. With the status of Clarence Megwa still up in the air, and the loss of Purvis to graduation, we'll need Gunnell to step up and be the #1 target for our starting QB.
Josh Haden
It's easy to forget about Haden given Montel Harris's success last season, but expect to see Haden more involved in the offense this year - especially the passing game - coming out of the backfield. Think: Andre Callendar. Haden was part of the second-best running back tandem in the country last season, and I would expect Haden to build on his 579 yards of total offense from his freshman year.
Brian's Food Chain
5. Damik Scafe - two reasons why he isn't higher on this list ... A) not nearly as worried about the defense as I am about the offense and B) hard to say someone is indispensible when they have seen very limited time on the field the last two seasons
4. Montel Harris - I actually expect to see Josh Haden get more involved in the offense this season, so Harris is no higher on 4th on my list given that I think we have two equally capable backs on the roster.
3. Mike McLaughlin - if he's available, we'll need a leader in the linebacking corps. If McLaughlin can't go, I'd throw Gunnell in at #3. That is assuming, of course, that someone can get him the ball.
2. Anthony Castonzo - it's the second most important position on the football field, behind only QB. Again, didn't you read The Blind Side?
1. Dominique Davis - or Tuggle, or Boek, your preference. Regardless of who it is, we will only go as far as our QB will take us next season. We saw what happens when you throw the backup to the fire last season (see: Davis' best deer-in-the-headlights impression from the Wake Forest game). I'll assume here that Davis is the starter, but if he's not, my #1 vote goes to [INSERT STARTING QB HERE] as the most indispensable Eagle next season.
Jeff's Food Chain
5. Damik Scafe - after losing Brace and Raji, we don't need to lose another DT to injury or for any other reason
4. Matt Tennant - if he reinjures his elbow and the O Line needs to be shuffled around, we are in trouble since the passing game is likely to be suspect
3. Mike McLaughlin - with Herzlich potentially out for part or all of the season, we can't lose another linebacker even though we are typically deep at that position. Get well soon!
2. Montel Harris - with a heavy dose of running expected this year, we need all three backs healthy whenever possible but if one in particular can't go down, it's Harris
1. Frank Spaziani - he's the glue holding everything together with lots of new faces on the coaching staff and Herzlich's tough luck
Jeff: We don't have an indispensable QB on the roster, Brian.
Brian: Wait, no Castonzo?
Jeff: I thought about him but went with our starting center.
Your list? Go.
Today we play a game of food chain that asks the question, Who is the most indispensable Eagle on the team next season?
Food Chain: Top 5 Most Indispensable Eagles for the 2009 Football Season
We consider these 9 Eagles and each rank our top 5 in terms of being the most indispensable to the success of the BC Eagles in 2009. Then we ask you to chime in in the comments section.
Boom, roasted!
Montel Harris
Last year, the freshman broke the BC freshman rushing record with 900 yards on the ground. He played with a chip on his shoulder and was a beast in his homecoming at Florida State (25 carries, 121 yards and a TD). If the Eagles offense is to be successful next season, we'll need Harris to duplicate or best his efforts from freshman year.
Dominique Davis OR Justin Tuggle OR Codi Boek
Do the Eagles have an indispensable QB on the roster? Will Davis get the nod? The quarterback position will be arguably the most important position on the Eagles roster in 2009. With a new offensive coordinator and a more up-tempo pace to the game, we'll need a capable field general to move the offense. But without knowing who the starter is, can any of these three really be considered to be 'indispensable'?
Frank Spaziani
The Eagles head coach provides what little consistency the Eagles will carry over from the 2008 season. New offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator, new offensive skill position coaches. It will be on Spaziani to keep the team focused, especially with one of the teams key returners likely being unavailable. Herzlich's news can have a profound effect on the psyche of this team, and the Eagles will look from leadership from the top to keep it all together.
Damik Scafe
Of course, one of the key losses to the defense is losing both Ron Brace and BJ Raji to graduation and the NFL Draft. It's certainly not easy to replace 647 pounds of running-stopping goodness up the middle, but Damik Scafe will try to do just that. Scafe is sort of an unproven commodity so far, having played behind Brace and Raji in 2007 and 2008, so there is some hesitancy as to how indispensable he is as a player. No question, however, that we'll need solid contributions from our DTs if we are to have a successful season.
Anthony Castonzo
I don't think anything more needs to be said about the importance to Castonzo other than this line from his BCEagles.com player bio: "First true freshman to start on the BC offensive line in 10 years." Last season, he made the move from RT to LT and has started all 28 games in his two years with the Eagles. Castonzo adds consistency to our offensive line at the most important position on the line. At least, so says Michael Lewis in his book The Blind Side.
Mike McLaughlin
McLaughlin tops HD's list of players BC needs to make a comeback this fall. I would agree with her. McLaughlin is still very much a question as to whether he can return to form this fall after suffering an Achilles injury, but with Herzlich most likely not available in 2009, the Eagles linebacking corps will need a leader to step up and take charge.
Matt Tennant
Tennant is probably the second or third biggest injured Eagle question mark this offseason as he tries to recover from having Tommy John surgery. Should Tennant make a full recovery, he will likely be our starting center on the offensive line. Tennant and Castonzo are the two most tenured returning offensive linemen, as we'll certainly need that experience on the O Line given that we are breaking in yet another offensive playbook and possibly a new starting QB.
Rich Gunnell
Gunnell led the receiving corp with 49 catches and 4 TDs last season. He returns for his senior year as the #1 option at wide out. With the status of Clarence Megwa still up in the air, and the loss of Purvis to graduation, we'll need Gunnell to step up and be the #1 target for our starting QB.
Josh Haden
It's easy to forget about Haden given Montel Harris's success last season, but expect to see Haden more involved in the offense this year - especially the passing game - coming out of the backfield. Think: Andre Callendar. Haden was part of the second-best running back tandem in the country last season, and I would expect Haden to build on his 579 yards of total offense from his freshman year.
Brian's Food Chain
5. Damik Scafe - two reasons why he isn't higher on this list ... A) not nearly as worried about the defense as I am about the offense and B) hard to say someone is indispensible when they have seen very limited time on the field the last two seasons
4. Montel Harris - I actually expect to see Josh Haden get more involved in the offense this season, so Harris is no higher on 4th on my list given that I think we have two equally capable backs on the roster.
3. Mike McLaughlin - if he's available, we'll need a leader in the linebacking corps. If McLaughlin can't go, I'd throw Gunnell in at #3. That is assuming, of course, that someone can get him the ball.
2. Anthony Castonzo - it's the second most important position on the football field, behind only QB. Again, didn't you read The Blind Side?
1. Dominique Davis - or Tuggle, or Boek, your preference. Regardless of who it is, we will only go as far as our QB will take us next season. We saw what happens when you throw the backup to the fire last season (see: Davis' best deer-in-the-headlights impression from the Wake Forest game). I'll assume here that Davis is the starter, but if he's not, my #1 vote goes to [INSERT STARTING QB HERE] as the most indispensable Eagle next season.
Jeff's Food Chain
5. Damik Scafe - after losing Brace and Raji, we don't need to lose another DT to injury or for any other reason
4. Matt Tennant - if he reinjures his elbow and the O Line needs to be shuffled around, we are in trouble since the passing game is likely to be suspect
3. Mike McLaughlin - with Herzlich potentially out for part or all of the season, we can't lose another linebacker even though we are typically deep at that position. Get well soon!
2. Montel Harris - with a heavy dose of running expected this year, we need all three backs healthy whenever possible but if one in particular can't go down, it's Harris
1. Frank Spaziani - he's the glue holding everything together with lots of new faces on the coaching staff and Herzlich's tough luck
Jeff: We don't have an indispensable QB on the roster, Brian.
Brian: Wait, no Castonzo?
Jeff: I thought about him but went with our starting center.
Your list? Go.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Food Chain: Top 5 Men's Hoops Moments
Brian: We attempt to wrap up this year's men's hoops season with a game of Food Chain.
Food Chain: Top 5 Moments from the 2008-2009 Men's Basketball Season
We consider these 10 top moments from the 2008-2009 Men's Basketball Season and each rank our top 5 moments below. Feel free to share your top 5 moments in the comments section below.
Receiving a 7 Seed to Play in the NCAA Tournament
I think this was a surprise to the casual college basketball fan. How could Boston College end up with a 7 seed in the NCAA tournament after not receiving a single vote in the regular season ending major polls? How could BC have the same seed as Clemson, who wiped the floor with BC the one game we faced them? Even ESPN.com's Joe Lunardi was a little surprised at the seeding.
Still, this was a great accomplishment for a team that didn't come close to sniffing the postseason a year ago.
Topping No. 1 North Carolina
Up until this point, the ESPN talking heads were practically gushing over the Tar Heels. They had already decreed that North Carolina was to become the 8th team to ever go undefeated and win the NCAA title, and the first since the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers. No one really gave BC a shot at winning this game. The game wasn't nearly as close as the final score would have you believe, as the Eagles led by as many as 14 points with about 6 and a half minutes to play. Rice finished the game with 25 points, Sanders pitched in 22 and Reggie Jackson had 17 points. It was the first win over a No. 1 ranked opponent since Bill Curley and the Eagles took down No. 1 North Carolina in the 1994 NCAA Tournament's second round.
Overtime winner at UMass
There is never any love lost when Boston College and Massachusetts face off in the Commonwealth Classic. BC has dominated the Commonwealth Classic in the 2000s, having won 7 straight from 2000-2006 before UMass upset BC 83-80 in 2007. BC was up 2 before UMass's Tony Gaffney tipped in a bucket to tie the game at 77. In the overtime session, BC jumped to an 81-79 lead on a Josh Southern layup and Joe Trapani and Tyrese Rice hit free throws to clinch the victory for the Eagles. The win pushed BC to 6-2 while UMass fell to 1-6.
Taking Care of Florida State at home OR the Rakim Sanders windmill dunk
Arguably there wasn't a more important game for the Eagles down the stretch than their home matchup with Florida State. BC came back from a 1 point deficit and Tyrese Rice buried a deep 3 pointer with 20.5 seconds left to lift BC over the Seminoles. The win got the Eagles to 20 wins, 3 of those coming against ranked teams. Oh yeah, and there was the SportsCenter highlight reel play from this game as well ...
Duke Survives BC Scare in ACC Quarterfinals
Seems a bit odd to have a loss on a top moments list, but you had to be proud of the effort that the Eagles showed against the ACC's No. 3 seed (and eventual tournament champion). Leading by 7 at the half, Duke crawled back in the game and scored the game-winning bucket with only 34 seconds to play. I think this close loss contributed greatly to the Eagles being awarded with a 7 seed in the NCAA tournament. It certainly would have been nice to have won this game - who knows how far the Eagles could have gone in the ACC tournament - but BC played Duke the toughest of any team in the ACC Tournament (and the NCAAs to date). "I ain't playing no more!"
Beating Georgia Tech at home on Sanders's GW Shot
This game got us to 9 wins in the ACC and can be seen as the game that got us over the NCAA tournament bubble. The goat became the hero, as it was Sanders reach-in foul on Lewis Clinch that gave Georgia Tech a one point lead with 12.4 seconds to play. With 1.7 seconds left, Sanders hit an off-balance, fallaway jumper to lift BC to a 67-66 win over the Jackets and into the NCAA tournament.
Beating Virginia Tech at home on the Sanders' GW tip-in
The Eagles led by 2 at half and led for nearly the entire second half before A.D. Vassallo hit two free throws to put the Hokies ahead 66-65. Tyrese Rice misses the runner, no one on Virginia Tech boxes out, and Rakim Sanders comes flying through the lane for the putback with 0.04 seconds to play. The win pushed the Eagles to 17-6 (5-3 ACC) and gave BC a critical home win over an eventual ACC tournament bubble team.
Comeback Overtime Win On The Road at Georgia Tech
BC somehow coughed up a 14 point lead with 6:41 to play as Georgia Tech - led by Iman Shumpert and Gani Lawal - battled back to force overtime. In the overtime session, Rice made a layup with 20 seconds to play to seal the victory. The win stopped a four game skid for the Eagles, and without this confidence builder, this season's end result could have been turned on its head.
Upsetting Duke in Conte and Storming the Court with Dudley
This game had it all. Tyrese Rice scored his 2,000 point as a BC Eagle. You had the Joe Trapani alley-oop slam punctuation mark. The student section (and Jared Dudley) storming the court. The first BC win over Duke in 25 years. Roll that beautiful Bean-town footage!
Brian's Food Chain
5. Comeback Overtime Win at Georgia Tech - this game stopped the bleeding. If we hadn't won this game, our season may have ended up VERY differently ...
4. Taking Care of Florida State - Although not a buzzer beater, Rice's 3-pointer to seal the game was filthy
3. Beating Virginia Tech / the Sanders' GW tip-in - Another crucial win over an ACC bubble team
2. Upsetting Duke in Conte - Happy for the students and the fans that they got an opportunity to storm the court
1. Topping No. 1 North Carolina - Enough can't be said about this win. An upset of the No. 1 team in the country, on the road, to open ACC play. This is another of those games that if it had gone differently, who knows how this season would have turned out.
Jeff's Food Chain
5. Earning a 7 seed in the NCAA tournament. The tournament was barely on the radar at the start of the season and a 7 was better than most expected.
4. Beating FSU in a game that seemed to make or break our NCAA hopes since it gave us another victory against a ranked team and our 8th ACC win.
3. Nearly upsetting Duke in the NCAA tournament. I don't have the numbers but I'm sure this was the most watched BC basketball game this season by a large margin aside from the tournament depending on how exactly the ratings are calculated since CBS is flipping between games in most markets. We nearly beat Duke twice in the same season when they were top 10 wire to wire. Despite the poor last shot, it was a great effort by the Eagles and more exciting than the UNC or Duke wins.
2. Beating Duke and the students storming the court.
1. A no brainer. Beating #1 UNC on the road. Still probably the most shocking upset of the entire basketball season for the entire nation. Unfortunately, it was quickly overshadowed in Chestnut Hill by the Jags departure.
Leave your own top moments in the comments section below.
Food Chain: Top 5 Moments from the 2008-2009 Men's Basketball Season
We consider these 10 top moments from the 2008-2009 Men's Basketball Season and each rank our top 5 moments below. Feel free to share your top 5 moments in the comments section below.
Receiving a 7 Seed to Play in the NCAA Tournament
I think this was a surprise to the casual college basketball fan. How could Boston College end up with a 7 seed in the NCAA tournament after not receiving a single vote in the regular season ending major polls? How could BC have the same seed as Clemson, who wiped the floor with BC the one game we faced them? Even ESPN.com's Joe Lunardi was a little surprised at the seeding.
Still, this was a great accomplishment for a team that didn't come close to sniffing the postseason a year ago.
Topping No. 1 North Carolina
Up until this point, the ESPN talking heads were practically gushing over the Tar Heels. They had already decreed that North Carolina was to become the 8th team to ever go undefeated and win the NCAA title, and the first since the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers. No one really gave BC a shot at winning this game. The game wasn't nearly as close as the final score would have you believe, as the Eagles led by as many as 14 points with about 6 and a half minutes to play. Rice finished the game with 25 points, Sanders pitched in 22 and Reggie Jackson had 17 points. It was the first win over a No. 1 ranked opponent since Bill Curley and the Eagles took down No. 1 North Carolina in the 1994 NCAA Tournament's second round.
Overtime winner at UMass
There is never any love lost when Boston College and Massachusetts face off in the Commonwealth Classic. BC has dominated the Commonwealth Classic in the 2000s, having won 7 straight from 2000-2006 before UMass upset BC 83-80 in 2007. BC was up 2 before UMass's Tony Gaffney tipped in a bucket to tie the game at 77. In the overtime session, BC jumped to an 81-79 lead on a Josh Southern layup and Joe Trapani and Tyrese Rice hit free throws to clinch the victory for the Eagles. The win pushed BC to 6-2 while UMass fell to 1-6.
Taking Care of Florida State at home OR the Rakim Sanders windmill dunk
Arguably there wasn't a more important game for the Eagles down the stretch than their home matchup with Florida State. BC came back from a 1 point deficit and Tyrese Rice buried a deep 3 pointer with 20.5 seconds left to lift BC over the Seminoles. The win got the Eagles to 20 wins, 3 of those coming against ranked teams. Oh yeah, and there was the SportsCenter highlight reel play from this game as well ...
Duke Survives BC Scare in ACC Quarterfinals
Seems a bit odd to have a loss on a top moments list, but you had to be proud of the effort that the Eagles showed against the ACC's No. 3 seed (and eventual tournament champion). Leading by 7 at the half, Duke crawled back in the game and scored the game-winning bucket with only 34 seconds to play. I think this close loss contributed greatly to the Eagles being awarded with a 7 seed in the NCAA tournament. It certainly would have been nice to have won this game - who knows how far the Eagles could have gone in the ACC tournament - but BC played Duke the toughest of any team in the ACC Tournament (and the NCAAs to date). "I ain't playing no more!"
Beating Georgia Tech at home on Sanders's GW Shot
This game got us to 9 wins in the ACC and can be seen as the game that got us over the NCAA tournament bubble. The goat became the hero, as it was Sanders reach-in foul on Lewis Clinch that gave Georgia Tech a one point lead with 12.4 seconds to play. With 1.7 seconds left, Sanders hit an off-balance, fallaway jumper to lift BC to a 67-66 win over the Jackets and into the NCAA tournament.
Beating Virginia Tech at home on the Sanders' GW tip-in
The Eagles led by 2 at half and led for nearly the entire second half before A.D. Vassallo hit two free throws to put the Hokies ahead 66-65. Tyrese Rice misses the runner, no one on Virginia Tech boxes out, and Rakim Sanders comes flying through the lane for the putback with 0.04 seconds to play. The win pushed the Eagles to 17-6 (5-3 ACC) and gave BC a critical home win over an eventual ACC tournament bubble team.
Comeback Overtime Win On The Road at Georgia Tech
BC somehow coughed up a 14 point lead with 6:41 to play as Georgia Tech - led by Iman Shumpert and Gani Lawal - battled back to force overtime. In the overtime session, Rice made a layup with 20 seconds to play to seal the victory. The win stopped a four game skid for the Eagles, and without this confidence builder, this season's end result could have been turned on its head.
Upsetting Duke in Conte and Storming the Court with Dudley
This game had it all. Tyrese Rice scored his 2,000 point as a BC Eagle. You had the Joe Trapani alley-oop slam punctuation mark. The student section (and Jared Dudley) storming the court. The first BC win over Duke in 25 years. Roll that beautiful Bean-town footage!
Brian's Food Chain
5. Comeback Overtime Win at Georgia Tech - this game stopped the bleeding. If we hadn't won this game, our season may have ended up VERY differently ...
4. Taking Care of Florida State - Although not a buzzer beater, Rice's 3-pointer to seal the game was filthy
3. Beating Virginia Tech / the Sanders' GW tip-in - Another crucial win over an ACC bubble team
2. Upsetting Duke in Conte - Happy for the students and the fans that they got an opportunity to storm the court
1. Topping No. 1 North Carolina - Enough can't be said about this win. An upset of the No. 1 team in the country, on the road, to open ACC play. This is another of those games that if it had gone differently, who knows how this season would have turned out.
Jeff's Food Chain
5. Earning a 7 seed in the NCAA tournament. The tournament was barely on the radar at the start of the season and a 7 was better than most expected.
4. Beating FSU in a game that seemed to make or break our NCAA hopes since it gave us another victory against a ranked team and our 8th ACC win.
3. Nearly upsetting Duke in the NCAA tournament. I don't have the numbers but I'm sure this was the most watched BC basketball game this season by a large margin aside from the tournament depending on how exactly the ratings are calculated since CBS is flipping between games in most markets. We nearly beat Duke twice in the same season when they were top 10 wire to wire. Despite the poor last shot, it was a great effort by the Eagles and more exciting than the UNC or Duke wins.
2. Beating Duke and the students storming the court.
1. A no brainer. Beating #1 UNC on the road. Still probably the most shocking upset of the entire basketball season for the entire nation. Unfortunately, it was quickly overshadowed in Chestnut Hill by the Jags departure.
Leave your own top moments in the comments section below.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Food Chain: Worst Eagles Losing Streaks 2000-2009
Lots of talk of losing streaks these days ...
NJIT just snapped the longest losing streak in NCAA Division I history last night, defeating Bryant 61-51 in Newark, NJ. Go Highlanders!
Clemson Tigers basketball continued its 54 game losing streak in Chapel Hill last night, dropping to the Tar Heels 94-70. North Carolina used a 20-4 run to open the second half to bury the Tigers. The Tar Heels - having never lost to the Tigers in Chapel Hill - push their NCAA-best home winning streak to 54 games.
NJIT just snapped the longest losing streak in NCAA Division I history last night, defeating Bryant 61-51 in Newark, NJ. Go Highlanders!
Clemson Tigers basketball continued its 54 game losing streak in Chapel Hill last night, dropping to the Tar Heels 94-70. North Carolina used a 20-4 run to open the second half to bury the Tigers. The Tar Heels - having never lost to the Tigers in Chapel Hill - push their NCAA-best home winning streak to 54 games.
"We're going streaking! Sorry, sorry, we're goin' streaking through the quad and then to the gymnasium. Come on everybody! Come on! Snoop! Snoop-a-loop! Snoop...uh, no, it's cool! It's cool! I'm cool, bring your green hat. Let's go! Come on everybody we're goin!"
As Eagles fans, Jeff and I have been lucky. We have only known relatively successful Eagles men's sports programs since we enrolled at BC. Two National Championships in ice hockey, two Atlantic Division championships, 8 straight bowl game victories, a Big East basketball tournament championship ... That's why I think this past stretch of basketball has been especially trying on us Eagles. We are simply not used to prolonged streaks of losing.
So we got to thinking, what has been the worst losing streak in our brief history as Eagles fans (2000-2009)?
Now of course, not all losing streaks are created equal, and it is tough to compare losing streaks in basketball with football (different number of games) or basketball/football with hockey (ties still get you a point in the standings). Also it's hard to find a losing streak anywhere in football over the last 9 years. But we decide to give it a shot anyway in a game of Food Chain.
Food Chain: Worst Losing Streaks 2000-2009
We consider the following 8 Eagle losing streaks and list our top 5 in terms of overall suckitude.
2008 - Men's Basketball - 4 straight (Harvard, Miami, Wake Forest, @ Virginia Tech)
The most recent of our losing streaks that just came to an end, although it certainly didn't come easy. This losing streak is high on our list because of what it detracted from - one of the greatest regular season upsets in BC men's basketball history. Before anyone could really dwell on beating the No. 1 Tar Heels, we had dropped to Harvard at home (and controversy swirled on the Heights with the football coaching search). Then we lost a winnable game to Miami, got crushed by the new No. 1 at home, and dropped another winnable game against on the road in Blacksburg. At least the last loss is looking better after last night.
2008 - Men's Basketball - 6 straight (@ Virginia, Virginia Tech, @ North Carolina, @ Clemson, Maryland, @ Duke)
Last season was a forgettable one for the Eagles once they started in on ACC play. After starting the season with a 12-4 record (and 3-0 in the ACC), the Eagles would go on to lose 12 of their last 13 ACC regular season games, with a 82-65 win over North Carolina State breaking up a pair of 6 game losing streaks. This losing streak was the first of two. The Eagles started the losing streak getting blown out in the second half in Charlottesville, and then dropped an OT game to the Hokies at home. Skinner's team followed these games up with blowout losses on the road in Chapel Hill and Clemson. The team then lost a close game to Gary Williams and the Terrapins at home, giving the ex-BC coach his 600th win. Finally, the Eagles were competitive against a No. 2 ranked Blue Devils team in Durham, but ended up losing the game 90-80. This streak dropped the Eagles record to 12-10 (3-6 ACC) on the season.
2008-2009 - Men's Ice Hockey - 6 straight games without a win (@ Boston University, Boston University, @ Vermont, @ Vermont, UMass-Lowell, @ Boston University)
If this losing streak isn't snapped this weekend, this should be high on everyone's list. The Eagles are dangerously close to digging a hole I don't think they crawl out of if they don't get at least 1 win this weekend at home against Maine. This streak is particularly painful as we have failed to win a game in all 3 regular season attempts against Boston U. The Eagles need to end this streak as soon as possible if they have any aspirations to get home ice in the first round of the Hockey East tournament.
2007 - Football - 2 straight (Florida State, @ Maryland)
Sure, it is only a two game losing streak, but this string of games was absolutely brutal to the hopes and dreams of Eagles football fans. Until Geno Hayes intercepted a pass from Matt Ryan and returned it 38-yards for the score, I don't think anyone really thought the Eagles were going to lose that game against the Seminoles. We had the ball, down 3, and Matt Ryan was under center. We were again counting on some late-game heroics from Ryan & Co., and that interception deflated any hopes of the Eagles playing in the National Championship. While the Florida State game crushed our National Title hopes, the Maryland game was equally demoralizing in terms of our ACC title hopes. The Maryland offense, led by quarterback Chris Turner, picked apart the Eagles secondary. Turner threw for 337 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Terp victory. The second straight loss put some serious doubt in the minds of Eagles fans whether the team could go down to Death Valley and win the Atlantic Division. (But I guess that made the Clemson win that much sweeter.)
2007 - Men's Ice Hockey - 6 straight games without a win (Maine, Merrimack, @ New Hampshire, @ Massachusetts, Massachusetts, Northeastern)
This winless streak wasn't so big in the grand scheme of things as the Eagles were able to turn the corner on a lackluster November and December and win the Beanpot, Hockey East tournament and their third National Championship. But at the time, Eagles hockey fans had to be scratching their heads at this stretch of 6 games without a win. On November 2, the Eagles skated to a 1-1 tie with Maine. The following weekend, the Eagles only picked up 1 point, with a 3-3 tie at home to Merrimack followed by a 5-2 loss to New Hampshire. On November 16 and 17, the Eagles again only gained 1 point with a home-and-home series with UMass. Finally, the Eagles dropped a 4-3 decision in overtime at home against Northeastern. Last season, these were all teams that should have been put away (with the exception of UNH). Fortunately, the Eagles emerged from this winless streak by taking both games the following weekend against Boston University, outscoring the Terriers 10-5.
2008 - Men's Basketball - 6 straight (Virginia, @ Florida State, @ Virginia Tech, North Carolina, @ Miami FL, Georgia Tech)
Part 2 of the Great Skid of 2007-2008. The loss that stands out in this group was the home loss to Virginia 79-74. Virginia was equally terrible in the ACC last season, and their win on the road snapped a 7 game losing streak for the Cavaliers. The Eagles were in this game until the end, until UVA's Mamadi Diane hit a 3 pointer with 45 seconds left. Of these 6 losses, only two would come against tournament teams (North Carolina and at Miami FL), and UVA and Georgia Tech would finish with losing records on the season.
2002-2003 - Men's Basketball - 4 straight (@ Kent State, Providence, Northeastern, @ Syracuse)
2002-2003 wasn't a banner year for the Eagles men's hoops team, but they still managed to make the NIT tournament and beat Fairfield in the opening round. Still, this four game losing streak, while not particularly long, was pretty tough considering the quality of our opponents. The Eagles started this losing streak dropping a game 86-83 OT against Kent State in Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena. With the win, the Golden Flashes improved to 7-1 on the season, but they would only make the NIT with a 21-9 record on the season. After dropping to Kent State, the Eagles would fall to Providence at home 93-80 in Big East action and a 7-6 Northeastern team at home, losing 72-67. The losing streak was extended to four when the Eagles traveled to the Carrier dome and lost to Syracuse 82-74.
2008 - Football - 2 straight (Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship, Vanderbilt)
Technically, this losing streak is current, I guess. But I highly doubt that the losing streak will be extended to three if we get Northeastern or another out of conference cupcake to snack on the first game of the 2009 season. The loss to Virginia Tech hurt, the second consecutive unsuccessful trip to Florida for the ACC Championship. Injuries certainly contributed to the loss as they finally caught up to the Eagles, particularly on offense. The bowl loss to Vanderbilt snapped our NCAA-leading 8 game bowl winning streak. It was particularly painful to have lost to a 6-6 SEC team after coming so close to playing in the Orange Bowl.
Brian's Food Chain
5. 2008-2009 - Men's Ice Hockey - 6 straight games without a win (@ Boston University, Boston University, @ Vermont, @ Vermont, UMass-Lowell, @ Boston University)
4. 2007 - Football - 2 straight (Florida State, @ Maryland)
3. 2002-2003 - Men's Basketball - 4 straight (@ Kent State, Providence, Northeastern, @ Syracuse)
2. 2008 - Men's Basketball - 6 straight (@ Virginia, Virginia Tech, @ North Carolina, @ Clemson, Maryland, @ Duke)
1. 2008 - Men's Basketball - 6 straight (Virginia, @ Florida State, @ Virginia Tech, North Carolina, @ Miami FL, Georgia Tech)
Jeff's Food Chain
5. 2007 - Football - 2 straight (Florida State, @ Maryland)
4. 2008 - Football - 2 straight (Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt)
3. 2002-2003 - Men's Basketball - 4 straight (@ Kent State, Providence, Northeastern, @ Syracuse)
2. 2008 - Men's Basketball - 6 straight (Virginia, @ Florida State, @ Virginia Tech, North Carolina, @ Miami FL, Georgia Tech)
1. 2008-2009 - Men's Ice Hockey - 6 straight games without a win (@ Boston University, Boston University, @ Vermont, @ Vermont, UMass-Lowell, @ Boston University)
Brian: Jeff with the surprise hockey pick as his overall #1!
Any more devastating losing streaks pre-2000? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Food Chain: Midseason ACC Bowl Projections
Brian: Many of the mainstream media sites have updated their bowl projections after last week's ACC upset city weekend. ESPN is split between Florida State and Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl, and CBS Sports has fully jumped on the Seminole bandwagon. We give you our take on the ACC bowls halfway through the season in a game of Food Chain.
Food Chain: Midseason ACC Bowl Projections
We consider these 10 ACC teams and list where we think each of these teams is going when bowling season comes around. (Here is where we thought these teams were going bowling before the season began). Of course, no bowl projection would be complete without us telling you how we think the rest of the ACC season is going to play out ...
Clemson (3-4, 1-3)
Brian: Hard to believe the presumptive preseason ACC champion will not go bowling this year, but that's exactly what is going to happen. Since Clemson went ahead and scheduled two I-AA teams on their schedule this year, only one of those wins counts towards bowl eligibility. As a result, the Tigers need to win 4 of their last 5 games to become bowl eligible (pushing their overall record to 7-5). With road trips to Boston College, Florida State and Virginia, and a home ACC game against Duke, Clemson could knock off a few of these teams, but it's highly unlikely that they will win out the rest of their ACC schedule. Even in-state rival South Carolina is going to give the Tigers all they have at the end of the season. Our bold prediction: The Tigers finish 6-6 (4-4) but only 5 of those wins count towards bowl eligibility and Clemson is golfing come December.
Miami (FL) (4-3, 1-2)
Jeff: Miami needs two more wins to become bowl eligible and there first chance to get one of those is this weekend when they host Wake Forest. The Canes are favored in that game. There next most likely chance is when they travel to NC State at the end of the season. Other games include Virginia Tech, @ Georgia Tech and @ Virginia. Given the schedule, 7-5 is the best I can see Miami finishing, but most likely 6-6.
Florida State (5-1, 2-1)
Brian: I am projecting the Seminoles to only win 3 of their remaining 6 games (and 3 of their remaining 5 ACC games). Their toughest slate of games is ahead of them - with road trips to Georgia Tech and Maryland, and home games against Virginia Tech, Boston College and Clemson. I'll say they beat Virginia Tech this weekend, beat Clemson at home and split their remaining road trips to Atlanta/College Park. That will leave the Seminoles at 5-3 in the ACC and needing help to punch their ticket to Tampa.
Georgia Tech (6-1, 3-1)
Jeff: Virginia Tech is just thrilled that they were able to come away with a win against the Yellow Jackets earlier this year. No one wants to play Georgia Tech anymore. They still need Virginia Tech to drop one more game so that Georgia Tech can control their ACC destiny, but that is very likely to happen as Brian predicts a Virginia Tech loss again this weekend (see below). Paul Johnson's crew still has Virginia, North Carolina, Florida State and Miami in the ACC. Not to mention their big rivalry game against Georgia at the end of the year. They have a very good chance to go to Tampa but will drop at least one more game this year.
Virginia Tech (5-2, 2-1)
Brian: Can Virginia Tech find it's legs on offense? Given the 9 points the Hokie offense generated in Chestnut Hill last weekend, suddenly the preseason darling of the Coastal Division's remaining ACC schedule looks that more daunting. Virginia Tech's remaining 5 games - all ACC games - are two road trips to Florida (FSU and Miami) and home games against Maryland, Duke and Virginia. I am hard-pressed to find more than 3 wins in the Hokies remaining 5 games. FSU, Maryland and Virginia are all playing good football, and Virginia Tech v. Miami is always a hard fought, close battle. To me, it's a coin flip for the Hokies finishing either 5-3 or 6-2 in the ACC this year.
Maryland (4-2, 2-1)
Jeff: Maryland's next big game is when they head to Blacksburg the first Thursday in November. Through attrition, the Terps will probably have inched into the Top 25 by then but I fully expect a loss in that game. After that they host North Carolina and Florida State before heading to Chestnut Hill. Maryland is likely to drop one of two there and be 4-3 in conference heading to Chestnut Hill. At 5-3, they might still have a shot at heading to Tamps this year so the game in Chestnut Hill may very well be for the right to represent the Atlantic Division in the ACC Championship game.
Wake Forest (4-2, 2-1)
Brian: The red flags for Wake Forest had to go up after their home loss to Navy. Much has been written about Wake Forest's talented, experienced offense, but suddenly they can't move the football. The Deacons have 1 touchdown in their first three ACC games! The rest of the ACC games might appear winnable at first glance, but there are a few traps on the schedule, starting this Saturday in Miami where Wake is currently a 3 point underdog. We can see Wake slipping up against a suddenly resurgent Virginia as well. The rest of the games are Duke and Boston College at home, and North Carolina State on the road. I'm going to predict Wake goes 5-3 but stays home for this year's ACC Championship Game. Their offensive struggles over their first three games in a decidedly defensive league are too much to overlook to pencil them in to Tampa.
North Carolina (5-2, 1-2)
Jeff: The Tar Heels have been bit by the injury bug as many teams have and unfortunately took a huge step back in the ACC by losing to Virginia last week. This is only their second loss but since those losses came to Virginia and Virginia Tech it basically eliminates them from Coastal Division contention. One more (which will hopefully come Saturday) will eliminate them from contention for sure. North Carolina's next three games are Boston College, Georgia Tech and Maryland so there is certainly a chance they go 0-3 in that stretch before having their Tobacco Road rivalry games to finish the season.
Boston College (5-1, 2-1)
Brian: It's a 4 game season for BC now. While a win in Chapel Hill will help BC in the polls and the BCS standings (currently on the outside looking in ...), it doesn't mean anything to the Atlantic Division race now since everyone in the Atlantic has at least 1 league loss through 3 games. The games that matter are the Eagles road trips to Tallahassee and Winston-Salem, and our home games against Clemson and Maryland. Run the table in the Atlantic and the Eagles are Tampa bound. While we could be favored in every one of those 4 games and could win all 4 of those games, I think we will get tripped up in one of those games. The key is which game will it be? I'm going to predict that we win both of our home games against reeling Clemson and Maryland, beat the Noles in Doak Campbell but fall to Wake Forest in Winston-Salem. Wake has had our number at home the last 4 years. Still, if the Eagles go 4-1 in their remaining 5 ACC games, we project Wake Forest to lose 2 other games and finish 1 loss behind BC.
Virginia (4-3, 2-1)
Jeff: Virginia controls their own destiny in the ACC Coastal. The Cavalier's lone ACC loss came to Duke but that will not be a factor in any potential Coastal Division tiebreakers. Virginia still has road games at Georgia Tech, Wake Forest and Virginia Tech with two home games against Miami and Clemson in there so the schedule is not even close to easy but controlling your own destiny at this point in the season is important. I predict Virginia loses to Georgia Tech this weekend and therefore sits home and looks for help from other teams the rest of the way but I still see them winning 3 of their last 5 conference games and having a nice season finishing 5-3 in the ACC, but a poor 7-5 record overall.
Brian's Food Chain
1. Orange Bowl - Boston College - please, please, please let this be the year ... we either avenge our home loss to Georgia Tech or beat Virginia Tech more decisively than we did last week
2. Chick-Fil-A Bowl nee Peach Bowl - Virginia Tech - The Hokies finish 6-2 or 5-3, finish 1 game behind everyone else in the ACC and given the Hokies travel rep, this is a no-brainer
3. Gator Bowl - Georgia Tech
4. Champs Sports Bowl - Florida State - Florida bowl, Florida team ... a short 4 hour drive down I-75 for the Noles
5. Meineke Car Care Bowl - Wake Forest - Carolina bowl, Carolina team
6. Music City Bowl - Maryland
7. Emerald Bowl - North Carolina - Butch Davis has this team going in the right direction, and that starts with a bowl appearance in his 2nd year
8. Humanitarian Bowl - Virginia - Al Groh saves his job?
9. Eagle Bank Bowl - Miami (FL) - Miami just happy to get to 6 wins and bowling, this bowl really wants Maryland against Navy, but I just don't think the Terps will fall this far.
Jeff's Food Chain
1. Orange Bowl - the winner of Georgia Tech vs. Boston College
2. Chick-Fil-A Bowl - Florida State
3. Gator Bowl - Virginia Tech
4. Champs Sports Bowl - the loser of Georgia Tech vs. Boston College
5. Meineke Car Care Bowl - North Carolina
6. Music City Bowl - Maryland
7. Emerald Bowl - Virginia
8. Humanitarian Bowl - Wake Forest - I think Wake's season is headed downhill fast.
9. Eagle Bank Bowl - Miami (FL)
There is our list. Leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Food Chain: Midseason ACC Bowl Projections
We consider these 10 ACC teams and list where we think each of these teams is going when bowling season comes around. (Here is where we thought these teams were going bowling before the season began). Of course, no bowl projection would be complete without us telling you how we think the rest of the ACC season is going to play out ...
Clemson (3-4, 1-3)
Brian: Hard to believe the presumptive preseason ACC champion will not go bowling this year, but that's exactly what is going to happen. Since Clemson went ahead and scheduled two I-AA teams on their schedule this year, only one of those wins counts towards bowl eligibility. As a result, the Tigers need to win 4 of their last 5 games to become bowl eligible (pushing their overall record to 7-5). With road trips to Boston College, Florida State and Virginia, and a home ACC game against Duke, Clemson could knock off a few of these teams, but it's highly unlikely that they will win out the rest of their ACC schedule. Even in-state rival South Carolina is going to give the Tigers all they have at the end of the season. Our bold prediction: The Tigers finish 6-6 (4-4) but only 5 of those wins count towards bowl eligibility and Clemson is golfing come December.
Miami (FL) (4-3, 1-2)
Jeff: Miami needs two more wins to become bowl eligible and there first chance to get one of those is this weekend when they host Wake Forest. The Canes are favored in that game. There next most likely chance is when they travel to NC State at the end of the season. Other games include Virginia Tech, @ Georgia Tech and @ Virginia. Given the schedule, 7-5 is the best I can see Miami finishing, but most likely 6-6.
Florida State (5-1, 2-1)
Brian: I am projecting the Seminoles to only win 3 of their remaining 6 games (and 3 of their remaining 5 ACC games). Their toughest slate of games is ahead of them - with road trips to Georgia Tech and Maryland, and home games against Virginia Tech, Boston College and Clemson. I'll say they beat Virginia Tech this weekend, beat Clemson at home and split their remaining road trips to Atlanta/College Park. That will leave the Seminoles at 5-3 in the ACC and needing help to punch their ticket to Tampa.
Georgia Tech (6-1, 3-1)
Jeff: Virginia Tech is just thrilled that they were able to come away with a win against the Yellow Jackets earlier this year. No one wants to play Georgia Tech anymore. They still need Virginia Tech to drop one more game so that Georgia Tech can control their ACC destiny, but that is very likely to happen as Brian predicts a Virginia Tech loss again this weekend (see below). Paul Johnson's crew still has Virginia, North Carolina, Florida State and Miami in the ACC. Not to mention their big rivalry game against Georgia at the end of the year. They have a very good chance to go to Tampa but will drop at least one more game this year.
Virginia Tech (5-2, 2-1)
Brian: Can Virginia Tech find it's legs on offense? Given the 9 points the Hokie offense generated in Chestnut Hill last weekend, suddenly the preseason darling of the Coastal Division's remaining ACC schedule looks that more daunting. Virginia Tech's remaining 5 games - all ACC games - are two road trips to Florida (FSU and Miami) and home games against Maryland, Duke and Virginia. I am hard-pressed to find more than 3 wins in the Hokies remaining 5 games. FSU, Maryland and Virginia are all playing good football, and Virginia Tech v. Miami is always a hard fought, close battle. To me, it's a coin flip for the Hokies finishing either 5-3 or 6-2 in the ACC this year.
Maryland (4-2, 2-1)
Jeff: Maryland's next big game is when they head to Blacksburg the first Thursday in November. Through attrition, the Terps will probably have inched into the Top 25 by then but I fully expect a loss in that game. After that they host North Carolina and Florida State before heading to Chestnut Hill. Maryland is likely to drop one of two there and be 4-3 in conference heading to Chestnut Hill. At 5-3, they might still have a shot at heading to Tamps this year so the game in Chestnut Hill may very well be for the right to represent the Atlantic Division in the ACC Championship game.
Wake Forest (4-2, 2-1)
Brian: The red flags for Wake Forest had to go up after their home loss to Navy. Much has been written about Wake Forest's talented, experienced offense, but suddenly they can't move the football. The Deacons have 1 touchdown in their first three ACC games! The rest of the ACC games might appear winnable at first glance, but there are a few traps on the schedule, starting this Saturday in Miami where Wake is currently a 3 point underdog. We can see Wake slipping up against a suddenly resurgent Virginia as well. The rest of the games are Duke and Boston College at home, and North Carolina State on the road. I'm going to predict Wake goes 5-3 but stays home for this year's ACC Championship Game. Their offensive struggles over their first three games in a decidedly defensive league are too much to overlook to pencil them in to Tampa.
North Carolina (5-2, 1-2)
Jeff: The Tar Heels have been bit by the injury bug as many teams have and unfortunately took a huge step back in the ACC by losing to Virginia last week. This is only their second loss but since those losses came to Virginia and Virginia Tech it basically eliminates them from Coastal Division contention. One more (which will hopefully come Saturday) will eliminate them from contention for sure. North Carolina's next three games are Boston College, Georgia Tech and Maryland so there is certainly a chance they go 0-3 in that stretch before having their Tobacco Road rivalry games to finish the season.
Boston College (5-1, 2-1)
Brian: It's a 4 game season for BC now. While a win in Chapel Hill will help BC in the polls and the BCS standings (currently on the outside looking in ...), it doesn't mean anything to the Atlantic Division race now since everyone in the Atlantic has at least 1 league loss through 3 games. The games that matter are the Eagles road trips to Tallahassee and Winston-Salem, and our home games against Clemson and Maryland. Run the table in the Atlantic and the Eagles are Tampa bound. While we could be favored in every one of those 4 games and could win all 4 of those games, I think we will get tripped up in one of those games. The key is which game will it be? I'm going to predict that we win both of our home games against reeling Clemson and Maryland, beat the Noles in Doak Campbell but fall to Wake Forest in Winston-Salem. Wake has had our number at home the last 4 years. Still, if the Eagles go 4-1 in their remaining 5 ACC games, we project Wake Forest to lose 2 other games and finish 1 loss behind BC.
Virginia (4-3, 2-1)
Jeff: Virginia controls their own destiny in the ACC Coastal. The Cavalier's lone ACC loss came to Duke but that will not be a factor in any potential Coastal Division tiebreakers. Virginia still has road games at Georgia Tech, Wake Forest and Virginia Tech with two home games against Miami and Clemson in there so the schedule is not even close to easy but controlling your own destiny at this point in the season is important. I predict Virginia loses to Georgia Tech this weekend and therefore sits home and looks for help from other teams the rest of the way but I still see them winning 3 of their last 5 conference games and having a nice season finishing 5-3 in the ACC, but a poor 7-5 record overall.
Brian's Food Chain
1. Orange Bowl - Boston College - please, please, please let this be the year ... we either avenge our home loss to Georgia Tech or beat Virginia Tech more decisively than we did last week
2. Chick-Fil-A Bowl nee Peach Bowl - Virginia Tech - The Hokies finish 6-2 or 5-3, finish 1 game behind everyone else in the ACC and given the Hokies travel rep, this is a no-brainer
3. Gator Bowl - Georgia Tech
4. Champs Sports Bowl - Florida State - Florida bowl, Florida team ... a short 4 hour drive down I-75 for the Noles
5. Meineke Car Care Bowl - Wake Forest - Carolina bowl, Carolina team
6. Music City Bowl - Maryland
7. Emerald Bowl - North Carolina - Butch Davis has this team going in the right direction, and that starts with a bowl appearance in his 2nd year
8. Humanitarian Bowl - Virginia - Al Groh saves his job?
9. Eagle Bank Bowl - Miami (FL) - Miami just happy to get to 6 wins and bowling, this bowl really wants Maryland against Navy, but I just don't think the Terps will fall this far.
Jeff's Food Chain
1. Orange Bowl - the winner of Georgia Tech vs. Boston College
2. Chick-Fil-A Bowl - Florida State
3. Gator Bowl - Virginia Tech
4. Champs Sports Bowl - the loser of Georgia Tech vs. Boston College
5. Meineke Car Care Bowl - North Carolina
6. Music City Bowl - Maryland
7. Emerald Bowl - Virginia
8. Humanitarian Bowl - Wake Forest - I think Wake's season is headed downhill fast.
9. Eagle Bank Bowl - Miami (FL)
There is our list. Leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Food Chain: O'Brien Era Accomplishments
Jeff: Instead of attempting to guess the final score of Saturday's game, or rip Tom O'Brien for all those WTF losses … let's play a little food chain and remember TOB's greatest accomplishments.
Brian: (bites his tongue)
Food Chain: The Five Greatest Accomplishments of the Tom O'Brien Era
We consider the following 8 accomplishments of the TOB Era (1996-2006) and ask you to weigh in on the best accomplishment of them all.
BC beats Georgia in 2001 Music City bowl
The Eagles went into Nashville and upset then ranked #16 Georgia 20-16. The win got the Eagles to 8-4 for the 2001 season and broke a 21 game losing streak against ranked opponents. The opportunistic Eagles capitalized on four Bulldog turnovers as William Green rushed for 149 yards on 35 carries for two touchdowns.
Boston College goes to Notre Dame and beats the then undefeated Irish in 2002
Almost any of the Boston College wins over Notre Dame could have made this list, but this one was the biggest statement win of the entire O'Brien era. BC limped into this game at 4-3 (0-3 Big East) but somehow did just enough to beat the 8-0 Irish in South Bend. The loss ended the Irish's BCS title game hopes and turned around the Eagles season, as they finished the year 4-1 to push their record to 9-4.
Recruiting Matt Ryan
Arguably no player has had a bigger impact on Boston College football in the last twenty years than Matt Ryan. Ryan did it all – 27-10 as a starter, 9,313 yards passing, 56 touchdowns with over half of them coming in his senior year. It's just a shame he didn't get a shot at starting sooner in his career.
BC beats #12 Virginia Tech to get first road win against a top 25 team in conference under O'Brien in 2003
Boston College said farewell to the Hokies for a year by knocking off the 12th ranked Virginia Tech squad 34-27 in Lane Stadium. Paul Peterson hit Grant Adams for the winning touchdown with 4:40 left in the fourth quarter. With the win, Derrick Knight rushed for 197 yards and became the Eagles all-time leading rusher. The Eagles would win their bowl game to push their final season record to 8-5.
Continuing to graduate players
Boston College's lastest football APR (academic progress rate) continues to rank within the 80th-90th percentile in the sport. The multiyear score of 972 includes the 2003 through 2007 academic seasons, and is well above the average for both public institutions (925) and private institutions (958). BC may have had one too many WTF losses under O'Brien, but O'Brien's discipline helped the school graduate their players and do things the right way.
Embracing O Line U
O'Brien did a great job of continuing the O Line U legacy at Boston College. Big offensive linemen thrived in the O'Brien offense and no one realized the benefits of our impressive offensive lines than our running backs and quarterbacks. Of the 22 Eagles currently in the NFL, 11 of them are on the offensive line.
Opening Up The Midwest Recruiting Pipeline
Even though Eagles fans lament the annual game against a crummy MAC team, these games served their purpose of exposing Boston College to the Midwest recruiting pipeline, specifically in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. O'Brien, a product of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, did a good job of opening up this recruiting pipeline to compensate for the lack of high-quality recruits in New England. Nick Larkin, James Marten, Clif Ramsey, Matt Tennant, DeJuan Tribble, Jeremy Trueblood, Mathias Kiwanuka are all products of Ohio or Indiana.
Boston College beats Clemson in back-to-back overtime games
The first – a 16-13 overtime win – in Death Valley was the first ACC victory for O'Brien. The Eagles lead by backup Matt Ryan jumped out to a 10-0 lead but didn't score in the second half. Brian Toal punched it in from the 1 yard line to give the Eagles the victory, a game Jeff and I attended. The second was a 34-33 double overtime victory at the Heights decided by a blocked extra point. Jeff Smith provided the Eagles highlight reel footage with a 96 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
O'Brien gets BC to 8 straight Bowl Games
In 1999 he took BC to the Insight.com bowl where the team got blown out. After that he won six. Finally he got BC to the Car Care Bowl before quitting. Coach Spaz filled in for TOB and Steve Aponovicious kicked a last minute field goal to get us a victory over Navy.
Brian's Food Chain
5. 2001 Music City Bowl victory – Eagles ruin Mark Richt's first season with a big bowl win
4. Continuing to graduate players – we needed this not only for the positive reputation it gave the program and the school, but also to distance the program from the gambling scandal
3. BC beats #12 Virginia Tech on the road – This may have been the most surprising win of the O'Brien era
2. Recruiting Matt Ryan – led the Eagles to their first 11 win season since 1940 and highest mid-season ranking in the AP poll (#2)
1. Boston College 14, Notre Dame 7 – it certainly didn't matter as much as a conference game, but this was a statement win and the most satisfying for Eagles fans
Jeff's Food Chain
5. Recruiting Matt Ryan - This could be #1 but he later effed things up by not starting him sooner.
4. BC beats Georgia in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl - People like Lou Holtz need to remember this as one of our victories when they talk about BC having the longest bowl winning streak in the nation.
3. BC beats Virginia Tech on the road - before this happened it seemed like we would never get over the hump. TOB never beat Miami but at least he got the Hokies
2. Boston College over Notre Dame in 2002. Maybe the most excited I've ever been at a game.
1. Taking Boston College to 8 straight bowl games. TOB will ultimately do something similar at North Carolina State. No BCS games, but probably several Meineke Car Care Bowls ...
That's it. That's the list. Try to remember the good times and leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Brian: (bites his tongue)
Food Chain: The Five Greatest Accomplishments of the Tom O'Brien Era
We consider the following 8 accomplishments of the TOB Era (1996-2006) and ask you to weigh in on the best accomplishment of them all.
BC beats Georgia in 2001 Music City bowl
The Eagles went into Nashville and upset then ranked #16 Georgia 20-16. The win got the Eagles to 8-4 for the 2001 season and broke a 21 game losing streak against ranked opponents. The opportunistic Eagles capitalized on four Bulldog turnovers as William Green rushed for 149 yards on 35 carries for two touchdowns.
Boston College goes to Notre Dame and beats the then undefeated Irish in 2002
Almost any of the Boston College wins over Notre Dame could have made this list, but this one was the biggest statement win of the entire O'Brien era. BC limped into this game at 4-3 (0-3 Big East) but somehow did just enough to beat the 8-0 Irish in South Bend. The loss ended the Irish's BCS title game hopes and turned around the Eagles season, as they finished the year 4-1 to push their record to 9-4.
Recruiting Matt Ryan
Arguably no player has had a bigger impact on Boston College football in the last twenty years than Matt Ryan. Ryan did it all – 27-10 as a starter, 9,313 yards passing, 56 touchdowns with over half of them coming in his senior year. It's just a shame he didn't get a shot at starting sooner in his career.
BC beats #12 Virginia Tech to get first road win against a top 25 team in conference under O'Brien in 2003
Boston College said farewell to the Hokies for a year by knocking off the 12th ranked Virginia Tech squad 34-27 in Lane Stadium. Paul Peterson hit Grant Adams for the winning touchdown with 4:40 left in the fourth quarter. With the win, Derrick Knight rushed for 197 yards and became the Eagles all-time leading rusher. The Eagles would win their bowl game to push their final season record to 8-5.
Continuing to graduate players
Boston College's lastest football APR (academic progress rate) continues to rank within the 80th-90th percentile in the sport. The multiyear score of 972 includes the 2003 through 2007 academic seasons, and is well above the average for both public institutions (925) and private institutions (958). BC may have had one too many WTF losses under O'Brien, but O'Brien's discipline helped the school graduate their players and do things the right way.
Embracing O Line U
O'Brien did a great job of continuing the O Line U legacy at Boston College. Big offensive linemen thrived in the O'Brien offense and no one realized the benefits of our impressive offensive lines than our running backs and quarterbacks. Of the 22 Eagles currently in the NFL, 11 of them are on the offensive line.
Opening Up The Midwest Recruiting Pipeline
Even though Eagles fans lament the annual game against a crummy MAC team, these games served their purpose of exposing Boston College to the Midwest recruiting pipeline, specifically in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. O'Brien, a product of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, did a good job of opening up this recruiting pipeline to compensate for the lack of high-quality recruits in New England. Nick Larkin, James Marten, Clif Ramsey, Matt Tennant, DeJuan Tribble, Jeremy Trueblood, Mathias Kiwanuka are all products of Ohio or Indiana.
Boston College beats Clemson in back-to-back overtime games
The first – a 16-13 overtime win – in Death Valley was the first ACC victory for O'Brien. The Eagles lead by backup Matt Ryan jumped out to a 10-0 lead but didn't score in the second half. Brian Toal punched it in from the 1 yard line to give the Eagles the victory, a game Jeff and I attended. The second was a 34-33 double overtime victory at the Heights decided by a blocked extra point. Jeff Smith provided the Eagles highlight reel footage with a 96 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
O'Brien gets BC to 8 straight Bowl Games
In 1999 he took BC to the Insight.com bowl where the team got blown out. After that he won six. Finally he got BC to the Car Care Bowl before quitting. Coach Spaz filled in for TOB and Steve Aponovicious kicked a last minute field goal to get us a victory over Navy.
Brian's Food Chain
5. 2001 Music City Bowl victory – Eagles ruin Mark Richt's first season with a big bowl win
4. Continuing to graduate players – we needed this not only for the positive reputation it gave the program and the school, but also to distance the program from the gambling scandal
3. BC beats #12 Virginia Tech on the road – This may have been the most surprising win of the O'Brien era
2. Recruiting Matt Ryan – led the Eagles to their first 11 win season since 1940 and highest mid-season ranking in the AP poll (#2)
1. Boston College 14, Notre Dame 7 – it certainly didn't matter as much as a conference game, but this was a statement win and the most satisfying for Eagles fans
Jeff's Food Chain
5. Recruiting Matt Ryan - This could be #1 but he later effed things up by not starting him sooner.
4. BC beats Georgia in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl - People like Lou Holtz need to remember this as one of our victories when they talk about BC having the longest bowl winning streak in the nation.
3. BC beats Virginia Tech on the road - before this happened it seemed like we would never get over the hump. TOB never beat Miami but at least he got the Hokies
2. Boston College over Notre Dame in 2002. Maybe the most excited I've ever been at a game.
1. Taking Boston College to 8 straight bowl games. TOB will ultimately do something similar at North Carolina State. No BCS games, but probably several Meineke Car Care Bowls ...
That's it. That's the list. Try to remember the good times and leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Food Chain: Worst Soul-Crushing, Gut-Wrenching Eagle Losses
Brian: Saturday's loss to Georgia Tech was very disappointing and frustrating in terms of Jeff and my expectations for the team in 2008. But does it rank anywhere close in terms of the all-time soul crushing, "make you want to go back to grad school so you can cheer for a real football team" Eagle football losses? Jeff and I explore. You find more ... Chinqui!
Food Chain: Top Five Most Soul-Crushing Eagle Football Losses (since a certain two kids moved into Duchesne West 8 years ago)
We consider the following 8 soul-sucking, heart-wrenching defeats and ask you, our readers, to weigh in on the most soul-sucking of them all.
WARNING: Some of these images may not be suitable for children ... or Eagles fans reading this post during your lunch hour. Parental discretion is advised.
November 10, 2001 - Chestnut Hill, MA
Brian: We start off the list of soul-crushing losses with maybe one of the most soul-crushing of all time (or at least, as long as Jeff and I have been following the Eagles). 13 seconds left, Eagles on the Hurricanes 9 yard line, Brian St. Pierre driving down field losing 12-7. St. Pierre throws to Ryan Read, the pass ricochets off of Ed Rumph's knee, Matt Walters intercepts the pass, begins to run the ball back, and Hurricane DB Ed Reed comes out of nowhere, strips the ball from Walters and runs it back 80 yards for the touchdown. Twelve point swing. Game over.
Final score: (1) Miami 18, Boston College 7
November 4, 2006 - Winston-Salem, NC
Jeff: It is the first Saturday in November and the Eagles control their ACC fate. All they needed to do was get a win over seemingly lowly Wake Forest. Wake had lost badly to Clemson earlier in the season who BC beat at home so victory was somewhat expected. BC could only put up 14 points though and Wake was onto Jacksonville where they beat Georgia Tech 9-6 in front of 11 fans. Those 11 fans would would later prove to be 2 more fans than saw the Hokies beat the Eagles last year.
Final score: (16) Boston College 14, (21) Wake Forest 21
November 4, 2007 - Chestnut Hill, MA
Brian: The Eagles could only hold off the 2007 #2 ranking curse for one week as the Seminoles come into Alumni Stadium and destroy the dream season. Even with a little over a minute to go and the Eagles down 20-17, no one in the stands really thought the Eagles were going to lose. We had become spoiled by Matt Ryan's late game heroics 10 days earlier in Blacksburg. The Eagles were riding high ... 8-0, #2 ranking in the country ... and then Geno Hayes returns a Matt Ryan interception for a touchdown with 1:10 to go. Seminoles 27, Eagles 17, and any hope of a BCS National Title game appearance and the first undefeated season since 1940 was lost in the cold, rainy night.
Final score: Florida State 27, (2) Boston College 17
November 27, 2004 - Chestnut Hill, MA
Jeff: The Eagles wrap up their lame duck Big East season with a home game against Syracuse which they need to win to go to a BCS game as the Big Least champions. An easy victory was expected but the Eagles just stunk it up from the opening kickoff and Syracuse ran up and down the field. Pittsburgh won the three way tie on top of the Big East and headed to the Fiesta Bowl where they got thumped by Utah. I had hotel reservations in Phoenix but cancelled them at halftime.
Final score: Syracuse 43, (19) Boston College 17
November 10, 2007 - College Park, MD
Brian: The week before, the undefeated season ends. This week, a birth in the Eagles first ACC Championship game becomes suspect. The Eagles secondary gets lit up as a bad Maryland team gained 472 yards and 5 touchdowns en route to a 42-35 rout of the Eagles. The final score wasn't really indicative of how close the game was. The usually reliable BC run defense allowed 135 yards even without Maryland's leading rusher. The Terrapin faithful rushed the field, which I could barely make out from the third tier of the upper deck. I return home crushed. Two weeks before the Eagles were ranked #2 in the country. The following week the Eagles would be #17 and playing for the division crown against Clemson in Death Valley.
Final score: (8) Boston College 35, Maryland 42
November 5, 2005 - Chapel Hill, NC
Jeff: Brian gets to talk about all of the games against ranked opponents and I get to talk about all of the games against shit opponents. In 2005, our first year in the ACC, the Eagles headed to Chapel Hill 10 months after handling the Tar Heels in the Continental Tire Bowl. Eagles fans expected an easy victory but UNC took the opening kickoff to the house for a quick 7. Eagles fans hardly even cared though because there was still 59 minutes and 42 seconds to make up the deficit. However, it was a long afternoon watching drives stall out and watching Tom O'Brien sending on the punt team on 4th and short over and over again. BC lost and it was because of this game that I was not disappointed when TOB left.
Final score: (19) Boston College 14, North Carolina 16
December 1, 2007 - Jacksonville, FL
Brian: Boston College dominated the first half, only to get Beamer balled and show up for the second half flat and uninspired. We made an average quarterback look great, and came up empty in our bid for our first BCS bowl appearance. The Eagles left points on the board in the first half and didn't show up for the second half in a 30-16 loss to the Hokies. To add insult to injury, the Eagles only brought ~5,000 fans to Jacksonville, we hear the same old song and dance about how poorly BC travels, and we get passed over by both the Peach Bowl and the Gator Bowl for a Champs Sports Bowl appearance against a Big Ten team who tied for 7th in their conference.
Final score: (6) Virginia Tech 30, (11) Boston College 16 (ACC Championship Game)
September 23, 2006 - Raleigh, NC
Jeff: The Eagles went down to North Carolina State two years ago expecting an easy victory and got anything but. The Eagles played a slow but controlled the game. Unfortunately they never put the game out of reach and one decent drive by the wolfpack was capped with a 35 yard TD pass with 8.5 seconds left. NC State went on to a pathetic 4-8 record while the Eagles were one win away from the ACC Championship Game.
Final score: (20) Boston College 15, North Carolina State 17
Brian's Food Chain
5. Florida State 28, (2) Boston College 17 - And the bottom falls out for the undefeated dream season
4. (16) Boston College 14, (21) Wake Forest 21 - A chance to go to our first ACC championship game dies in Winston-Salem
3. (6) Virginia Tech 30, (11) Boston College 16 - Got Beamer balled, were probably the better team, yet come up short on our BCS bid yet again
2. Syracuse 43, (19) Boston College 17 - With a trip to a BCS bowl on the line, BC wets the bed. The loss sends to Eagles to a 4-way tie for first in the Big East.
1. (1) Miami 18, Boston College 7 - Oh, what could have been? Only the greatest Eagle upset of all time. OK, maybe 1993 would have been a bit better, but still ... I've never seen a ball take a stranger bounce in all my years of watching college football.
Jeff's Food Chain
5. (20) Boston College 15, North Carolina State 17 - missed extra point and pratically a Hail mary at the end. Losing in prime time to a team that went on to stink all year, just awful
4. (16) Boston College 14, (21) Wake Forest 21
3. Syracuse 43, (19) Boston College 17 - We should've gone BCS bowling!! It was at home against Syracuse!!
2. ACC Championship Game 2007 - We had Matt Ryan and played well in the first half aside from a blocked extra point. I still don't know how we let this one get away. The second half seemed to fly by. Maybe I was just too drunk because they did serve drinks in the stadium
1. (1) Miami 18, Boston College 7 - I can still see the pass bounce off of Ryan Read's knee and into a UM lineman's hands. To add insult to injury Ed Reed takes it the distance. I can't imagine a more sick to my stomach feeling as a fan at a sporting event.
Leave your top 5 in the comments section below, or
Been at this Eagle football watching longer than we have? Leave your soul-crushing losses pre-Y2K in the comments section below.
Food Chain: Top Five Most Soul-Crushing Eagle Football Losses (since a certain two kids moved into Duchesne West 8 years ago)
We consider the following 8 soul-sucking, heart-wrenching defeats and ask you, our readers, to weigh in on the most soul-sucking of them all.
WARNING: Some of these images may not be suitable for children ... or Eagles fans reading this post during your lunch hour. Parental discretion is advised.
November 10, 2001 - Chestnut Hill, MA
Brian: We start off the list of soul-crushing losses with maybe one of the most soul-crushing of all time (or at least, as long as Jeff and I have been following the Eagles). 13 seconds left, Eagles on the Hurricanes 9 yard line, Brian St. Pierre driving down field losing 12-7. St. Pierre throws to Ryan Read, the pass ricochets off of Ed Rumph's knee, Matt Walters intercepts the pass, begins to run the ball back, and Hurricane DB Ed Reed comes out of nowhere, strips the ball from Walters and runs it back 80 yards for the touchdown. Twelve point swing. Game over.
Final score: (1) Miami 18, Boston College 7
November 4, 2006 - Winston-Salem, NC
Jeff: It is the first Saturday in November and the Eagles control their ACC fate. All they needed to do was get a win over seemingly lowly Wake Forest. Wake had lost badly to Clemson earlier in the season who BC beat at home so victory was somewhat expected. BC could only put up 14 points though and Wake was onto Jacksonville where they beat Georgia Tech 9-6 in front of 11 fans. Those 11 fans would would later prove to be 2 more fans than saw the Hokies beat the Eagles last year.
Final score: (16) Boston College 14, (21) Wake Forest 21
November 4, 2007 - Chestnut Hill, MA
Brian: The Eagles could only hold off the 2007 #2 ranking curse for one week as the Seminoles come into Alumni Stadium and destroy the dream season. Even with a little over a minute to go and the Eagles down 20-17, no one in the stands really thought the Eagles were going to lose. We had become spoiled by Matt Ryan's late game heroics 10 days earlier in Blacksburg. The Eagles were riding high ... 8-0, #2 ranking in the country ... and then Geno Hayes returns a Matt Ryan interception for a touchdown with 1:10 to go. Seminoles 27, Eagles 17, and any hope of a BCS National Title game appearance and the first undefeated season since 1940 was lost in the cold, rainy night.
Final score: Florida State 27, (2) Boston College 17
November 27, 2004 - Chestnut Hill, MA
Jeff: The Eagles wrap up their lame duck Big East season with a home game against Syracuse which they need to win to go to a BCS game as the Big Least champions. An easy victory was expected but the Eagles just stunk it up from the opening kickoff and Syracuse ran up and down the field. Pittsburgh won the three way tie on top of the Big East and headed to the Fiesta Bowl where they got thumped by Utah. I had hotel reservations in Phoenix but cancelled them at halftime.
Final score: Syracuse 43, (19) Boston College 17
November 10, 2007 - College Park, MD
Brian: The week before, the undefeated season ends. This week, a birth in the Eagles first ACC Championship game becomes suspect. The Eagles secondary gets lit up as a bad Maryland team gained 472 yards and 5 touchdowns en route to a 42-35 rout of the Eagles. The final score wasn't really indicative of how close the game was. The usually reliable BC run defense allowed 135 yards even without Maryland's leading rusher. The Terrapin faithful rushed the field, which I could barely make out from the third tier of the upper deck. I return home crushed. Two weeks before the Eagles were ranked #2 in the country. The following week the Eagles would be #17 and playing for the division crown against Clemson in Death Valley.
Final score: (8) Boston College 35, Maryland 42
November 5, 2005 - Chapel Hill, NC
Jeff: Brian gets to talk about all of the games against ranked opponents and I get to talk about all of the games against shit opponents. In 2005, our first year in the ACC, the Eagles headed to Chapel Hill 10 months after handling the Tar Heels in the Continental Tire Bowl. Eagles fans expected an easy victory but UNC took the opening kickoff to the house for a quick 7. Eagles fans hardly even cared though because there was still 59 minutes and 42 seconds to make up the deficit. However, it was a long afternoon watching drives stall out and watching Tom O'Brien sending on the punt team on 4th and short over and over again. BC lost and it was because of this game that I was not disappointed when TOB left.
Final score: (19) Boston College 14, North Carolina 16
December 1, 2007 - Jacksonville, FL
Brian: Boston College dominated the first half, only to get Beamer balled and show up for the second half flat and uninspired. We made an average quarterback look great, and came up empty in our bid for our first BCS bowl appearance. The Eagles left points on the board in the first half and didn't show up for the second half in a 30-16 loss to the Hokies. To add insult to injury, the Eagles only brought ~5,000 fans to Jacksonville, we hear the same old song and dance about how poorly BC travels, and we get passed over by both the Peach Bowl and the Gator Bowl for a Champs Sports Bowl appearance against a Big Ten team who tied for 7th in their conference.
Final score: (6) Virginia Tech 30, (11) Boston College 16 (ACC Championship Game)
September 23, 2006 - Raleigh, NC
Jeff: The Eagles went down to North Carolina State two years ago expecting an easy victory and got anything but. The Eagles played a slow but controlled the game. Unfortunately they never put the game out of reach and one decent drive by the wolfpack was capped with a 35 yard TD pass with 8.5 seconds left. NC State went on to a pathetic 4-8 record while the Eagles were one win away from the ACC Championship Game.
Final score: (20) Boston College 15, North Carolina State 17
Brian's Food Chain
5. Florida State 28, (2) Boston College 17 - And the bottom falls out for the undefeated dream season
4. (16) Boston College 14, (21) Wake Forest 21 - A chance to go to our first ACC championship game dies in Winston-Salem
3. (6) Virginia Tech 30, (11) Boston College 16 - Got Beamer balled, were probably the better team, yet come up short on our BCS bid yet again
2. Syracuse 43, (19) Boston College 17 - With a trip to a BCS bowl on the line, BC wets the bed. The loss sends to Eagles to a 4-way tie for first in the Big East.
1. (1) Miami 18, Boston College 7 - Oh, what could have been? Only the greatest Eagle upset of all time. OK, maybe 1993 would have been a bit better, but still ... I've never seen a ball take a stranger bounce in all my years of watching college football.
Jeff's Food Chain
5. (20) Boston College 15, North Carolina State 17 - missed extra point and pratically a Hail mary at the end. Losing in prime time to a team that went on to stink all year, just awful
4. (16) Boston College 14, (21) Wake Forest 21
3. Syracuse 43, (19) Boston College 17 - We should've gone BCS bowling!! It was at home against Syracuse!!
2. ACC Championship Game 2007 - We had Matt Ryan and played well in the first half aside from a blocked extra point. I still don't know how we let this one get away. The second half seemed to fly by. Maybe I was just too drunk because they did serve drinks in the stadium
1. (1) Miami 18, Boston College 7 - I can still see the pass bounce off of Ryan Read's knee and into a UM lineman's hands. To add insult to injury Ed Reed takes it the distance. I can't imagine a more sick to my stomach feeling as a fan at a sporting event.
Leave your top 5 in the comments section below, or
Been at this Eagle football watching longer than we have? Leave your soul-crushing losses pre-Y2K in the comments section below.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Food Chain: Most Intimidating Away Stadiums
Brian: We have just about passed the halfway mark between Memorial Day and Labor Day and the football coverage has slowly started to pick up. If you couldn't tell, the dog days of summer are tough times for us sports bloggers. We are forced to come up with cute little lists, polls and preseason predictions. One such list was that of EA's 25 toughest stadiums in college football which corresponded with yesterday's launch of EA's NCAA Football 09 (ahem, Matt Ryan on the cover of the PS3 version).
Largely, Heather Dinich's ACC blog on ESPN.com has had some great material, but this list of ACC's most intimidating stadiums, in response to EA's Top 25 toughest stadiums, was a little lacking and left us wanting more. This initial list made some ripples on the internets, and elicited this humorous response from the NC State blog State Fan Nation. Dinich must have gotten so much flame mail that she took it upon herself to rewrite her blog post, reranking the toughest ACC venues (BC moved from #8 to #9).
We decided to take this idea in a different direction. Today we consider which away stadiums that we've seen the Eagles play in are the most intimidating places to play in college football. Key word here is intimidating, people. Not best atmosphere, best tailgating, or most attractive co-eds. Off limits - neutral site games like the Diamond Walnut Bowl, Champs Sports Bowl or the ACC Championship. We consider the following 8 stadiums we have visited over the years in arriving at a top 5.
Food Chain: Most Intimidating Stadiums We've Attended
We consider the following 8 stadiums and ask you, our readers, to weigh in on the most intimidating stadium you've ever seen the Eagles play in.
Carrier Dome, Syracuse (50,000)
October 18, 2003 - Boston College 14, Syracuse 39
Brian: Setting aside the fact that Syracuse football has become a shell of the program it once was, the Carrier Dome was rocking during our senior fall. Boston College had just announced that they were leaving the Big East for the ACC and Syracuse let us hear about it. It certainly didn't help that we got kicked in the teeth in a 39-14 beat down. The dome is a very sterile environment but the dome roof amplifies the sound fairly well. Plus the Carrier Dome sold beer (not sure if they still do), so the students were more than rowdy during the game.
Kenan Stadium, North Carolina (60,000)
November 5, 2005 - Boston College 14, North Carolina 16
Jeff: Baby blue is so not manly that it almost has the Iowa pink locker room effect which makes you forget that you are at a football game and you just want to scan the student section for co-eds. It makes for a very non-VT like home field advantage.
Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame (80,795)
November 2, 2002 - Boston College 14, Notre Dame 7
October 23, 2004 - Boston College 24, Notre Dame 23
Brian: I was unable to make the undergraduate rite of passage and make the road trip to South Bend while attending BC, so I picked up and made the road trip fresh out of undergrad two years later. While I don't find Touchdown Jesus that intimidating, the 80,000+ here can get pretty loud. The wooden-bench seats and the bowl shaped stadium help amplify the crowd noise.
Memorial Stadium, Clemson (80,301)
September 24, 2005 - Boston College 16, Clemson 13 (OT)
November 17, 2007 - Boston College 20, Clemson 17
Jeff: For those of you that have yet to make this trip, you got a taste of it when Clemson fans came in large numbers to Alumni two seasons ago and cheered often and loud, wore all orange, and took over all of the Cleveland Circle bars. When you go to Memorial Stadium, just multiply the number of people wearing orange by 10 and the volume as well. Be careful if you go to a day game in September though, just ask Brian about the dehydration he suffered from in 2005 after drinking too many Bud Lights and not enough Gatorade. And oh by the way, the team running down the hill which is the middle of the student section is truly the most exciting non-game moment in college football.
Byrd Stadium, Maryland (51,500)
November 10, 2007 - Boston College 35, Maryland 42
Brian: This stadium has an odd structure in that one side of the stadium has a triple-deck stand while the other side has a low bowl where most of the students are seated. A lot of the crowd noise is lost because of this structure. I couldn't honestly tell how intimidating this stadium can get because Maryland seats visiting fans in the upper right corner of the trip-deck stand.
Beaver Stadium, Penn State (107,282)
September 6, 2003 - Boston College 27, Penn State 14
Jeff: I was simply awe struck by the size of this monster stadium. In 2003 when BC last played there BC basically dominated the game so the true noise level potential of the stadium was not felt. However, we were given a few glimpes of the possibilities and I would love to go back in the future. A white out in Beaver Stadium would be a sight to see.
Lincoln Financial Field, Temple (68,532)
November 23, 2002 - Boston College 36, Temple 14
Brian: Psych. This might as well have been a neutral site game.
Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech (66,233)
November 22, 2003 - Boston College 34, Virginia Tech 27
October 27, 2005 - Boston College 10, Virginia Tech 30
October 25, 2007 - Boston College 14, Virginia Tech 10
Jeff: THE BEST STUDENT SECTION IN THE ACC. And when you have the best student section for day games, you can only imagine the night games. It will be a long time before I miss a BC game at Lane Stadium.
Brian: I don't think there is a more intimidating venue than Lane Stadium on a Thursday night. Last year, the rain and general dreary conditions blended in perfectly with a sea of Hokie maroon and orange. And I would argue that the Virginia Tech entrance to Metallica's Enter Sandman with 65,000+ delirious screaming students and fans rivals Clemson's "Running Down the Hill" as the best non-football event/tradition.
Brian's Food Chain
5. Carrier Dome, Syracuse - it's a shame Syracuse football has regressed over the last few years, but I'm excited to see the rivalry renewed again in a few seasons. The Carrier Dome can rock.
4. Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame - gotta give those Irish some props
3. Beaver Stadium, Penn State - has potential, but 21-0 BC after one quarter took the crowd out of the game pretty quickly
2. Memorial Stadium, Clemson - the best 25 seconds in college football, a sea of orange and C-L-E-M-S-O....N, this place gets loud
1. Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech - Enter Sandman and 65,000+ tightly packed, screaming Hokies make Lane one of the toughest stadiums in college football
Honorable mention: BC Interruption has yet to make it to Florida State's Doak Campbell Stadium. We're assuming that once we do, that will instantly crack the top 5. And we'll see how Carter-Finley stacks up to this list in a few months.
Jeff's Food Chain
5. Kenan Stadium, UNC - I need to attend more away games so this gets knocked off the list. So many BC alum and students make the trip to ND that ND becomes less intimidating.
4. Carrier Dome, Syracuse - The Dome makes such a huge difference in the noise level.
1. Memorial Stadium, Clemson - The atmosphere is AWESOME but the intimidation level only gets a tie for 1st.
1. Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech - I'll say it again... The best student section in the ACC and keep in mind their student section is at least 3x BC's.
1. Beaver Stadium, Penn State - 100,000+ is intimidation. I remember reading that our players were very nervous because of the size before the 2003 game.
Largely, Heather Dinich's ACC blog on ESPN.com has had some great material, but this list of ACC's most intimidating stadiums, in response to EA's Top 25 toughest stadiums, was a little lacking and left us wanting more. This initial list made some ripples on the internets, and elicited this humorous response from the NC State blog State Fan Nation. Dinich must have gotten so much flame mail that she took it upon herself to rewrite her blog post, reranking the toughest ACC venues (BC moved from #8 to #9).
We decided to take this idea in a different direction. Today we consider which away stadiums that we've seen the Eagles play in are the most intimidating places to play in college football. Key word here is intimidating, people. Not best atmosphere, best tailgating, or most attractive co-eds. Off limits - neutral site games like the Diamond Walnut Bowl, Champs Sports Bowl or the ACC Championship. We consider the following 8 stadiums we have visited over the years in arriving at a top 5.
Food Chain: Most Intimidating Stadiums We've Attended
We consider the following 8 stadiums and ask you, our readers, to weigh in on the most intimidating stadium you've ever seen the Eagles play in.
Carrier Dome, Syracuse (50,000)
October 18, 2003 - Boston College 14, Syracuse 39
Brian: Setting aside the fact that Syracuse football has become a shell of the program it once was, the Carrier Dome was rocking during our senior fall. Boston College had just announced that they were leaving the Big East for the ACC and Syracuse let us hear about it. It certainly didn't help that we got kicked in the teeth in a 39-14 beat down. The dome is a very sterile environment but the dome roof amplifies the sound fairly well. Plus the Carrier Dome sold beer (not sure if they still do), so the students were more than rowdy during the game.
Kenan Stadium, North Carolina (60,000)
November 5, 2005 - Boston College 14, North Carolina 16
Jeff: Baby blue is so not manly that it almost has the Iowa pink locker room effect which makes you forget that you are at a football game and you just want to scan the student section for co-eds. It makes for a very non-VT like home field advantage.
Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame (80,795)
November 2, 2002 - Boston College 14, Notre Dame 7
October 23, 2004 - Boston College 24, Notre Dame 23
Brian: I was unable to make the undergraduate rite of passage and make the road trip to South Bend while attending BC, so I picked up and made the road trip fresh out of undergrad two years later. While I don't find Touchdown Jesus that intimidating, the 80,000+ here can get pretty loud. The wooden-bench seats and the bowl shaped stadium help amplify the crowd noise.
Memorial Stadium, Clemson (80,301)
September 24, 2005 - Boston College 16, Clemson 13 (OT)
November 17, 2007 - Boston College 20, Clemson 17
Jeff: For those of you that have yet to make this trip, you got a taste of it when Clemson fans came in large numbers to Alumni two seasons ago and cheered often and loud, wore all orange, and took over all of the Cleveland Circle bars. When you go to Memorial Stadium, just multiply the number of people wearing orange by 10 and the volume as well. Be careful if you go to a day game in September though, just ask Brian about the dehydration he suffered from in 2005 after drinking too many Bud Lights and not enough Gatorade. And oh by the way, the team running down the hill which is the middle of the student section is truly the most exciting non-game moment in college football.
Byrd Stadium, Maryland (51,500)
November 10, 2007 - Boston College 35, Maryland 42
Brian: This stadium has an odd structure in that one side of the stadium has a triple-deck stand while the other side has a low bowl where most of the students are seated. A lot of the crowd noise is lost because of this structure. I couldn't honestly tell how intimidating this stadium can get because Maryland seats visiting fans in the upper right corner of the trip-deck stand.
Beaver Stadium, Penn State (107,282)
September 6, 2003 - Boston College 27, Penn State 14
Jeff: I was simply awe struck by the size of this monster stadium. In 2003 when BC last played there BC basically dominated the game so the true noise level potential of the stadium was not felt. However, we were given a few glimpes of the possibilities and I would love to go back in the future. A white out in Beaver Stadium would be a sight to see.
Lincoln Financial Field, Temple (68,532)
November 23, 2002 - Boston College 36, Temple 14
Brian: Psych. This might as well have been a neutral site game.
Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech (66,233)
November 22, 2003 - Boston College 34, Virginia Tech 27
October 27, 2005 - Boston College 10, Virginia Tech 30
October 25, 2007 - Boston College 14, Virginia Tech 10
Jeff: THE BEST STUDENT SECTION IN THE ACC. And when you have the best student section for day games, you can only imagine the night games. It will be a long time before I miss a BC game at Lane Stadium.
Brian: I don't think there is a more intimidating venue than Lane Stadium on a Thursday night. Last year, the rain and general dreary conditions blended in perfectly with a sea of Hokie maroon and orange. And I would argue that the Virginia Tech entrance to Metallica's Enter Sandman with 65,000+ delirious screaming students and fans rivals Clemson's "Running Down the Hill" as the best non-football event/tradition.
Brian's Food Chain
5. Carrier Dome, Syracuse - it's a shame Syracuse football has regressed over the last few years, but I'm excited to see the rivalry renewed again in a few seasons. The Carrier Dome can rock.
4. Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame - gotta give those Irish some props
3. Beaver Stadium, Penn State - has potential, but 21-0 BC after one quarter took the crowd out of the game pretty quickly
2. Memorial Stadium, Clemson - the best 25 seconds in college football, a sea of orange and C-L-E-M-S-O....N, this place gets loud
1. Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech - Enter Sandman and 65,000+ tightly packed, screaming Hokies make Lane one of the toughest stadiums in college football
Honorable mention: BC Interruption has yet to make it to Florida State's Doak Campbell Stadium. We're assuming that once we do, that will instantly crack the top 5. And we'll see how Carter-Finley stacks up to this list in a few months.
Jeff's Food Chain
5. Kenan Stadium, UNC - I need to attend more away games so this gets knocked off the list. So many BC alum and students make the trip to ND that ND becomes less intimidating.
4. Carrier Dome, Syracuse - The Dome makes such a huge difference in the noise level.
1. Memorial Stadium, Clemson - The atmosphere is AWESOME but the intimidation level only gets a tie for 1st.
1. Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech - I'll say it again... The best student section in the ACC and keep in mind their student section is at least 3x BC's.
1. Beaver Stadium, Penn State - 100,000+ is intimidation. I remember reading that our players were very nervous because of the size before the 2003 game.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Write-In Hater Vote: The Bonnies?
Justin: I am going to throw out a surprise write-in vote for the Haters Food Chain: St. Bonaventure.
Brian: What??
Justin: I have been going to the same dentist my whole life and he is an alum. For the last 9 years, all he does while drilling into my teeth is talk all kinds of crap about how BC sucks and we are overrated.
Brian: What??
Justin: I have been going to the same dentist my whole life and he is an alum. For the last 9 years, all he does while drilling into my teeth is talk all kinds of crap about how BC sucks and we are overrated.
"The Bonnies are taking you down this year man! They are taking you down! The Eagle is not going to be flying on the court!"(6 months later)
"That was such luck in February! We never get calls in Conte! Wait until you see this point guard recruit we got coming in from JUCO! He has NBA range!"(6 more months)
"Down year for the Big East! A-10 is the new East Coast power conference in hoops! The tide is turning!"
I don't have time to go into his dissertation after we left for the ACC (during a root canal!), but this guy is truly, TRULY convinced that the Bonnies are one of our chief rivals. Maybe that doesn't make them Top 5, but I see them squeaking in as an Honorable Mention.
Andy: Sounds like you have to find a new dentist.
Brian: What's your dentist saying these days? St. Bonaventure managed to finish even worse than Boston College this year in men's hoops. 8-22. Ouch.
Andy: Sounds like you have to find a new dentist.
Brian: What's your dentist saying these days? St. Bonaventure managed to finish even worse than Boston College this year in men's hoops. 8-22. Ouch.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Food Chain: Haters
In hopes of starting an interweb flame-fest between the schools that hate us, this week's food chain:
Top 5 non-ACC schools who drink haterade on Boston College
I'm sure these schools have nothing against Boston College personally, but sometimes college athletics seem to bring out the best (worst?) in a small minority of fans. Let us evaluate the merits of each of these school's fan bases to determine the pecking order of most hateful. For this exercise, we have brought in BC Interruption fill-ins Andy and Christian and newcomers to the program Raj and Justin.
Connecticut (UConn)
Brian: First, they don't want to have anything to do with us, try to sue the pants off us, then they are practically begging us to play them in football. Lots of BC fans have a bitter taste left from playing at UConn in football in 2003. And they must really hate us if Jeff is advocating for us beating them down in football yearly.
Jeff: Uconn is a school with great basketball tradition whose students and fans have a mindset that BC cannot compete with them on the court. In football though they are a relatively new program but their arrogant fans expect their team to start being a perrenial top 25 team and routinely finish ahead of BC in the polls. Oh, and yeah, every Big East team hates BC for leaving the conference. They don't hate Miami or Va Tech because they dominated football, only BC.
West Virginia
Andy: Apparently they don't like us?!
Christian: Dude, I can't tell if that's a rip on us or Ben Affleck. Either way, neither should be made fun of. "Affleck was the BOMB in Phantoms, yo!"
Justin: PHENOMENAL movie quote. "What the F is the internet?"
Holy Cross
Raj: What was once a basketball powerhouse has now taken a backseat to every school in Massachusetts. The religious affiliation takes it to a higher level. Although I would say we are heads and shoulders above them, our basketball games can be considered instant classics. And I'm not trying to start anything but Uka Agbai's mysterious neck injury came at Holy Cross. Only true haters hurt Uka Agbai.
Brian: Two words. Sports. Guy. Get over it. Dude's been taking pot shots at BC for years.
Rutgers
Jeff: Rutgers and BC don't have a lot in common re: athletics and academics and Rutgers students are in denial about that. They are another extremely bitter Big East school but that will fade over time. If we don't start playing Rutgers in something soon, BC will be forgotten about in the minds of the Rutgers fan base.
Raj: Their AD was the one who led the case against BC leaving the Big East. I think the cause of action was being better in every sport including men's soccer.
Boston University
Raj: I threw this in for the simple fact they are the only other Boston school that matters in hockey and drinking. They hate on BC because we are the closest school to them. Fiercest rivalry in hockey, again, stemming from the proximity.
Andy: Raj's reason's are spot on. Proximity. Our girls are better looking. They wish they had a Dust Bowl.
Christian: Two words. "Safety school." OK, two more words. "BC rejects." They're bitter. Enough said.
Syracuse
Raj: Quality school but just need the hate. We hate on them and as a result its retaliation. They ruined our final years in Big East football and enjoyed doing so. Their basketball program is annoying and I think we really pissed them off storming the court after we beat them freshman year. I'm just saying.
Brian: I don't know if Syracuse would be on my list anymore, if only because they've made their football program irrelevant in past years. Other than upsetting Louisville and exposing one of the most overrated programs of the last decade. Brian Brohm can't hold Matty Ice's jock. I'm just saying.
Jeff: Every Syracuse fan I've come across says that they had the opportunity to move to the ACC but turned it down and then BC got invited instead. False.
Providence
Andy: More BC rejects than any other school.
Brian: Ouch. Real reasons: the only fellow Big East conference member who also is a member of Hockey East. We have a great rivalry with PC in both hockey and basketball. Providence is a similar school to BC with a religious affiliation and we are practically in each other's backyards.
Notre Dame
Andy: Their students insist there is no rivalry. Denial is a dangerous thing. BC undefeated since a certain group of Eagles moved into Duchesne West. Fans hate us because they show no respect.
Jeff: Notre Dame fans have been denying that there is a rivalry for years and years and its sad. Finally they are starting to come around because of our recent dominance in the football series but there are still too many doubters out there. The hottest ticket at BC this season will be the Notre Dame game and when thousands of BC students make the trek to Sound Bend for the game it has the perfect makings of a rivalry. Not to mention all the upsets BC has had over them in football and then Notre Dame handing BC their first basketball loss when the Eagles started the season 20-0.
Brian: The Irish love to hate. The rivalry was only strengthened by the NCAA men's ice hockey national championship.
Brian's Food Chain
5. Notre Dame - They have cute nicknames for us like "Backup College" and "Fredo." If there isn't a rivalry and no hate, why are you spending all this time coming up with nicknames for us?
4. West Virginia - the Mountaineers took pleasure in bouncing the #1 seeded Eagles from our last Big East men's bball tournament and take pleasure in making fun of Ben Affleck
3. Connecticut - UConn football aspires to the level of BC
2. Rutgers - we made them look pretty silly in football during our years in the Big East
1. Boston University - 2 NCAA Titles in 7 years, it must just eat them up inside. They can have the Beanpot
Jeff's Food Chain
5. West Virginia/Rutgers - the only other remaining football and basketball Big East schools
4. Connecticut - only a 2 hour drive between campuses
3. Syracuse - they wish they were in the ACC and a football series is starting up again soon
2. Boston University - the close proximity makes it a natural hatred
1. Notre Dame - you can even look up the BC-ND rivalry on Wikipedia. And there are many similarities between the schools as far as academics and size so many students apply to both out of high school
Leave your comments, proof of the hate and/or your top 5 in the comments section.
Top 5 non-ACC schools who drink haterade on Boston College
Don't hate the Eagle, hate the game.
I'm sure these schools have nothing against Boston College personally, but sometimes college athletics seem to bring out the best (worst?) in a small minority of fans. Let us evaluate the merits of each of these school's fan bases to determine the pecking order of most hateful. For this exercise, we have brought in BC Interruption fill-ins Andy and Christian and newcomers to the program Raj and Justin.
Connecticut (UConn)
Brian: First, they don't want to have anything to do with us, try to sue the pants off us, then they are practically begging us to play them in football. Lots of BC fans have a bitter taste left from playing at UConn in football in 2003. And they must really hate us if Jeff is advocating for us beating them down in football yearly.
Jeff: Uconn is a school with great basketball tradition whose students and fans have a mindset that BC cannot compete with them on the court. In football though they are a relatively new program but their arrogant fans expect their team to start being a perrenial top 25 team and routinely finish ahead of BC in the polls. Oh, and yeah, every Big East team hates BC for leaving the conference. They don't hate Miami or Va Tech because they dominated football, only BC.
West Virginia
Andy: Apparently they don't like us?!
Christian: Dude, I can't tell if that's a rip on us or Ben Affleck. Either way, neither should be made fun of. "Affleck was the BOMB in Phantoms, yo!"
Justin: PHENOMENAL movie quote. "What the F is the internet?"
Holy Cross
Raj: What was once a basketball powerhouse has now taken a backseat to every school in Massachusetts. The religious affiliation takes it to a higher level. Although I would say we are heads and shoulders above them, our basketball games can be considered instant classics. And I'm not trying to start anything but Uka Agbai's mysterious neck injury came at Holy Cross. Only true haters hurt Uka Agbai.
Brian: Two words. Sports. Guy. Get over it. Dude's been taking pot shots at BC for years.
Rutgers
Jeff: Rutgers and BC don't have a lot in common re: athletics and academics and Rutgers students are in denial about that. They are another extremely bitter Big East school but that will fade over time. If we don't start playing Rutgers in something soon, BC will be forgotten about in the minds of the Rutgers fan base.
Raj: Their AD was the one who led the case against BC leaving the Big East. I think the cause of action was being better in every sport including men's soccer.
Boston University
Raj: I threw this in for the simple fact they are the only other Boston school that matters in hockey and drinking. They hate on BC because we are the closest school to them. Fiercest rivalry in hockey, again, stemming from the proximity.
Andy: Raj's reason's are spot on. Proximity. Our girls are better looking. They wish they had a Dust Bowl.
Christian: Two words. "Safety school." OK, two more words. "BC rejects." They're bitter. Enough said.
Syracuse
Raj: Quality school but just need the hate. We hate on them and as a result its retaliation. They ruined our final years in Big East football and enjoyed doing so. Their basketball program is annoying and I think we really pissed them off storming the court after we beat them freshman year. I'm just saying.
Brian: I don't know if Syracuse would be on my list anymore, if only because they've made their football program irrelevant in past years. Other than upsetting Louisville and exposing one of the most overrated programs of the last decade. Brian Brohm can't hold Matty Ice's jock. I'm just saying.
Jeff: Every Syracuse fan I've come across says that they had the opportunity to move to the ACC but turned it down and then BC got invited instead. False.
Providence
Andy: More BC rejects than any other school.
Brian: Ouch. Real reasons: the only fellow Big East conference member who also is a member of Hockey East. We have a great rivalry with PC in both hockey and basketball. Providence is a similar school to BC with a religious affiliation and we are practically in each other's backyards.
Notre Dame
Andy: Their students insist there is no rivalry. Denial is a dangerous thing. BC undefeated since a certain group of Eagles moved into Duchesne West. Fans hate us because they show no respect.
Jeff: Notre Dame fans have been denying that there is a rivalry for years and years and its sad. Finally they are starting to come around because of our recent dominance in the football series but there are still too many doubters out there. The hottest ticket at BC this season will be the Notre Dame game and when thousands of BC students make the trek to Sound Bend for the game it has the perfect makings of a rivalry. Not to mention all the upsets BC has had over them in football and then Notre Dame handing BC their first basketball loss when the Eagles started the season 20-0.
Brian: The Irish love to hate. The rivalry was only strengthened by the NCAA men's ice hockey national championship.
Brian's Food Chain
5. Notre Dame - They have cute nicknames for us like "Backup College" and "Fredo." If there isn't a rivalry and no hate, why are you spending all this time coming up with nicknames for us?
4. West Virginia - the Mountaineers took pleasure in bouncing the #1 seeded Eagles from our last Big East men's bball tournament and take pleasure in making fun of Ben Affleck
3. Connecticut - UConn football aspires to the level of BC
2. Rutgers - we made them look pretty silly in football during our years in the Big East
1. Boston University - 2 NCAA Titles in 7 years, it must just eat them up inside. They can have the Beanpot
Jeff's Food Chain
5. West Virginia/Rutgers - the only other remaining football and basketball Big East schools
4. Connecticut - only a 2 hour drive between campuses
3. Syracuse - they wish they were in the ACC and a football series is starting up again soon
2. Boston University - the close proximity makes it a natural hatred
1. Notre Dame - you can even look up the BC-ND rivalry on Wikipedia. And there are many similarities between the schools as far as academics and size so many students apply to both out of high school
Leave your comments, proof of the hate and/or your top 5 in the comments section.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Food Chain: Dream Out-of-Conference Opponent
Today we work on another food chain. This time, we attempt to rank the top 5 out of conference football opponents that you want to see GDF schedule.
Food chain: Dream Out-of-Conference Football Matchups
The rules
The team cannot already be on the schedule in the foreseeable future. Sorry, USC. Conversely, the Eagles cannot have played them in the past 8 years as an out-of-conference game. Peace out, Penn State. See what I did there? Our former Big East opponents are IN play. I'm just goading Jeff to lobby for the University of Connecticut here ...
The arrangement will be for a home-and-home series to be played at some point over the next 10 years. And no shenanigans like the stuff Notre Dame is trying to pull getting Big East teams to play in Gillette Stadium, Giants Stadium or other neutral site. The home game will be on the Heights.
We consider these eight teams and then rank them from 5-1.
Tennessee
Starting off in the SEC, I'm not going with some of the more obvious choices in UGA, Florida or SC. Every year BC plays in those markets in the ACC. So I'm pushing the Volunteers. Tennessee always has a great football team and a rich history. Neyland Stadium seats 102,037. I've seen the stadium which is quite impressive - just a massive wall of people. And I'm sure the Vols would show us Eagles the proper way to tailgate.
Oregon
I really like what Mike Bellotti has done with the Oregon program over the last 13 years. Even though Autzen Stadium only seats 54,000, it is known to be one of the loudest and most intimidating atmospheres in all of college football. Added bonus: when the Eagles go into Autzen and win, I get ultimate bragging rights over my friend Omar. UCLA or Cal are trendy picks with all the alumni in LA and the Bay Area, but Oregon opens up a new market in the Pac 10 for the Eagles to get some exposure.
The Eagles in Autzen? ... Gene, pick up that phone!
Louisiana State (LSU)
One of the best programs of the last decade. Who wouldn't love a road trip to the other Death Valley? Death Valley always ranks in the Top 10 stadiums in the country, and was named the scariest place to play by ESPN. This also gets BC some exposure in Louisiana, a market they typically don't get to visit.
Hawaii
BC could schedule Hawaii every year just to beat up on them and eliminate them from BCS contention. And what's better than a Hawaii vacation in September?
Texas
Hook Em Horns! Our only Big XII representative, it was a tough decision between UT and the Sooners. But what is there to do in Oklahoma besides play football? A majority of blue-chip college and NFL draft picks come from the state, so the exposure will be great for the program and recruiting. Texas has a rich history and is guaranteed to be in the Top 25 annually.
Vanderbilt
This matchup would get an SEC team on our schedule that we would expect to beat more often than not. Also, Vanderbilt and BC are on the same level academically which always adds to an athletic matchup. Downside (or upside?) - Vanderbilt hasn't had a winning record since 1982. Ouch.
Wisconsin
BC and Wisconsin have been two of the top 10 two-sport programs in the country over the past 10 years. Throw in our ice hockey programs, and we might even be 1-2. Plus, Camp Randall is a fun place to play and the party atmosphere in Madison would be great. Bonus: Play in December as two cold weather schools duke it out in the same state as the famed Frozen Tundra of Lambeau.
Florida
How can we have a dream opponents list and not include the Gators. Perfect fall road trip for BCers to head to the warmth and see some beautiful women. Not to mention checking out one of the best college atmospheres in the country - The Swamp. Also, the birthplace of Gatorade, so its easy to stay hydrated in the Florida sun.
Brian's Food Chain
5. LSU - here's to hoping our success in one Death Valley spills over into the other Death Valley
4. Texas - a win against the premiere team in the Big XII would go a long way to righting the ship that is the national perception of ACC football
3. Oregon - their flashy Nike uniforms won't get the Ducks past the Eagles
2. Tennessee - Neyland Stadium. SEC football.
1. Wisconsin - we haven't played a Big Ten school since 2004 and this would be one of the better matchups the conference could offer up
Jeff: I guess flashy is one word to describe Oregon's uniforms, but you won't see any Pac 10 teams on my list.
Jeff's Food Chain
5. Vanderbilt - winnable SEC matchup
4. Hawaii - I just can't even fathom BC losing to them
3. Wisconsin - already have recent history in hockey. Also, I've been to Madison and would love to go back for a game.
2. Florida - how could you not want to go to The Swamp? Bonus: the game will get tons of national attention
1. LSU - bring on the defending national champs!
I'm going to throw in Georgia for honorable mention because I've always wanted to go to Sanford Stadium.
Brian: Hawaii will be terrible for the next ten years. June Jones and the AD jumped ship. And Colt Brennan isn't walking through that door. Still, worth considering because ... it IS Hawaii ... in September.
Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Food chain: Dream Out-of-Conference Football Matchups
The rules
The team cannot already be on the schedule in the foreseeable future. Sorry, USC. Conversely, the Eagles cannot have played them in the past 8 years as an out-of-conference game. Peace out, Penn State. See what I did there? Our former Big East opponents are IN play. I'm just goading Jeff to lobby for the University of Connecticut here ...
The arrangement will be for a home-and-home series to be played at some point over the next 10 years. And no shenanigans like the stuff Notre Dame is trying to pull getting Big East teams to play in Gillette Stadium, Giants Stadium or other neutral site. The home game will be on the Heights.
We consider these eight teams and then rank them from 5-1.
Tennessee
Starting off in the SEC, I'm not going with some of the more obvious choices in UGA, Florida or SC. Every year BC plays in those markets in the ACC. So I'm pushing the Volunteers. Tennessee always has a great football team and a rich history. Neyland Stadium seats 102,037. I've seen the stadium which is quite impressive - just a massive wall of people. And I'm sure the Vols would show us Eagles the proper way to tailgate.
Oregon
I really like what Mike Bellotti has done with the Oregon program over the last 13 years. Even though Autzen Stadium only seats 54,000, it is known to be one of the loudest and most intimidating atmospheres in all of college football. Added bonus: when the Eagles go into Autzen and win, I get ultimate bragging rights over my friend Omar. UCLA or Cal are trendy picks with all the alumni in LA and the Bay Area, but Oregon opens up a new market in the Pac 10 for the Eagles to get some exposure.
The Eagles in Autzen? ... Gene, pick up that phone!Louisiana State (LSU)
One of the best programs of the last decade. Who wouldn't love a road trip to the other Death Valley? Death Valley always ranks in the Top 10 stadiums in the country, and was named the scariest place to play by ESPN. This also gets BC some exposure in Louisiana, a market they typically don't get to visit.
Hawaii
BC could schedule Hawaii every year just to beat up on them and eliminate them from BCS contention. And what's better than a Hawaii vacation in September?
Texas
Hook Em Horns! Our only Big XII representative, it was a tough decision between UT and the Sooners. But what is there to do in Oklahoma besides play football? A majority of blue-chip college and NFL draft picks come from the state, so the exposure will be great for the program and recruiting. Texas has a rich history and is guaranteed to be in the Top 25 annually.
Vanderbilt
This matchup would get an SEC team on our schedule that we would expect to beat more often than not. Also, Vanderbilt and BC are on the same level academically which always adds to an athletic matchup. Downside (or upside?) - Vanderbilt hasn't had a winning record since 1982. Ouch.
Wisconsin
BC and Wisconsin have been two of the top 10 two-sport programs in the country over the past 10 years. Throw in our ice hockey programs, and we might even be 1-2. Plus, Camp Randall is a fun place to play and the party atmosphere in Madison would be great. Bonus: Play in December as two cold weather schools duke it out in the same state as the famed Frozen Tundra of Lambeau.
Florida
How can we have a dream opponents list and not include the Gators. Perfect fall road trip for BCers to head to the warmth and see some beautiful women. Not to mention checking out one of the best college atmospheres in the country - The Swamp. Also, the birthplace of Gatorade, so its easy to stay hydrated in the Florida sun.
Brian's Food Chain
5. LSU - here's to hoping our success in one Death Valley spills over into the other Death Valley
4. Texas - a win against the premiere team in the Big XII would go a long way to righting the ship that is the national perception of ACC football
3. Oregon - their flashy Nike uniforms won't get the Ducks past the Eagles
2. Tennessee - Neyland Stadium. SEC football.
1. Wisconsin - we haven't played a Big Ten school since 2004 and this would be one of the better matchups the conference could offer up
Jeff: I guess flashy is one word to describe Oregon's uniforms, but you won't see any Pac 10 teams on my list.
Jeff's Food Chain
5. Vanderbilt - winnable SEC matchup
4. Hawaii - I just can't even fathom BC losing to them
3. Wisconsin - already have recent history in hockey. Also, I've been to Madison and would love to go back for a game.
2. Florida - how could you not want to go to The Swamp? Bonus: the game will get tons of national attention
1. LSU - bring on the defending national champs!
I'm going to throw in Georgia for honorable mention because I've always wanted to go to Sanford Stadium.
Brian: Hawaii will be terrible for the next ten years. June Jones and the AD jumped ship. And Colt Brennan isn't walking through that door. Still, worth considering because ... it IS Hawaii ... in September.
Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
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