BCDraft SPECIAL: Interview with CJ Jones

We'd like to thank the BCDraft readers for the great response we had to the most recent interview. We're also very fortunate to keep it rolling with another great BC player, this week we bring you CB/DB CJ Jones.

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BCDraft: CJ, when you were being recruited out of the State of DuPont…er, Delaware, there was a good bit of buzz surrounding you.

Why did you choose BC over schools like NC State, Louisville, and others? What schools made your final cut, and why did you pick to be an Eagle over the others?


CJ Jones: While being recruited I took the time to visit most of the schools that showed interest or have already offered me. I then sat down with my parents to discuss pros and cons of each school. I liked BC because of my chances of getting on the field as a freshman. Also, the degree value from Boston College. I also like that fact that there are plenty of other schools surrounding BC, which is great socially. Even though it’s cold, it’s only a little bit colder than where I am from [Delaware]. NC State, Louisville, and BC were my finally three. Like I said I wanted to play [early] so that was a big factor.



BCD: You had some tough luck this year when you injured your (right?) knee. Did this injury take place during the Duke or UCF game?

What happened?

How did you know you were injured?


CJJ: I got injured in the UCF game on the opening kick-off when one of my teammates rolled up on my knee when trying to make a tackle.


BCD: From all reports the surgery went well. Can you talk about your rehab and when you hope to be back on the field?


CJJ: The surgery was real good Dr. Gill, the Pats team doc did my surgery. I started pre-habbing once I got injured and I am now rehabbing everyday of the week. Just working on movement and strength. My knee has improved a lot since surgery. [I] may be [ready in the] spring if not, definitely by the summer.



BCD: There were some departures during the off-season in the secondary as well as injuries. This forced a lot of completely green true freshman into the starting lineup. Can you tell me what youngsters have impressed you and what you like about them?

Who should Eagles fans keep an especially keen eye on?


CJJ: Spencer Rositano and Manny Asprilla both played real good this year. I know they weren’t expected to play this year but they both played well. They were aggressive, mentally tough, and they showed that they had some skills out there also. They both have great athletic ability and instincts, too. The Eagles fans should be on the look out for both of them in the secondary next year.


BCD: Eagles fans assume you’ll be granted a medical redshirt waiver for the 2011 season. Is this accurate?
CJJ: Yes



BCD: Would you rather:

A) Make the game winning INT for TD play on the 50 yard line

or

B) Tackle a WR with such force that he fumbles and a team mate recovers the fumble and runs it in for the winning score?

CJJ: I would want to do both. But as corner everyone wants to make a game winning INT for TD, so if I had to choose it would be "A".




BCD: What is your view on whether or not players should get paid to play?


CJJ: I actually wrote a paper on this in favor (laughs), but there are pros and cons if there pay for play I think it would take years to even develop a system for it, but with all the problems there’s been in college football now a days I don’t think this ever happen till college football is cleaned up.

BCD: This past year was a very tough one on players, coaches, and fans alike. What signs did you see this past year (that we may have not) that should give us hope and promise for a better tomorrow in the 2012 season?

CJJ: Well we were young again this year due to injuries but that’s no excuse though. I think we developed a lot of depth for the next season and also that depth will now have experience and the good teams in college football have depth and I think we are going to have that going into the next season.



BCD: Who is the toughest BC wide-out (WR) to cover in practice, in your opinion? What makes them so difficult to cover?


CJJ: Off-Coverage I would say Swigert, he does a lot of shoulder, head, body, movement that gets your mind going (laughs) but you just got to keep your poise. Man-Coverage, I would say Larmond. Big, physical, fast, [and] hard to get a good jam on.



BCD: Every player creates bonds with other players on the team, can you talk about that? Are there particular players that you are close with?


CJJ: I really look up to Colin [Larmond, Jr.] and Montel [Harris], as big brothers, but my room suite are the main guys that I have been around with since freshman year: [Alex] Amidon, [Tahj] Kimble, [Dominic] Appiah, Dom. Williams, Andre Williams, and the new edition, Al Louis-Jean.

BCD: How do you get in the zone to prepare for the game, what music is on your Ipod?


CJJ: I put on my Beats by Dre headphone and play my #Beastmode playlist, it has Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Lil Jon, etc...just music with hard beats to get in that angry mode. I’m a nice, laid back guy--but when it’s game time its time to transform into another person.



BCD: When you first stepped on campus at BC was it what you were expecting? What class have you enjoyed most?

CJJ: Somewhat, there were some surprises along the way but, you know it is the quiet Hills of [Chestnut] Hill. [As far as favorite classes] ,well this year none of my classes were favorites but last year I had this business class called Portico and we did a lot of group business projects and just learn the fundamentals of business.


BCD: Can you talk about your relationship with the Coaches? Is there any particular coach that you are close with?


CJJ: I have a relationship with the coaches where I think they think a lot of me and sometimes, especially this season, I would come by to talk with the coaches--mainly the defensive ones--on what I saw and give my thoughts and opinions and I think that is a little nice relationship to have with the coaches



BCD: What do you do to blow off steam? Play Madden...listen to music?


CJJ: Xbox 360, Call of Duty, 2K11 Basketball, NCAA Football, any game, I became a gamer once I got [the] injury, but I also like to draw and listen to music.



BCD: Who do you model your style of play to? What professional football player do you look up to?


CJJ: Well when I watch a game I watch all corners, try to take a little something from everybody that I like, even some college corners on the other teams. But I like Nnamdi Asomugha; I like what he brings to the game as corner.



BCD: We asked Spiffy Evans this question and got a big kick out of it—so pardon our lack of creativity with this one, but let’s see if you have a fun response as well…

When traveling to away venues, often times players (and coaches) can hear a good deal more from the stands than most lead on.

What is the most funny and most memorable thing or things you have heard while traveling to away games (PG rated, please)?


CJJ: Well all the ones that I heard were pretty bad, so I don’t know if I could say those... (laughs) I tried not to be close to the crowd for they get me.


BCD: What does "CJ" really stand for?


CJJ: "CJ" stands for [the] middle and last initial [of my name], Cornel Jones. People have been calling me CJ since forever, so it makes no sense to call CJ Jones, but that started in high school with the newspapers giving me that name so I just stuck with it. My real name is William.



BCD: Where did the nickname "Cadillac Jones" come from?


WCJ: One of my trainers back at home came up with the name "Cadillac". One day he just randomly called me that while working out cause he said I do everything so smooth and it has stuck with since then.



BCDraft would like to sincerely thank CJ Jones for his time and participation in this great interview. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to cheering him on in the 2012 season.

BCDraft SPECIAL: Interview with Spiffy Evans

Well Eagle fans, the tough season ended on an uptick with BC defeating Miami for the first time *IN* Miami since Doug Flutie did it in ’84. Seriously? Seriously. Almost sad to have such an accomplishment cap off a tough and weird year, but we’ll certainly take it.

Moving on to the off-season, we’ll start doing some more player interviews. Our first for the “2012” season is true freshman who recently completed his first year of college football, Wide Receiver and Return man Mr. Spiffy Evans.

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Spiffy, thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with us today. Let’s get started with the most obvious question that most BC folks want to know about Spiffy…

BCD: Where in the world did the awesome nickname “Spiffy” come from?”

SE: My grandfather gave it to me a while back. And it's stuck with me since

BCD: I [Wesley] got to meet a lot of your family in Miami, Great People, even with some custom BC/Spiffy gear, how is it living this far away?

SE: I have my days when I just hate it and there are days when I wouldn't want to be any where else. It sucks being away from family and friends but I try to remindmyself each day that I'm doing this for a greater cause.

BCD: What brought you to Boston College over other schools? Can you tell us how the recruiting process went?

SE: The recruiting process was crazy. I had over 30 offers but my mom felt stronglyabout BC. My dream school was always Alabama but when I had to consider my future, Boston College was a better fit academically.

BCD: Other than Football, what all do you want to get out of College.

SE: I want to get my degree. That's what I will need in order to have a successful future as well as make my family proud.

BCD: I [Wesley] know you are a fan of quotes, what are some personal favorites to you that help motivate?

SE: Well I make a lot of quotes daily so which ever one fits my mood I roll with. Here is aquote off the top of my mind, "I find motivation in my family because I'm an inspiration to them all. Guess its interdependent relationship." My favorite of all may be “Patience is a virtue”.

BCD: After a fairly hard season this year, what are your expectations for the team in 2012?

SE: [The] sky is the limit for us in 2012. I feel with a good winter and summer we will grow stronger as a unit and get the results we train for in the season to come.

BCD: Spiffy, what was your first year at school like? Was it like you had anticipated?

SE: My freshman year has been a learning as well as a growing experience. This long stay away from family has called for me to grow up and cherish everything more. I’ve become more responsible. I didn't anticipate it being this way. All of the other schools which I considered had huge fan base and large campuses so the smaller more education focused BC is the bigger difference. All in all I'm enjoying The Heights, good people decent food and I'm in Boston.

(this makes us sad we didn’t ask the Presto’s vs. Pino’s question…)

BCD: Can you tell us about your relationship with the coaching staff? Do you have a close bond with any of them?

SE: All the coaches are great guys. I don't have any close connection with any of them as I had in high school. But Coach Ben Johnson is cool.

BCD: You didn’t start off the year returning kicks. What happened that made the coaching staff give you a chance back there as atrue freshman?

SE: In high school that was my thing—kick returns, as well as punt returns. I started out on scout team helping the kick of coverage get work. Once my redshirt was burned during UCF week coach Dawson decided to give me a shot, which I appreciate so much. It's given me some game experience which I wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

BCD: While overall the year was a tough one looking at wins and losses, what was your favorite memory or memories from your first year as an Eagle?

SE: Going toNorte Dame and walking onto the field with my brothers to the left and right of me was crazy. As well as returning kicks there I dreamed of that. Can't forget going to Clemson and V-Tech. But nothin’ beats playing at home in front of friends and family and on my first kick return running the kicker over. It was great.

BCD: Do you have any personal goals in football? Any personal goals in life you can share?

SE: Well from a football stand point I want to be an All-American, also to break all the receiving records, TD records, and return records. In my life I want to continue being a role model for people—especially kids, as well as making my family proud and starting a family. Above all staying grounded in faith.

BCD: Any team goals that you hope to help the team accomplish in 2012 and beyond?

SE: Win the first game and everyone that follows as a unit, as one. All our othergoals will fall in place if we can be one.

BCD: A lot of times players can hear many of the things opposing fans yell or shout. What’s the most memorable or funny one (PG rated version, please) you heard this past season?

SE: Well I’ve heard a lot of vulgar as well as pleasant things. But the most memorable isafter Clemson’s game when all the fans were on the field a guy snatches my towel and said: "I'll take that, Skippy!"…too funny. Also, vs. V-Tech the chant of "Number 7 gonna die" as I fielded every kickoff return.

BCD: Well, despite my [Mike’s] wife being a Hokie, there’s a reason why I’ll never go and see another game in Blacksburg. I feel ya there.

If you could say one thing to the BC Eagle diehards out there, what would it be?

SE: Keep faith, because WE ARE BC!

BCDraft would like to thank Spiffy Evans for this time for this interview as well as his service to Boston College on and off the field. We can’t wait to cheer you on as well as the rest of the boys next season.

Keys to the Game vs. Miami

Keys to the Game


1W) Don't allow the big play

BC did a good job of stopping the big play last week against Notre Lame,
but Miami lives and dies by it. If we are going to win, Miami is going to
not be able to convert these


2M) Leave it all on the field

It¹s be a frustrating season for all involved from the true freshman to
the fifth year senior(s?). Point is this take it out on Miami. Leave it
on the field. Allow it to fuel you. Make sure that this final game of
this season is done with every ounce of everything you have and you
walkaway knowing you left every little bit of it out there.


3W) Scoring over 24

I am sticking with this. The D is going to be able to do some things, but
if the Offense isn't able to put up over 24 points, its going to make it
happen in Coral Gables. If Brock can show he can get a gameplan for over
24 points, it may leave us all on a high note for next year. If not, its
going to be a longer and colder offseason.


4M) Force Jacory to make the throws

Harris has my respect as an athlete and he can be a good QB, however if
we force him to be a pocket passer downfield and play back, we'll be in a
good position to force some turnovers.


5W) Defensive TD, LB

Mike I agree completely with your assessment of Harris, and if force him
to make the throws we will be in a good position.
Going off my last pick of scoring over 24, I think that the Offense is
going to need some help from the D. I am not going to say Kuechly needs to
do it , but our strongest corp is the LB crew, I think and hope that one
of them is able to do a pick 6


6M) o-line wearing down D-line

It might not pay immediate dividends, but we need our O-line to grind out a drive or two on the ground to beat up the Miami D-line and keep them from pinning their ears back and coming after Chase when we do pass.


7W) Max Homecoming

Holloway will be able to play in front of friends and family this week, as
we play in Florida. As Max has had nothing short of a very hot hand on
Defense lately, we will need him to continue that streak and show everyone
that it is actually more than just a streak, it is his style of play that
we can look forward to enjoying for another year! And what a great place
to do it!


8M) Punt coverage

We had an outstanding week last week with Quigs and the punt team. This week we'll kick to Benjamin and possibly others with breakaway speed that can make a big difference in field position. We need to contain the returns and have another great day by Quigs.


9W) ALJ

As ALJ has progressed as a true freshman, we were able to see him slowly
grow on a field, when we needed players in the worst of ways. Coming in
as a highly touted four star CB that we were able to get after he
de-committed from the U, expectations are high, and will continue to be. I
hope for ALJ to show the U what they missed when he changed his mind, and
for us Eagle fans a glimpse into the future


10M) Chase, set your feet

We touched on this earlier with the O-line protecting the QB but the other half is Chase finding space to set up and get his feet set. If his footwork is down he can throw a terrific ball--we need Chase to make sure he puts himself in a position to be able to have His feet set.

Worst of the Worst vs. Notre Dame

1M) 0-3 vs. Notre Dame

It used to be us making fun of this game saying that a rivalry is a game where the other team wins occasionally. Now, and for the entirety of this season, we’re the punchline. We’re 0-3 in our last three games to ND. Yes, this one was closer, but they don’t give you “you lost, but hey at least it was close” awards. Spaz has never beaten Notre Dame, and has given us precious reason to believe he’s ever capable of doing so.


2W) The BC Tease

Wow Mike , that is definitely a gut check first round pick, I unfortunately agree.
On my second pick , I am going to go with something close to that. As the gameprogressed, I honestly thought we could get a W.. Maybe it was my own will but I was really thinking it would happen. But we just couldn’t produce the points to make it happen.


3M) The dropped D-Fletch INT

I’m as big of a D-Fletch fan as you’ll find, but he had a game to forget on a couple of really key plays. I’m only going to address one here: the dropped INT on the goal line. ND only wound up getting three out of it, but as it turns out—those three points could have made quite the difference and certainly would have moved momentum in our direction much earlier in the ballgame. For a player like Asprilla orALJ, or any other of the green D-backs this drop would have been borderlineexcusable. First game at ND, big rivalry game, not a lot ofexperience, etc., but D-Fletch has had all of those things and is a very good CB. That drop really hurt us early on…and sadly correctly set the tone for how the game would go.


4W) Freese onsides kick

Rightwhen you knew this was going to be what gave us another opportunity to win, or be the nail on the coffin. We all witnessed what may have been the worst onsides kick in BC history.
I like Freese, I really do he is a very talented player, but that onsides kick gave us no opportunity to recover


5M) Wasting Quigley’s Day

Oh man…Wesley, I couldn’t agree with you more. What a fantastic kick in the junk that was. I stilllike Freese and think that while this year has been tough for him, he’s a good kicker overall—but man oh man was that onsides kick a thing of legend (in as bad of a way as possible). If Ididn’t know better, I’d think this was a secret Spaz strategy to catch them off guard 30 yards down the field. Brutal way to end the game.

I’m going to flip the coin theother way and talk about the wasted efforts of the silver lining that was Ryan Quigley’s day Saturday. Simply put, he kept us in the game. If you look at the total offense numbers, it’s a blowout on paper. It was only due to Twig’s amazing punting day that we even stayed close. This is not to forget the awesome day the punt coverage team had as well—certainly not a one man show and together they were simply terrific. Truly a shame that such a performance was wasted on a loss. Had we won, this likely would have been a top 3 best of the best call-out.

Lastly, let’s take a moment toappreciate how GOOD our punters have been recently. Much of the talk recently has been about how spoiled we’ve been as fans/alums for the QB play we had prior to / including Crane (this is where most split). While that’s a fair topic, let’s not forget Johnny Ayers and his outstanding four years and now the three plus that we’re getting out of Quigley. You only really notice them, generally speaking, when they do something bad. We haven’t paid attention to the punting game inalmost a decade. We need to appreciate this fact.


6W) Not getting over 14

Really the Defense had a good gameplan and executed it. Holding ND to 16 points is what it needed to do to obtain a win, so I would say that the defense did their part. The offense on the other hand was nothing short of offensive. After being put in repetitive good position with the ball, the offense reminded me of groundhog day as it was uber predictable. Not enough shots down field, when tosses toPantale were working they didn’t continue to go there. You need to play to win, and I have to say our Offensive game plan seemed to play not to make mistakes.


7M) O-LinePassProtection

Agreed on the point line, Wesley. It’s a little sad when you look at this year—and Spaz’s tenure for that matter—and you realize we’ve only scored over 20 points something like four times in two years against FBS competition (Duke, Wake, Kent State, and Maryland. I won’t even bother at that collective winning percentage; you can make a healthy guess). That’s not even addressing the 13.33 (13, 13, 14) pts/game average in the three recent bowl games—not that we’ll have to worry about that this year.

Sigh.

Here with my 4th pick, 7th overall I’m going with the O-Line pass protection. Yes, I know they’ve been beaten up all year, but now folks are getting after Rettig more and more. I’m not. When Chase has time to throw and sets his feet (this happens maybe 1/5, 1/6 plays), he throws a tight, accurate ball. When the line breaks down, Chase admittedly gets happy feet and when that happens he’s as accurate as a drunk throwing beads at Mardi Gras—except it looks like he’s not having nearly as much fun.

So yes, I agree Chase needs to calm down those happy feet—but look to the cause…the lack of protection from the O-line.


8W) Hearing the ND band play our song

Now Granted I like hearing Shipping up to Boston over and over, and the Notre Dame band did about as well as any French bandcould do. But let me set them straight real quick.
That song is associated to Boston College, Irish and tradition. All things that Notre Dame has tried to be attached to for years, but has failed miserably.


9M) Jonas Gray injury

No kidding. It’s not like the name of the City of Boston isn’t right in the song title or anything for “Shipping up to BOSTON”. Sheesh. ….and these are the kids who like to pretend like they’re wicked smaht. What a bunch of retahds.

For number nine I’m going with the Jonas Gray injury. I know it wasn’t a BC player but the announcers did talk at length at how the young man has turned his life around and had worked so hard at becoming a better football player and person—and that it was all finally paying off for him and he was now looking like a strong candidate to be drafted into the NFL. It was very sad to see the knee injury occur and all you can do is wish this young man the best and tell him if he needs a roadmap for how to overcome adversity and make your way into the NFL, check out #58 for Big Blue on Sunday Night Football.


10M) The rest of the BC programs getting losses as well

Mike I agree, Gray was absolutely destroying us as well, he is just a huge back to bring down. Hope nothing but the best for the guy.
It wasn't just a rough weekend for the football team. Hockey, Basketball, and pretty much every other team that was fielded over the weekend came back with a loss.. A'int that a kick in the pants.

Keys to the game vs. Notre Dame

Keys to the Game.

1W) Keep the foot on the Gas

28 pts or bust
Ok, Boston College has shown that it can go for 30 mins on offense.. I
hate to say it , but 14points isn't going to win against ND. It will take
twice of that to win.
28 points is what it takes, which really isn't much. But If we are able
to hit the 28 point water mark. I think there will be a W.


2M) It¹s the Holy War

What I mean by that is this: don¹t worry about the records. Don¹t worry
about the point spread. Don¹t worry about the expectations. Don¹t worry
about what the media is saying. This is the Holy War. These are the
only two FBS Catholic Schools playing football. Both with proud Irish
roots. Ours, of course, are real‹my ancestor¹s ship didn¹t dock in
Indiana. I digress

This is a rivalry game. Get up for it. Soak in the ambiance that is
Notre Dame Stadium. Know that despite what some of their lesser fans
might argue, this is a rivalry game and one which has never paid
attention to rankings or spreads. This is a rivalry game, and anything
can happen.


3W) Chase Rettig Rollouts

You know one thing that I saw in the first couple of games that seemed to
die off as of late? The Roll outs from Chase. Although I have seen a
marginal improvement from the O Line, I still like when Chase Rolls out,
and buys some more time for himself and the receivers. And I kinda think
he is even more accurate when doing this , as he focuses less on the
Defense coming after him and more about the throw


4M) no Redzone fumbles

We are simply not good enough to get away with fumbling the ball in our
own red zone nor can we afford to miss an opportunity to put up points
while in theirs.

If we are going to pull this upset, we need to limit the turnovers but
specifically we can't have the killer ones like we did vs. FSU.

We do that, this game gets quickly out of hand.


5W) Keuchly out tackling Teo.

Although I really don't think this is going to be much of a competition,
I don't think that I am going to be the only one counting and matching
these at home.
As both players we be competing for the overall win, I do think the
individual competition of who is a better LB will be an interesting one.,
and I already know who I would pick.


6M) team leaders providing the spark

we know the team isn't going to rally around Spaz or his incoherent
mumblings, do we need our guys to self-motivate and inspire each other.

Early in the season when searching for excuses and we and creative ways
to throw out players under the bus, Spaz said we lacked leadership.

Prove him wrong, step up and be a leader of yourself and your teammates.

7W) Trick play.

I don't know if it's a flea-flicker or what, but I want to see something
that makes me realize that they are willing to try something different.
No this doesn't include the Bordner option. I want to win the game, and
play that way


8M) Holloway making 'em howl

Last week Max had a breakout performance where he consistently dominated
the opposing tackle and harassed Glennon all game long.

If Max can keep this mean streak going and put the same sort of pressure
on Rees (or whomever else they decide to throw back there) that allows us
to play that soft opportunistic zone that Spaz / Govs love to run.

He was THE game changer last week, of we see it happen again this week it
could be the start of something special.


9W) Chase Completion % over 60

Now let me put the disclaimer that he needs to throw the ball over 20
times, but a completion rate over 60% is all that I think he needs to
achieve.
Chase has had some happy feet understandably, those happy feet have a hard
time being consistent, possibly utilizing draft pick 3 he can help improve
his % to 60, but by doing that, I believe we win. And 60% isn't an insane
number.


10M) Asprilla / Sylvia taking chances

Listen, we're 24.5 point underdogs. If we play back and just hope turnovers come our way, we might be waiting a very long time.

We need to take chances and be aggressive on D in the passing game and try to get interceptions and big returns.

I understand the risk on being aggressive here, but I think it's a risk we need to take to win.

Best of the Best vs. NC State

Hooray! We won the Ginger Bowl!

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1) Max's Motor

I don't know what or who possessed Max Holloway on Saturday, but I
sure
hope he comes back often. The last time I recall a DE position
playing
for BC that was as dominant as Max was on Saturday, he wore 94.
That's
Mathias Kiwanuka for those of you who thought Herzy was the only
great
Eagle ever to dawn the numberŠ Truly an outstanding performance,
multiple pressures, sacks, forced fumblefor
more out of Max. Just a truly tremendous game by Holloway.


2w) Rettig to Larmond
Mike I couldn't agree more, are we seeing the max that we hear so
much
about in doing camp?

The pass from Rettig to Larmond was as good as they come, perfect
touch,
great route running, and a TD what more do you want haha.. Oh top
that
off with mamas boy written on his towel that he displayed after the
td,i'm guessing this could be a recurring thing

3m) Bordner read-option TD

I absolutely agree with this one, Wesley--you took my pick out from
under
me. Chase has been beaten up--both by the press of recent and by
the
D-linemen coming after him this year--and this play showed all of
the
haters what he can do. Just a perfectly thrown ball with supreme
accuracy and just enough air under it so that a great move by
Larmond
off
the line of scrimmage was rewarded with six. Great call.

For my second pick, third overall, I'll go with the Border
read-option
on the goal-line. Just like we called for in the keys to the game
(link), Bordner caught
the NC State a little off guard and walked into the endzone for the
first
BC touchdown.

It was used again with not as much success (as it turned into a
reliable
QB sneak with little threat of a pitch/handoff and zero threat of a
pass), but this was a great play call and execution close to the
goal
line.

4W) Luke getting 18
Now you just read the number, 18 right? That's what most
statisticians
will read and say, another day at the office for Luke.. But then you
would
only know about 1/10th of the story. Luke had 9 going into the 4th
quarter, and injured his shoulder. I think a lot of us BC fans were
concerned about Luke's health, and sad about the potential of not
hitting
the 10 or greater streak he has been on.. But Luke came back and
made
9
tackles in the 4th quarter alone.
Like I said , you look at the stats of 18, and although those are
impressive, understanding that Luke went out with an injury, and
then
came
back in possessed is the real story.



5M) Chase to Amidon bomb

If you had the misfortune of watching the Florida State / BC game,
then
you know we rarely ever took shots downfield (or had the time to
throw
them, for that matter). This time, the line held up enough to give
Chase
time to move laterally and see that Amidon had beaten his man on a
"go"
route. The ball was actually beautifully placed in a space that
ONLY
Amidon could have caught it, there was zero chance of an INT on that
pass.

Amidon made a terrific adjustment with his body from where he was
towards
the sidelines, secured the ball and got one foot in bounds all
before
the
NC State Corner had an idea of what was going on. This huge chunk
of
yardage set up the Bordner TD run and put BC out in front--where we
would
never look back (strange to type that this year).

6W)Quinn Sack

Yes, Quinn had a penalty, but I was very impressed with the amount of
pressure that Quinn put on NC State, and really got the opportunity
to
demonstrate his strength when he was able to keep his pads low.

7M) Kickoff / Punt return coverage

It may sound faint, but TJ Graham is a game-breaker. The fact that we
were able to keep him under wraps and not allow him to hurt us at all.

8W) First half offensive play calling

Honestly , the first half of offensive play calling was hands down the
best play calling we have seen all year. There was plenty of different
sets, good change of pace, and was pretty successful ( would have been
more successful without some drops etc) with that said, the second half
was atrocious.
Dave Brock, when scripting a game plan, do the whole game next time, we
need it.


9M) Sylvia blitz

One of our biggest problems with bringing pressure has been when we have
blitzed, we've telegraphed it well ahead of time.

On this play, Sylvia walked up to the line and got a great jump, pursued
into the backfield and --this is the great part--leapt at the running
back and brought him down before he had a chance.


10W) Duggan
You know as Duggan is a true freshman, stepping in the starting role for
an injured KPL, he has done nothing short of an awesome job.
Duggan was able to grab a handful of tackles, and overall is outplaying
his experience. Has he made some mistakes, sure, but he is a very pleasant
surprise.

Draft 11-11-11: Keys to the Game vs. NC State

We call this week PatriotGolfer week,as the old disciplinarian comes back in town, the Eagles will have their last home game of the 2011 season.

1W) Don't try to out TOB, TOB.

As it goes without saying, Spaz has a lot of tendencies of TOB, playing not to lose would probably be one of the biggest ones. It's kinda like thatmovie where the guy tries to outrun the semi truck but just cant seem to keep the gas pedal over 65 consistently. If we do get a lead, I hope Spaz somehow has a transformation and just keeps driving..

2M) Blitz Glennon every down

I’m not even joking. A joke would be “hey, I bet Glennon is better than Russell Wilson”. Glennon, like his brother, stays in the pocket entirely too long and often makes bad decisions as he somehow is able to sense the rush yet does nothing to elude it. The kid actually does throw a pretty ball if you give him plenty of time for himself and the play to develop, and a solid two yard pocket with no one pressuring him. In other words, our typical front four rush.
We need to blitz all the time vs. Glennon. Sitting back and watching him have time we’ll get hurt. Pressure him and we’re bound to get rewarded with multiple turnovers.

3W) Chase Enfuego

I somewhat disagree with you on that last one , as much as I enjoyed seeing Asprilla light up Manuellast week, I actually think we are lacking in a couple areas to be successful on that.
1)being lack of Defensive line push 2) KPL is out If both of these two points were different I would completely agree with you.
I think for us to be successful this week we need Chase to show everyone that he is the leader on the Offense, that means rollouts, shaking defenders and making good decisions with the ball. Yes I agree that the O Line hasn’t been doing him a ton of favors, but leaders, lead. So here is your chance to show that you are a leader

4M) All (a)Bordner run-option

Huh? The lack of defensive line push is *exactly* why we need to blitz. If we could create pressure with our front four consistently we wouldn’t have to blitz. Unfortunately, we do need to blitz to create pressure. Iagree with you it’s tough with KPL out, but his run-stop game is arguably much better than his pass D anyway. Duggan has been solid in his absence Ithink.
I’m still a Chase fan—I really am. However, I have to agree with a poster who I saw recently said he thought Chase was getting “David Carr’d”. I struggle not to agree with this. I think Chase is getting a little gun shy to the pressure—and who could blame him with the pass protection being what it’s been thus far. I still think he has all of the tools but they’ve not come together this year as much as he and the rest of us would like.
My key here is to run the Bordner run-option. I don’t know why it worked so well….well, minus the goal-line fumble. Part of it was just because FSU was unprepared for it, but as Wesley and I can tell you from seeing Bordner in person, the kid is physically imposing. You don’t think QB when you see him, you think slightly underweight TE. I think he can do some damage at this run-option thing and gosh knows TOB won’t adjust to it if it’s actually effective. I think we trot it out early and milk it if it’s effective.

5W) D Fletch – Lives!

I think the biggest positive of having Bordner in the game is the threat of him jumping in, as teams have to plan for it and lose the focus on the other items in place, so I like the change of pace.
Haha and I do followthe rationale of no d line push is a reason to blitz, but if your Dline is unable to #OccupytheOLine, when we blitz it ends up being futile, and we just end up with players way out of position for no gain.
Donnie has been one of our most heralded players in the secondary in awhile, although he has been very quiet this year. As it is his senior year, this is going to be his last time to shine in front of the BC Eagles Faithful, so it is time for him to add somefootage for tapes for the pros to look at.

6M) Coaching to win, not to lose by a little

Haha, I like #OccupyThe0Line Iwonder if the students are planning an event for *our* O-Line…. Sigh….

This is a little like your first key, but specifically addresses something that the media and the “roving horde of BC bloggers” have addressed ad nauseum this week: the 4th quarter milking the clock drive and subsequent punt from the FSU side of the field down by 30.

Even if you (I’m hoping a strong IF) have lost all hope that we can be competitive and still fight back in a game, you have to be aggressive enough for me to think that maybe you still want to try to win the game and do some damage. Spaz needs to put the kids in a position where they can fight back and try to win the game—not learn how to gracefully turn over and die so the final score doesn’t reflect how much of a beating we truly endured.

7W) Fan support

This probably won't be the most popular item on the list, but it is something that matters. As a fan you have an association to the team, whether you went to the school or not, you are what fills the stadium, what generates money for the school, and one of the most noticeable items when glancing at games is the fan support in the stadium. Heck when you hear recruits talk about things, one of the biggest items is the feeling / buzz during the game whether the team won or lost.
I agree, Boston College has a ton of hurdles. Lack of tailgating, Staties, rough product on the field, Unemotional coaches, etc etc etc. But as fans its what we have signed up for, whether we think the coach should be returning for additional year or not… As this is the last home game for the seniors , I'd like to see good fan support as it looks to be a pretty nice Saturday on the Heights.

8W) LB’s keying the run

TOB is going to want to run when he can. Yes, I want us to blitz and be aware of the hot routes (red seven…RED SEVEN!!!) but I think our backers can get the upper hand early by jumping the run and forcing NCSU to be one-dimensional. If we can force them to pass and get pressure, I think we’ll have a good chance at a W.

9W)Keeks being Keeks

We say it most weeks, but its very true, Kuechly week in and out is our best tackler, thisgame could easily be his last game at the heights ( something I hadn't really thought of before)
I hope that I am wrong, but it is very possible as he is already viewed as a first round pick. I would like to see Keeks going out whether it be the for the season or for his career with a bang.

10M) Freese hitting his mark

I think this will be a very tight, close game. One that is likely determined by less than a touchdown…which means that our kickers will most certainly play a roll. Freese will need to be money for us if it’s a close game and be ready to trot onto the field to kick the game winner at a moment’s notice. Get that Duke monkey off your back and win the game!


RECAP:
Wesley drafted: Don’t out TOB TOB, Chase en fuego, D-Fletch Lives, Fan Support, Keeks being Keeks
BCMike drafted: Blitz Glennon, all aBordner, Coach to win, LB’s key the run, Freese hits his mark

Draft 11-11-11: Keys to the Game vs. NC State
	Wesley drafted: Dont out TOB TOB, Chase en fuego, D-Fletch Lives, Fan Support, Keeks being Keeks
	BCMike drafted: Blitz Glennon, all Bordner, Coach to win, LBs key the run, Freese hits his mark
pollcode.com free polls

11/9/11 draft: Spaz's replacement

It's been a up and down year for BC, and the one saving grace is that the curtain is certainly closing on the Head Coaching career of Frank
Spaziani.

Coach, thank you for all of your year as a Defensive
Coordinator and we appreciate you stepping up and taking thereigns when
we needed some consistency at the head of our table. We hope you
thoroughly enjoy retirement and visit Alumni Stadium often.

Since Spaz will be gone in a couple weeks, let's focus our attention on who will be replacing the mustachioed one at the Head Coaching spot.

Some are reaches, others would be easy gets.

--------------------------------------------------

1M) Mike Leach

Despite what you may have heard about him, Mike Leach is a good guy and
one who values education for his players and teams. In fact, while at
Texas Tech, Leach had the Red Raiders leading the country in graduation
rates for a public institution. Now, if you know anything about Texas
Tech‹that accomplishment is that much more impressive.

Leach would bring a long, painfully overdue level of excitement and
energy to TheHeights and create a buzz in Chestnut Hill that hasn?t been
here since Matty Ice and Jags were. Yes, he would likely take a couple
seasons to get ?his guys? in house, but I have no problem believing that
he could take this current team and turn them into a bowl team in his
first year.


2W) Ruffin McNeill, Eastern Carolina

I do like the thought of Mike Leach , and I think he would be a fit as well, but I think a some of the whalepants crowd would have a bit of a
problem with Leach, just based on the name, not necessarily anything past
that.

On my choice, I actually am going with Ruffin McNeill, who actually was a
DC under Leach, and is currently the HC at East Carolina. At ECU he has
done some pretty good things, and able to compete with the bigger
programs in the Carolinas. Although he is an ECU Alum, I have to think
that BC could actually give him a pay increase, something that they
couldn'tt necessarily give everyone.

3M) Steve Logan, Tampa Bay

Yes, THAT Steve Logan. He was tied to Jags and dismissed because of his affiliation bit at the end of the day he was, at the supreme least, responsible for one of the best offenses and teams Boston College has ever had.

He did interview for the position when it became open which shows his interest and unlike just about every other possible outside candidate, he know what BC is like and what BC is about.

4W) Al Golden, Miami

BCMike as I do like the thought as Steve Logan as a HC, I think it would take an AD change to make that happen, so we may see that opportunity.

I am going with Al Golden, as I liked Golden when he was a candidate in 2009, and went to Miami, but due to the recent issues in Miami, it seems that there may be an out clause for Al pending sanctions, see cbssports article (http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270202/33070687) So we may actually get a second chance at what I think is a very good coach, who has some ties to BC and the NorthEast


5M) Tony Sparano

I expect Tony to be available after this season and I love his X's and O's.

He's in a borderline unwinable situation on the NFL and while he's likely to be kicked out of Miami he's be a big hot in Chestnut Hill.


6W) Bill O'Brien, New England

I honestly do not know much about Bill O'Brien, outside that he is the current Offensive Coordinator for the Pats and has ties to BC. But there have been current rumors that he has sent GDF multiple emails on how to improve the program and is very interested in the Program, and obviously has ties to the North East


7M) Rick Trickett, FSU

We need to get back to what we traditionally do best and that's the O-Line. Trickett is known as one of the best line guys out there and could help us earn back the title we've so clearly lost.


8W) Kevin Sumlin, Houston

Currently the Head Coach at the University of Houston, but has coached at at Oklahoma/Texas A&M and Purdue to name a few Sumlin is a tested Head Coach that has a proven track record in a tough area to compete. Although Sumlin doesn't have any ties in the Northeast, I still think he could be successful.


9M) Kirby Smart, Alabama

Kirby has followed Nick Saban around for the majority of his career—but wherever he’s gone, he’s helped make teams better. It’s true that Smart has no Head Coaching experience, but that’s why this is not as much of a stretch as some might think. He’s looking for a major program to give him a shot to be a head of a program and I’m sure he would rather have a go of it elsewhere other than the SEC attempting to rebuild a program and going against his alma mater, his mentor’s school, and his former employer (UGA, Alabama, and LSU, respectively), the ACC would be a perfect fit for Smart as he’d be able to stay on the East Coast and likely compete immediately.


10W) Butch Jones, Cincinnati

This one hasn't really been floated out there, but I think that it should. Butch ran a good program when he was at Central Michigan, and was able to compete with the higher competition, and now he is in Cincinnati and after a rough first year seems to slowly be getting his program in place, I think Butch has some serious potential, and could be a good Head Coach at the Heights!

Recap:

BCMike: Leach, Logan, Soprano, Trickett, Smart

Wesley: McNeill, Golden, O'Brien, Sumlin, Jones

11-9 draft: Spaz's Replacement
	BCMike: Leach, Logan, Soprano, Trickett, Smart
	Wesley: McNeill, Golden, O'Brien, Sumlin, Jones
pollcode.com free polls

Draft:11-3: Keys to the game vs. Florida State

Well it is that time again, game time, as the Eagles come off of their first ACC win, they have a tough test at home on a short time of rest against the Seminoles of Florida State. As this is the first game that is on prime time, the Eagles will try to have their best game forward for the nation to see..

1W) Stop EJ Manuel

I am hoping to see a good amount of blitzes, and some great penetration by the Dline , as EJ is a Quarterback that can beat you in multiple ways. This game I think is going to come down to putting EJ Manuel on his back , a problem we have had with allquarterbacks we have faced this year and not letting him move around in thepocket, or have any quick runs. Already rushing for three touchdowns andhaving a QB rating of 155 means we have to stop him from being successful against us at all costs.



2M) Rise and Shine for Prime Time

It’s been a tough year, but now you’ve won a game (convincingly, at that) and things are feeling good. The spotlight of the nation is now turned upon you…at home…at night…in primetime. It’s time for us to rise up and play our best ball in front of the nation. Feed off the moment and play the best game of the year Thursday night.



3W) Deep Threat

ANNNNDDDD you stole my next draft pick.. Maybe that is a good sign, I think being ready for being on regular espn, not 2 3 or the ocho is a change, so we are undefeated on thatchannel!!
There is no doubt that Florida State watched the film of us vs Maryland, which must look like a boot leg tape of the paris hilton video, but nonetheless they see the constant running that the Duece did over and over and over.. They will be loading the box, trying to stop that run, which will be a great opportunity to dump it over their heads.



4M) O-Line U earning their namesake

While Deuce Finch gained much of thefame for his incredible 243 yard performance in the end-of-days conditions this past week vs. Maryland—and rightfully so—the thing I think most BC fans were happy about is how well our O-Line played. Truly their best game of the year and it wasn’t even close. For whatever reason—they jelled. Was it the conditions? The competition? The back in the backfield? Who knows. What I do know is we saw our O-Line dominate for the first time in YEARS against a D-1 opponent. It’s time to bring sexy back…in the form of our lost title…O-line U.

You dominate like you did vs. Maryland and O-Line U might just be back.



5W) Coaches take Chances

We aren't going to be favored at home, Florida has florida athletes, which typically we do not get. So to beat them we are going to have to go outside of our typical scope. We are going to have to take some chances, go for it on fourth, and play to win, not to keep it close.



6M) Superfans being Super

People in the media and BC haters love to give our fans a hard time…but truthfully, our student section is among the loudest, best organized in the nation. I’ll honestly put them up against any school, any day (it’s the rest we have an issue with). We need our kids to be hyped up and create a genuine homefield advantage for us…something that helps fuels our players and makes the FSU kids wonder hey—what happened here—and what sort of hostile environment did we just walk into? If we are going to win this game it will be a team effort—not just the players and the coaches—but the fans in the stands making Alumni the sort of homefield advantages that Thursday night games have been for our Eagles over the years.


7W) Secondary stepping up

Great Call on the SuperFans, I truly hope we look better on this Thursday night vs. our future ACC Brethren Pitt did last week.
As the Dline is going to be my thermometer in if we win or lose, secondary .. Is going to be the secondary. The secondary is going to more than likely play strict zone as they typically do, but have to cover their zone a bit tighter as CJ has been very successful at 10 yard slants and curls. Hopefully our secondary is ready, because I see them as a key to victory.


8M) Duggan doin’ damage

Still gives me the creepy-crawlies that Pitt is coming to the ACC. I was / am still all for Syracuse, but I could have passed on Pitt and been fine. Still better than the other Big East dregs I suppose. Moving on…

Sean Duggan has played very well as a true frosh when he was throw into the mix earlier this year and stepped up making his first start in KPL’s absence last week. He played well but we need him to step it up one more notch and be ready for the bright lights, big opponent, big stage game he’s about to play in. We know what Keeks will come to the table with, and Devitto has been solid. We need Duggan to dig deep and do damage (+5 points for alliteration, right?).


9W) Playing for something

HAHA get over it BCMike.. I actually see a value in Pitt over some of the other choices.
The Bowl game is still a possibility, although its hard, its possible. I think the playing for something can keep these guys going. So here we go!



10M) Get Pantale & Anderson involved EARLY

I know it seems like we say this every week…and frankly, I’m pretty sure we have. However, if we’re going to try to run effectively on the ‘Noles, it means keeping Florida State from stacking the box and from having their LB’s and Safeties creep up to help the run. Simply put, the easiest way to do that is to throw to the tight ends early and establish them as pass-catching threats. We do that, it opens up a lot for us…and we’re going to need a lot opened up if we’re going to pull this upset. Get ‘em involved, and get ‘em involved early

Recap:

Wesley: Stop EJ, Deep Threat, Take Chances, Secondary, Playing for something

BCMike: Primetime, OLineU, Superfans, Duggan, Tight Ends

Draft:11-3: Keys to the game vs. Florida State
	Wesley: Stop EJ, Deep Threat, Take Chances, Secondary, Playing for something
	BCMike: Primetime, OLineU, Superfans, Duggan, Tight Ends
pollcode.com free polls

Best of the Best vs. Maryland

As we stated in the last post, if its a best of the best, it will probably get out there a bit earlier than a worst of the worst.. and well we didn't have to be held accountable for that , it was an easy one for BCMike and I.
so without further ado, here... we .... go!!!


1M) We won

Call it a cop-out, I don't care. We finally won a game vs. a d-1 (FBS) opponent and I'm flying sky high.

I'll have specific points later, but to me the best part about this win is that WE FINALLY FUCKING WON A GAME.

2W) Run blocking
Call it a weak Maryland d line, but it was exactly what we needed and called for in the keys to thegame, now ifthey would just involve the tight ends in the game outside of blocking

3M) Deuce going for double-deuce

Deuce Finch was apparently just slow playing us all. We all liked the kid, but I don’t think anyone had in mind his 243 yard, 2 TD performance. As Eagle in Atlanta pointed out, it wasn’t a couple of big runs that inflated the stats but rather a constant grind of 7, 8, 9 yard carries with a 20 yarder sprinkled in here and there. Yes, he had a couple fumbles—both in the red zone (one in ours, the other in theirs) which hurt us and could have let us get a blowout, but the weather was tough on all parties Saturday.

4W) Duggan stepping up

With kpl out for now with an injury I thought Duggan did a good job filling in and gave a glimpse into the future. And as he gets bigger, I feel we are going to have a great player. Solid tackler and good instincts, a lot like another player that came from st x

5M) Amidon end-around

Alex once again had another team under-estimating his speed as he took the pitchfrom Chase and turned the corner. Great blocking by all, but terrific job by Alex turning on the jets and zooming past all of the defenders into the endzone.

6W) Getting to actually watch the game

On Saturday I was actually in Pittsburgh, as some of you know I travel frequently. Well the duke tech game was running over and I started watching the game on my phone, the guy running bettis sports bar saw me trying to watch, came by and put the BC game on for me, I knew it was going to be a good day then

7M) Keeks INT

Keeks of course turned in another stellar performance racking up tackles and diagnosing plays faster than a half-hour special of HOUSE, but getting a turnover is always great. Keeks was WAY back in zone coverage and easily picked off O’Brien who was trying to force the issue. I thought for a second he was going to find his way into the endzone for a pick-6, but the INT wasgreat itself. Four turnovers on the day for BC, this one was the prettiest.

8W) Sylvia INT

To balance out the Keeks INT, The Sylvia INT was what I thought put MO on our side. Sylvia not only made an athletic move to get the ball, but was able to bring the ball back so the Eagle would be able to make a move with the Ball on Offense. Not too shabby for a Freshman, Redshirted or not.

9M) The Maryland Footballs

Honestly, this game could have been different if Maryland hadn’t dropped so many passes. Yes, I know it’s bad weather and you need to run to win, but numerous Terps dropped multiple balls vs. our Eagles. Conservatively I think there were 10 drops, but the real total is likely closer to 15. I don’t know if the Maryland balls were some sort of new Under Armour Hyper-Suck model or what, but the Terps had an unbelievably hard time holding onto the ball Saturday…which is just fine by me.

10W)Ability to do the Best of the Best

First and foremost , I am a BC fan, I hope that is 100% understood. So When BC loses I don't enjoy being clever on the worst of the worst.. I would 1000x more rather to do the best of the best, and frankly its easier, my kind of memory is more agreeable with the wins, rather than the losses. So I tend to remember the big plays of BC a lot better than the ones against them.

Week 10 Ballot

BCDraft Ballot - Week 10

Rank	Team	Delta
1	LSU Tigers	--
2	Oklahoma St. Cowboys	2
3	Alabama Crimson Tide	--
4	Stanford Cardinal	2
5	Boise St. Broncos	--
6	Clemson Tigers	-4
7	Houston Cougars	7
8	Oregon Ducks	--
9	Nebraska Cornhuskers	7
10	Oklahoma Sooners	3
11	Michigan Wolverines	6
12	South Carolina Gamecocks	--
13	Arkansas Razorbacks	-2
14	Penn St. Nittany Lions	5
15	Virginia Tech Hokies	--
16	Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets	9
17	Kansas St. Wildcats	-8
18	Wisconsin Badgers	-11
19	Cincinnati Bearcats	1
20	Southern Miss. Golden Eagles	1
21	Michigan St. Spartans	-11
22	Arkansas St. Red Wolves	--
23	Arizona St. Sun Devils	--
24	Texas Longhorns	--
25	Georgia Bulldogs	--
Dropouts: Texas A&M Aggies, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Iowa Hawkeyes, BYU Cougars

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