Draft 8-9: What's wrong with the Coaches' Preseason top 25

I always want to take the preseason polls with a grain of salt, as no games have been played yet, new coaches are in place, changes in players and schemes aren't really even fully known prior to the summer camps, but this is the first real taste of football that we get, and we are definitely hungry for some football.

Now some people will tell us to not get too worked up with the Preseason polls , because they really don't mean much. Well I tend to agree, without the whole agreeing part. PRESEASON POLLS do matter, whether we like it or not. Preseason polls matter for a number of reasons. If you are in the top 25, you get a tremendous amount of more press, which is basically what about every team wants. More media to cover you, more possibilities of you being on television, etc. If you want to end up high in the rankings, you typically have to start there. Most Championship winners don't start outside of the top 25. But on to the real discussion, who shouldn't be even close to smelling the dogs rectum.

1W) Notre Dame (#16)

How are you 8-5 in a previous season with some horrible losses, not have a great recruiting year. Have just a 2nd year head coach with a visually harder schedule, and be not only in the top 25, but sitting at 18??

I know they are the media doll , but this is getting past re-damn-diculous. How can every year be the year that they turn the whole ship around? Prove it on the field , and then it should apply to the rankings.

2M) Georgia (#22)

I'm going with Georgia here. There's really no rhyme or reason for the Bull(shit)Dogs to be ranked. They ended the season under .500, lost their two best tailbacks in the

offseason, another player to a DUI I believe, and somehow they're supposedly better overnight. Simply amazing.

3W) Texas (#24)

Mike I think you left me a good one with Texas still on the board, but I don't blame ya, living in SEC land makes it a great target, so I don't have any issue with your choice.

I am going with Texas here.. HAHAHAHA ( ok I am still laughing) How…, in the HADES do you legitimately put Texas in the top 25 preseason? Well we all know that THEY ARE TEXAS.

but still, is this the equivalent of checking C on a test when you don't know the answer? Was this done on a Scantron test? I don't get it .. Was Texas Ranked last year? Hmm.. Nope.. Did they have a stellar record? Hmmm.. Nope ( 5-7 actually) hmm maybe they had some good wins last year anyways? Hmmm nope, actually they could have been rated as one of the worst teams in the state, maybe even worse than the Mean Green and Baylor.. So why Texas? Someone on this Earth needs to explain this to me in grave detail.

4M) Florida State (#5)

Listen, as an ACC fan I'm happy we have SOME team in the top five, but what has FSU done to deserve this top billing? Remember they didn't even win the conference last year, that was VT (again). New coach? Nope. Easier schedule? Not really.

What's the rationale behind vaulting the 'Noles up the charts? I really don't know. I think this is a solid FSU team and deserves to be in the discussion for top 15ish, but top 5? Sorry Charlie, not buying it.

5W)Auburn (#19)

BCMike, I agree, I like having FSU on top for person reasons of when we play them.. But I don't think its justified either.

On my fifth pick I am going with Auburn. Auburn won the national championship last year and in the preseason is ranked 19th. Just behind Notre Dame.

Yes I understand Auburn lost a QB, a DT and a slew of others, but they won the national championship last year, and they didn't lose EVERYONE to the draft, have the same coach, etc etc.. So someone please tell me how they are behind a team that went 8-5 last year? Is this the Cam Newton swing? I don't get it. They should be ranked higher after going undefeated in the previous season. But hey that's logic and obviously belongs nowhere near these polls.

6M) aTm (Texas A&M) (#9)

Auburn is such a tough one to call. I mean, they lose Newton, Fairley, and others…but did we really know about those guys at this time last year? Who's to say they

don't have a new crop of talent purchased at the right time? I mean…"recruited" at the right time….

Next I'm going with aTm. The Aggies are somehow in the top ten despite not reaching ten wins last year, something the others sharing the top ten ranking all have achieved. They beat two ranked teams last year—both at home…the rest of the victories weren't quite as impressive including Stephen F. Austin, Florida International, Louisiana Tech, Kansas, and Baylor. Any time they played a ranked opponent on the road or at a neutral site they lost. Listen, I am not saying they're an awful team or anything…but top ten? How'd ya figure?

7W) MSU (#20)

Mike I agree a 9-4 record in a previous week doesn't (in my mind at least) drop you into the top ten either.

On my call , I am going to go with Mississippi State, Yes 20 isnt that high, but a 9-4 record doesn't really put you at number 20 in my book.

Yes they play in the SEC, but still , I am just thoroughly sick of seeing them in the top 25.

8M) South Carolina (#12)

Here again I'm picking on yet another SEC team with yet another 9-4 record. Here's my question for you…what have the Gamecocks done in the offseason to warrant them vaulting up over ten spots from when the season ended?

What's that? Stephen Garcia kept his nose clean and didn't get into any trouble? Nope—

certainly not that. Look, I absolutely agree that Alshon Jeffrey is one of the best WR's in the nation and you'd be tough pressed to find a more impressive young back outside of LaMichael James than Lattimore—but are we expecting great strides from these two? Weren't they great last year? How much better are we expecting them to be this year to erase how many of last year's five losses? Let's remember BC had six losses last year, and I don't see anyone putting us on their top 15 ballot either—and before you get all cynical on me I'd argue that Montel and Keeks have more preseason hype than Jeffrey and Lattimore.

9W) Alabama (#2)

BCMike, I am going to have to agree again, I am not sure how you warrant USCe having a top 25 ranking let alone a number 12.

Just to show the lack of love to my state, I am going to be bipartisan and put Alabama up here. But Alabama for the opposite reason of

Auburn, For Alabama being ranked too high.

Number two in the nation , and lost three games the year prior, one being to USCe?And while the everyone left thought process was made to put Auburn at 19, why wasn't that applied to Alabama as well? Who lost Julio Jones, Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram and others?

I'd also like for Bama to look out for State.. That's KENT STATE! Mark my words, KSU will give them a scare for a while in their season opener.

10M) Nebraska (#11)

I respect Bo Pelini—really, I do. I respect the tradition, the black shirts, all of that.

What I don't know is how a team that chalked up a bunch of wins vs. a bunch of nancies (some good ones, too) gets ranked this high in the preseason. Remember, this is their first year in the Big10, and while they may have been the tougher team many times in Big12 contests, that's unlikely to be the case this season.

The Huskers start of the year in traditional fashion, finding as many horrible opponents as possible before they start conference play. They'll have to do battle with the fearsome Hill-Toppers of Western Kentucky, the Vandals of Idaho, and the South Dakota State—say it with me—JACKRABBITS. Wow. I'm sure they'll lose those contests.

See, here's the problem with preseason polls. People that tell you they don't matter are 100% full of shit. Why? Do you think the Huskers are going to lose ANY of those games? Is there even the most remote chance? Of course not. So now you're starting a team at 12 and since pollsters hardly, if ever, move a team down that's winning, but the time the conference schedule hits Nebraska will likely be around 5 or 6.

Yes, they're a good team..but seeding them this high to begin the season will only lead to them being ranked even higher when they don't deserve it by week four of the 2011-2012 season.

Recap:

Wesley: Notre Lame, Texas, Auburn, MSU, Alabama

BCMike: Georgia, Florida State, aTm, USCe, Nebraska

Draft 8-9: What's wrong with the Coaches' Preseason top 25
	Wesley: Notre Lame, Texas, Auburn, MSU, Alabama
	BCMike: Georgia, Florida State, aTm, USCe, Nebraska
pollcode.com free polls

8/3 Draft: Best QB we'll face in '11-'12

Signal callers are typically the one player that has the most impact on a college team. Yes, you can without a good one, but it's awfully tough to win with a bad one. Below find our take on the top QB's BC will face this season....the "Top Guns", if you will...

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

1Mike) Dan Persa, Northwestern

While many of the QB’s BC will face this year have a good amount of fanfare behind them, no one has the track record that Persa does. Persa has set numerous passing efficiency / completion records in the Big10 and is undoubtedly one of the more accurate quarterbacks in the nation.

Drafters reading this story know that as BC fans, we often get anxious as our defense consistently bends but does not break, always playing 8 yards plus off of defenders regardless of speed levels. QB’s that are very accurate with their short passes and possess the patience to only take what we will give them can kill us. That being said, it’s only really happened once that a QB did that tous—and it was out of character (Drew Weatherford, three (?) years ago).

To me, Persa looks and smells like a slightly less seasoned Dan LeFevour. Spread offense, mobile, highly accurate. We fared well vs. LeFevour and Co., as he eventually got frustrated and started making mistakes. Will Persa? We’ll have to wait and see but I think on the whole he’ll likely be the best QB we face in 2011-2012 outside of a bowl game.


2Wesley) Danny O' Brien, Maryland

Mike , I think you let the real number 1 slip.

There was a reason that this sophomore was brought to the media days in North Carolina, and that is this talent in Danny O' ., or O' Danny Boy.. Whatever you want to call him, as a true Sophomore he is a talent, and I believe the biggest threat of a QB we face all season.

With the ability to scramble when hurried, and great arm strength, we will have our collective hands full if Maryland is able to cultivate a couple more receiving options.



3M) EJ Manuel, Florida State

I like Danny O’Brien, I really do. Here’s my problem with him—just like every QB that comes out of nowhere the season before when the league is not gauged to try to attack you but rather the rest of the team…your 2nd year you regress. It just happens. Plus, with the new TOB protege in town in HCRE, don’t expect to see Danny dropping back and chuckin’ the ball 40 times a game.

I’m going with EJ Manuel as my 2nd pick here, the starting QB for the mythical preseason all-ACC squad. He’s had a couple years to learn the new Jimbo Fisher offense and talent to spare around him which means teams won’t be focusing solely on him. I think we’ll have our hands full with EJ more so than we will with Danny.



4W) Mike Glennon, QB, NC State

Oh Mike are you falling for all the media dolls.. Mr Manual is good, but he is part of the Florida State Hype express, that I get tired of hearing about year in and year out..

I think Mike Glennon is being underrated, Beamer admitted that he almost upended Russell Wilson two years ago..

He is stated to not only have all the physical mechanics to be successful, but he also has a command of the team...I unfortunately think he could play very well.


5M) Jeffrey Godfrey, QB, UCF

Better to fall for the media darling than the TOB darling, Wesley! TOB *HAD* to say the things he has about Glennon. Talk about a double edged sword. If he’s the kind of guy that can live up to the Matt Ryan hype that TOBy has given him (let’s all still remember Ryan’s breakthrough year when he doubled every statistical category worth mentioning was after TOB left), PLUS the fact that Russell Wilson is going to be playing for a VERY good Wisky team that is going to be getting a lot of press…Glennon better have internal fortitude to the levels that impress NAVY SEALS because that’s a whole lot of pressure to put on a kid that has never started the season as a starting QB.

My next pick here is Jeffrey Godfrey, or as his friends call him “Frey-Frey” (hey, maybe they do. How would you know?). Now, I’m taking a little bit of a risk on this pick as Mr. Godfrey has gotten himself a little in trouble with the law and may or may not play against our Eagles—and if he does it may or may not be his first game of the year….but regardless, I think it’s safe to say that this youngster has some talent and can get hot. He threw for over 2,100 yards in the UCF offense last year as a true freshman, which as most know is a run first, play action second type of club. So putting up those numbers to me is certainly eyebrow raising. He’s also a selective runner which will add a wrinkle to how the Eagles D is forced to defend him.


6W) Sean Renfree QB, Duke

I am not going to make any friends on this draft, I'm already aware of this.. But Duke returns a QB in Sean Renfree that showed some serious pop last year. And with the Wide Receivers being a bunch of seasoned vets, this could be a great combo.

Sean is currently on the Davey O'Brien watch list, and although its not a overly obvious choice, look for Sean Renfree to surprise some people.



7M) Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech

This is not to say I'm a huge Logan Thomas fan. Why? Because I can't be yet. Kid hasn't taken the helm yet.

But let me tell you what I do know--I know that the kid is less than a running threat than some like to say, but rather a heady leader with a strong arm.

Listen--you don't have to be perfect to be an A3CG winner at VT. You just need to play smart and within your means. I think Logan has MORE than enough talent to do that. It is if he does more than that is when he gets scary.


8W) Dave Shinskie

Remember in number 6, when I said I am not going to make many fans in this draft? Well here is me putting the exclamation point on that. But hear me out a bit.. The big names of the schedule fell off long ago, that's not even debatable.

Dave Shinskie is a very serviceable quarterback, there Is no doubt about that. He has taken plenty of snaps, he has a better than decent arm, his really only two marks were very correctable, first being forcing it into coverage, the other staring down his receivers. So with number 8 I am going with Dave Shinskie that our team is going to see a lot, just in practice.


9M) Tahj Boyd, QB, Clemson

Now that’s just funny. I don’t think the QB’s from other teams are going to think that facing one of our back-up QB’s in practice will be tougher than facing them on Saturday!

Here I’m going with our old friend, Tahj Boyd (assuming he’s still committed to Clemson when they play us). Boyd’s physical skill really can’t be debated, the kid has a ton of physical talent. However, we all know it’s what’s upstairs that makes or breaks a college QB. This will be Boyd’s first year running the Clemson offense—which is almost good since they have a brand-new OC; not a lot to “un-learn”.

Clemson will still have a strong D and a quick shifty back for us to deal with which will no doubt stretch the field and give Boyd lanes to throw and run in. I hope he gets aggressive and we can take advantage mistakes, but if he’s an effective runner and patient he could wind up hurting us pretty bad.


10W) Dayne Crist, The Fraudulent French

Haha, I never said it was going to be a popular vote :) , but I do stand with my choice in the late rounds..

Let me start with my obvious dislike of Notre Dame, and the constant overhypedness (if that’s even a word) But I did manage to get Dayne Crist into here by a hair.

Dayne is a talented QB, with the tangibles to make the plays that are required, and this will be the second year of Coach Kelly, so you may see a bit more creativity by the QB.

Of course Crist is already being hyped for the draft, which I find to be completely unwarranted, although he is a talented individual.


RECAP:

BCMike drafted: Persa, Manuel, Godfrey, Logan Thomas, Boyd
Wesley drafted: O'Brien, Glennon, Renfree, Shinskie, Crist

Top Gun draft: Who drafted the better QB's BC will face?
	BCMike: Persa, Manuel, Godfrey, Thomas, Boyd
	Wesley: O'Brien, Glennon, Renfree, Shinskie, Crist
pollcode.com free polls

Thanks for reading!

7/26/11 draft: Final record in '11-'12

Last year's schedule was one of the easiest we have had in a long time. This year, it's the exact opposite, ranked the 6th toughest in the country by Phil Steele. The question is, given all of the changes that have taken place this last year at The Heights, what will our record be at the end of the year?

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

1Wesley) 9-3

Maroon glasses on here, no doubting it our schedule ranks as the number 6 in the nation, and I definitely agree with it we have a hard road ahead of us..9-3 wouldn’t be great, but it would be good. I still believe 2012 is our year. But we will be able to have some good wins. Over the Irish, Miami, UCF and NWU


2Mike) 8-4

I had my glasses on like they should be last year, and given the uber-easy schedule we had I really thought big things. Now, I know we should have a little better team this year having broken in plenty of freshman last year and, in the “prayers answered” category we scored Kevin Rogers which we all hope will really turn around the offense. That being said, we really do have quite a tough schedule this year. I think we probably will go 9-3 or thereabouts, so I’ll go a little bearish here at 8-4, which would still be a good season and put us on track for a very good team in 2012-2013.


3W) 4-8

This actually pains me to write, cause I have to admit.. Im a BC fan , and think there are tons of chances to win.. But don’t let me overshadow the schedule, its is not forgiving, and we do have a very young team. With a first year Offensive coach. And a new OL to gel, and some key losses on the DL as well.. I wouldcall 4-8 a low water mark, as I honestly can't see it going much worse thanthat.. We have some winnable games, WF, UMASS , etc.. But in recent history we havent necessarily beaten the pants off of those teams.


4M) 7-5

After reeling off a string of wins early in the year, the Eagles have a dreadfully tough schedule starting when we travel TO Blacksburg where we were prison raped without lubricant the last time we had “the pleasure”. While I think we’ll certainly be in just about every game, there are too many good teams towards the end of the schedule that have an opportunity to trip up our Eagles. It’s certainly possible we keep the early good momentum going, but make no mistake it’s clearly an uphill battle the second half of the season. Here I think we go 7-5 and likely are beyond battle tested by whatever bowl game we go to and completely annihilate whomever we face.

5W) 12-0

I call this the marooned out glasses view..
I will say , there is some reason for optimism.. Larmond is back! New Offensive Coordinator

Montel's senior year, Chase progresses. The stars align.. IT COULD HAPPEN, believe you and me, it without a doubt could!


6M) 10-2

There’s the blinded homer we were looking for! You guys didn’t really think we would go through a whole draft w/out some national championship talk, did you? Lol….

I’m going 10-2 here because I think it’s slightly more likely than a 6-6 record. I think BC matches up well with Northwestern and UCF, I think we beat UMass and Wake easily. Clemson is in a bit of a downward spiral and has lost a good bit of talent, plus they’ll be breaking in a new OC WITH a new QB. I think it could be close, but I think our Eagles win. From there it’s a six tough, close games that our Eagles manage to win four of.

7W) 6-6

I call 500 a losing season, I know its not but Its not a winning , so in my mind its losing.. We get off to a bumpy start and basically bounce like a skipped rock over a pond..

I say we beat NU, we fall to the C-USA champs, and win no others than the few obvious ones along the way.. I would not be happy with this result, and Spaz would officially be on the very hot seat.


8M) 5-7

I think so much depends on the start of the year for our Eagles. If we stumble out of the gate and have no concept of Rogers’ offense, we could be sitting at 0-2 early with the possibility of going 2-3 in our first five before our trip to Clemson—another team with a lot of inexperience but much reason to be hopeful. If we’re a wounded duck early I think it’s likely we won’t go bowling and our Eagles wind up below .500. The real question is: does going 5-7 cause Spaz to lose his job? I don’t think so only because Rogers won’t have had enough time to really put his offense in place and Gene can’t fire Spaz and promote Rogers if the offense is unsuccessful.


9W) 3-9

I really don't see this happening, there just isnt much on the board now..
A 3-9 season would without a doubt but Spaz on the hot seat. And be a killer to BC.. BC prides itself on consistency, the possibility of not making a bowl game is huge, as is only coming away with 3 wins. Although this is a VERY hard schedule, we should do much better than 3-9, if it happens, it will be very painful


10M) 11-1

I don’t think there’s any way that this team wins less than four games. If it does, I agree—heads need to roll. The D will still be very stout and we have a lot of talent returning on offense now under a coordinator who drinks more Pepsi than Metamucil. We’ll be fine.

Next is my rosy glass prediction. I can’t very well take 2-10 or 1-11, so I’m going with the last one left in the positive, 11-1. Clearly I think we have to go unscathed through our first six games. The question is, where does the loss come from? I think that while most folks are big on FSU, we get them at home on a Thursday night. I think our toughest contest will be at VT, and we’ll drop that one—but have a chance to redeem ourselves in the A3CG.

RECAP:

Wesley drafted: 9-3, 4-8, 12-0, 6-6, 3-9
BCMike drafted: 8-4, 7-5, 10-2, 5-7, 11-1

7-26 Draft: Who predicted the more accurate '11-'12 season?
	Wesley: 9-3, 4-8, 12-0, 6-6, 3-9
	BCMike: 8-4, 7-5, 10-2, 5-7, 11-1
pollcode.com free polls

7/21/11 Draft: We look in the mirror and what do we see?

As much as we complain that it's not fair or that it's tough for a small private school in the northeast to compete with the jumbo juggernaut state schools in the south, there are, in fact, a couple schools out there that BC would likely share a beer or two (okay, maybe scotch or wine and cheese) with. Maybe we don't like everyone on this list, but you have to admit, we run in the same circles...

We look in the mirror and what do we see?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1Mike) Notre Dame

As much as we despise the fraudulent french, they are our Catholic brothers as one of only two 1A (FCS) schools playing football among the behemoth public state schools that can throw tons of taxpayer money at the game. We're also both private, fairly small schools that still give a flying flip about academics and making sure our players graduate.

Lastly, there's the whole Irish roots thing which I contest as my great-great-grandfather's ship didn't land in Indiana, but along the eastern seaboard...but I digress.

You also won't find many folks who are terribly neutral about either school. Sure, ND is more polarizing than BC is, but people who generally like us REALLY like us and those who feel the other way do so with great zeal.


2Wesley) Stanford

Mike I agree, but danggggg is it painful.. But can't disagree on the similarities.

I am going with Stanford, and actually I would like to play Stanford on a regular basis if it was possible. Stanford has the increased academia requirement, and in a larger city, but does a small advantage on the recruiting grounds being in California.


3M) Georgia Tech

Yes, I know it's not private and it's in the south but hear me out. It's an excellent academic school in a large, sports crazed town whose residents and media do not give the Jackets the time or attention they deserve.

Sound familiar?


4W) Northwestern

All too familiar, but Mikey boy, I think you missed an easy one here, how bout who the Eagles square up against on September 3rd?? How bout them CATS!! Private school , in Chi Town.. Who struggles filling up their small stadium.. Oh and they are private, and have some serious academic requirements.

Honestly we go head to head with them on a ton of recruits.. I do see a little bit of our Eagles, in Northwestern.. No doubt about it .


5M) Vanderbilt

Good call with Northwestern, Wesley—I was going to go there myself but thought GT was a tad bit closer to BC.

For my third pick, fifth overall I’m going with Vandy. How Vandy is in the SEC and not the ACC is still a mystery to me, but that’s another topic I suppose.

The Commodores have had success both on the football field and on the hardwoods, but it comes in spikes—much like the Eagles. Every now and again they’re really good, but don’t really get the respect they deserve because they’re not a typical powerhouse year in and out and, much like the rest of the schools listed above, give two shakes about academics and admission requirements.

While I’m still bitter about the bowl loss we had to Vandy on New Year’s Eve a couple years ago –and I’m not sure I’ve completely thawed out yet either—I still cheer for Vandy as the deck is usually stacked against them in the SEC.


6W) Penn State

Mike, good one with Vandy! Man that was the coldest game ever in Nashville.. And such a hard loss...

I mean Spaz is getting up in age, but hell he played for Joe Pa lol.. Penn State has some good academic requirements, in the same general area of the northeast, and we do battle them for recruits at times. I really do wish we had them on the schedule in a regular form. What a great home and away that would be. Although Happy Valley isnt necessarily as urban as Chestnut Hill... I do still think we have a good bit in common.


7M) BYU

That really was a hard loss…but at least we enjoyed some delicious grilled venison! Lol….

I’m not sure I agree with you on the Penn State one there, Wesley. I like Penn State as well as my old man did his Graduate work there, but as a gigantic state school with insane funds to throw at the program and one coach in 50 years (unlike our four in twenty), I’m not sure if a BC Eagle looks in the mirror we see a Nittany Lion…

My next selection is brought to you by former Boston College Quarterback and Eagle in Atlanta man-boy-crush, Paul Peterson. I’m taking the Cougars of BYU with my 4th selection. The obvious compressions are that it’s a private school and a religiously affiliated one at that. While BC and ND are the only Catholic D1A football schools, there are a couple other private religiously affiliated ones as well.

However with BYU the comparisons don’t end there. I think the Cougs suffer the same “meh, it’s ____” that BC gets if the team is 3-0, 4-0, etc. Only when the Cougs are 5-0, 7-1, etc., do they really get much respect. Like our Eagles, it needs to be earned year in and out for respect to be given to them. If Auburn or LSU are 3-0, they’re ranked. Period. Not so with our Eagles or the BYU football team.

Lastly, I’d point out that we both have a surprisingly impressive string of putting QB’s into the NFL. BC’s I don’t have to name for you, but how about BYU? Sure you know Steve Young, but what about Jim McMahon? Ty Detmer? Max Hall? They usually have someone pretty good chuckin’ the pigskin in Provo.


8W) Boston University

Mike I like the BYU match up, I really do, but I think the rest of the choice was a bit of a stretch.. But we are getting towards the final rounds so I wont fault you too much for that.

Now I know I am going to get torched for this one, I know .. I know BU is very different but there are some similarities that you cannot overlook. First, I live in Alabama, I tell people I am a diehard BC fan, and they automatically think oh the university in Boston.. Nope that’s not it.. But it doesn’t always register that there may be about 50-60 more colleges in the city of Boston. Secondly the price of tuition is similar, as BC and BU seem to have a battle for highest tuition that they both are either winning or losing. Heck, they are on the same street! I agree BU is VERY different, but they definitely have some similarities


9M) Syracuse

Seriously? BU? Sure, their football team has been undefeated since what, 2003…but past that they’re not really the same aside from a world class hockey squad. Yes, we’re both on the same street but both BC folks and BU folks look and smell pretty darn different, IMO.

With my last selection, I’m going with The Orangemen. Yes, we have our differences but as a fellow private school with solid academics in the northeast, they face many of the same challenges we here at BC do. They also have had some historically awesome players there but seem to go with big dips of ups and downs (maybe they’re coming out from the valley soon?) much like our Eagles.


10W) Duke

Mike don't be mad that I stole your selection haha.

I actually have sooo much confidence in my draft , I am going to go outside of the box on my last pick, and I am going to choose West Virginia!!!. Haha yeah not exactly..
I am going Duke.. Duke is a great school that shares a great conference. Like BC Duke sometimes gets overlooked on the Gridiron(not on the hardwood though) and sometimes plays second fiddle to the other teams in town--which in their case is UNC and NC State.


RECAP:
BCMike selected: ND, GT, Vanderbilt, BYU, Syracuse
Wesley selected: Stanford, Penn State, Northwestern, BU, Duke

Who drafted the better mirror to BC?
	BCMike: ND, GT, Vanderbilt, BYU, Syracuse
	Wesley: Stanford, Penn State, Northwestern, BU, Duke
pollcode.com free polls

7/16/11 Draft - Putting the Hex on a team

Welcome back, Drafters!! As we look longingly at the season, wishing it to begin this weekend but knowing we're still months away, we look into our deep well of schadenfreude and bring you teams we'd like to put a hex on in 2012.

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


1Mike) Ohio State

Because I’m really tired of the Buckeyes being on top and am admittedly enjoying this black-eye they’re currently showing to the world. I know they have a lot of talent left, however how great would it be to see a bowl-free OSU?






2Wesley) Notre Dame

Because I wouldn't be a BC fan if I chose something different.

















3M) UCan't Puppies

I understand wanting ND to do poorly--i really do. However, I want them to be ranked when we play them so we can throw them off the mountain. Besides, after losing two in a row to the fake Irish, we need to beat a GOOD ND team to set things back in place.

For my next team I'm hexing this year is UCan't. They lost a ton, including their Head Coach Randy Edsall (if only a BC coach would have had the forward thinking to tell a recruit about this...) and having a huge bomb of a year would suck all of the air out of the program. I'm hoping for a bottom of the barrel finish for the puppies in 2011.



4W) Alabama

With my 4th pick, I am going with Alabama..

Call it personal that’s fine, but I get sick and tired of the SEC.. The we are in a whole other league talk gets old. Yes SEC is the best conference, but its not the NFL..Your strength of schedule is in the 20's BC is #6 so STFU bitches.


5M) U$C

Because it’s fun to watch Kiffen sweat and I’m hoping that eventually the losses will pile up and the cupboard will again eventually be bare.

The Reggie Bush fiasco did take entirely too long to unravel and I don't think the NCAA did nearly enough to them, but at least they're still banned from post-season play for a little while longer. Enjoy the sucktitude.



6) UNC

Because momma told me cheaters never win.. Butch still has a job?? Really? This is getting a bit ridiculous. UNC needs a wakeup call, and hopefully they get it on the football field this year.. repeatedly!!








7M) SUNY J

Plus, it just seems like UNC always has our number in football when I always think we’re better than they are…maybe that’s a “me” issue….

Jersey has always been a solid recruiting bed for BC but ever since the snake-oil salesman Schiano came into town, we’ve missed out on more recruits that were wowed by the state-supported helicopter rides and facilities. Another season like last year and it won’t matter what type of rides Schiano is giving out or what snake oil he's peddling, kids are going to start putting two and two together and realizing that there are better places to spend 4-5 years than Piscataway, NJ.


8W) Texas

It's one of those teams that got knocked down last year, and I would prefer they stayed there. 5-7 last year, that just makes me smile... And you have to admit their strength of schedule wasnt all that either. 1-4 in the Big 12 south.. oh and to top it all off how was that loss to Baylor. haha.. AND STAY DOWN!!!








9M) West by hate of God Virginia

This one isn’t really based on the way the wind is currently blowing, but rather a nice long, old standing feeling of detest to our toothless hick neighbors to the southwest.

Consistently the most classless bunch of fans and “alums” (can you really call yourself an alum from a two year junior college?), every Mountaineer loss is a good loss.

In my dream world, Rich Rodriguez returns to the helm next year and then burns the place down in retribution for the way his family was tortured when he tried to better his family by leaving West Virginia for a state that had dentists.


10W) Oregon

You can only rob and steal and play crappy PAC – 10 competition for so long before it catches up to you..

Wait make that PAC –12.. My give a crap meter for them may still be at zero..
Make sure you note that they will lose to Colorado this year, Write that down, you heard it here first.

Poor ugly ducklings.

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

RECAP

BCMike selected: O$U, UCan't, U$C, SUNY J, UWV
Wesley selected: Notre Dame, 'Bama, UNC, Texas, Oregon

Who drafted the better teams to HEX in '12?
	BCMike: O$U, UCan't, U$C, SUNY J, UWV
	Wesley: Notre Dame, 'Bama, UNC, Texas, Oregon
pollcode.com free polls

BCDraft 5/30/11: Breakout player in 11-12

You will have to once again pardon our time between posts, this whole "job" thing keeps on rearing it's ugly head.

This week, we look at the breakout players in the next season. Who do you think had the best draft? BCMike or Wesley? Who did we miss? Vote and leave your comments below!!

------------------------------------------------
1M) Chris Pantale, TE

Sure, Pantale has had a good career thus far in Chestnut Hill, but look for 2011 to be a special year. From everything we have heard, the Rogers offense is going to look to exploit this talented position for the Eagles, and no one more up to the task than the polished Mr. Pantale.

2W) Chase Rettig, QB

Mike, its going to be hard to argue with Pantale being the first pick. Pantale is a great TE, although he didn't get to play this Spring, he should definitely still be a factor this fall. And with the new offense showcasing the TE a lot more, it really should be a nobrainer, heck even in NCAA 2010, I got a Heisman for Pantale haha.

With my first choice Im going with Rettig, the guy tossing the ball to Pantale. Chase did decent in 2010 being a true freshman, progressed as the season went on and after a year under the belt he should show great strides with a new OC. He already

has done better in the Spring based on what I saw, and he should continue to get even better.

3M) Kevin Pierre-Louis, SLB

Good call with Chase there Wesley--I do think we'll see improvements from Chase (particularly after our interview (part 1 and part 2)), but I guess I already expected big things from Chase---Pantale will have a big chance to shine, as well will another player, Mr....

KPL had a solid year last season and performed more than admirably as a freshman. This year I expect two things: 1) Last year KPL largely got by on the god-given and personally hard worked-on athletic talent (as just about all Frosh do), but being around Keeks for a year and playing around him will make him more cerebral 2) While Keeks flew under the radar inexpicably in 2010-11, he most assuradly won't in 2011-12. DC's will plan for him and put resources his way to stop him; which will in turn open up opportunities for KPL.

4W) ALJ (Albert Louis-Jean) CB/S

So far you are batting 1000 Mike, I totally agree with both of your picks. I guess on this draft I am showing a bit of my Kenny Rogers side and being the Gambler..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tSo4IICBTY

On this pick I am going with ALJ.. Although he has yet to play a collegiate game, he has the measurables, enrolled early, displayed skill in the Spring game, and I have heard nothing but positives, the proof in the pudding will come on Saturdays.. But I am calling it now, ALJ will display his skills this fall.


5M) Colin Larmond, Jr., WR

Interesting call on ALJ--I agree that there is no ceiling and that he could be a future star; but it's pretty rare for a true frosh (non "talent position" on offense) to break through.
I'm going with the best recruit landed in the country this year, Colin Larmond, Jr.
Sure, he's not a true freshman and not fresh out of high school but what Larmond is---he's filthy talented with a chip on his shoulder to show the world he's not just back, but an elite WR in his league--if not the country. Larmond is going to have a HUGE year.

6W) John "Wetz" Wetzel, OT

BCMike, I am going to have to disagree on your number 5, you were going so strong, and I think you fell a bit on that one.. Although I think he will be successful in 2011, I think it will be later into the season, as I feel his recovery process is going to take longer than everyone is expecting, and then add getting back into the game.. Just my two cents.. And I hope that I am wrong.

I think a lot of people have been wondering what happens on the line with no Costanzo, and I think the quick answer is Wetz steps in and does a great job.

Now don’t get me wrong, we lost a first round draft pick with someone I think I could count how many games they played last year on one hand. But Wetz has shown leadership during the spring, and he definitely understands this is his time, and I think we will all breathe a sigh of relief when we see he anchor down that left side.

7M) Okechukwu Okoroha, aka "O", FS

Funny you should say that about Colin Larmond, Jr., Wesley---because I'm in a similar boat with Wetz. I'm VERY much hoping that he can fill the shoes of Cazzy, but I think it will be a learning year for him adjusting to the blind side--but I hope I'm wrong, much like you do.

For #7, I'm taking Okechukwu Okoroha, Mr. "Hollywood", Mr. "O" himself. This season his full athletic ability will be on show and one more year of understanding Spaz' defense will be under him. He's undeniably one of the most athletic guys on the team and with some discipline under Spaz' system, he'll be a 1st or 2nd all ACC guy for sure.

8W) Kaleb Ramsey, DT

I am going to keep it simple on our DT , he just exploded physically last year, and showed great strength and speed… As a senior on the Dline he is going to create some NFL prospect Tapes in 2011.. And plus I like the way he just seems to play like he is totally pissed off.. That's exactly what I want in a DT.


9M) Kasim Edebali, DE

Wesley, if Kaleb were to be the breakout player; I can' t even imagine how great of a season we would be having. He's having to replace big shoes (both physically and by play CT native Damik Scafe), and I would be excited by a zero drop off; but I don't believe Ramsey has the physical size to be a breakthrough player at DT; he is more of a rip and pursue player than a read and react player IMO---which I believe is important at DT---but again I hope I am wrong.

With my last pick in this week's draft, I will take Kasim Edebali.

I think that from everything I have heard, he's very "Kiwi"-esque and while he was a player that was recruited out of this country, he has well adapted to the state-side ball play and has shown a propensity to be able to get to the QB. BC fans have bemoaned a lack of QB rush from the front four; I think "Eddie" is the answer.

10W) Luke "Keeks" Kuechly, MLB

Good call on Edebali, he definitely displayed the skill and talent, let alone the speed last year that made me think that he could definitely put on a nice display.

With number 10, I choose Kuechly, well I guess the rich get richer. Luke seriously got some attention in 2010, racking up 10+ tackles over and over and over, but watch for luke to try to display his QB sacking ability, his ability to cause a fumble, his tackles behind the line of scrimmage, last year he showed his ability to track down the ball and make a play, this year I expect to see him be a bit more dangerous to the other team

Recap:

BCMike: Pantale, KPL, Larmond, O, Edebali

Wesley: Rettig, ALJ, Wetz, Ramsey, Kuechly

BCDraft 5/30/11: Breakout player in 11-12
	BCMike: Pantale, KPL, Larmond, O, Edebali
	Wesley: Rettig, ALJ, Wetz, Ramsey, Kuechly
pollcode.com free polls

BCDraft interviews Chase Rettig - Part 2

Last week we published part one of our interview with Boston College starting QB Chase Rettig. To start the week off, today we are publishing part two.

Once again, we want to thank Chase for joining us and taking the time to be interviewed.

We hope you enjoy the conclusion of this great interview!

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

BCDraft: Are there any guys that we didn’t mention that we should be looking for on the receiving corps?

Chase Rettig: I don’t want to single anyone out this season, but I think Chris Pantale should have a great season this year, Lars Anderson [too]. If Colin can make it back [to full strength] he can have a very strong year. Ifeanyi Momah, Clyde Lee, Alex Amidon , Shakim... all these guys have been busting it this spring… I’m just excited to see how it plays out this summer; I definitely think everyone should be very excited to see how well they do this year.

BCD: Moving from Wide Receivers to the backs, I think Montel definitely had such a work load last year and [due to that] we got to see Andre Williams bust on to the field…Now that Andre and Montel are healthy I think that you are going to see a two-back, back [field] there. ..Not to say anything bad about the rest of the backs in the ACC, but I think that is one of the better Running Back Duos in the ACC; if not the country.

CR: I think so too, you know Montel is a great back, and Andre is a great back. Montel is so proven , and [he] is such a good down-hill runner. You are talking about people that will be a surprise next year--I think the Running back Tajh Kimble will come in and get a few carries and will pull some big plays this season. He has exploited himself extremely well this spring with everyone out trying to get healthy. I think those 3 guys are going to be workhorses in the backfield

BCD: Great! Are there any other incoming guys that are incoming guys that Eagles fans haven’t seen that may be an impact this year?

CR: We’ve had two kids come in with the 2011 class, and I m not too sure where they stand right now , but ALJ has made some really big plays this spring on defense and Medhi has done very well in practice. But I am not sure if they are going to be playing as true freshman or not, but they have made a good impression already for the 2011 class.

BCD: Now for the big scoop is Spaz’s mustache real? Like really real?

CR: Definitely

BCD: Hahaha , have you ever tugged on it to make sure?

CR: Definitely not...

BCD: We were wondering if Tom Selleck had it stolen from him, but apparently it might be his so I don’t know who to believe…

Anyway, are you able to follow the other BC sports? BC hockey has enjoyed a great run, and BC basketball has done well again this year after a tough year last year.

CR: Yes, I’ve gone to the Beanpot a couple times for the championship game, and then a couple of home games, and then I went to a couple of BC basketball games this year too.

BCD: Excellent, nice to see you guys supporting each other.
Do you have a favorite pass play, or throwing on the run play that is your favorite one to run, and if so, can you describe it for us?

CR: Yeah one the big differences from last year to this year is actually some concept plays where we can go to the line of scrimmage and we can route according to the defenses we get, I really like being able to go to the line of scrimmage and break down the defense and seeing a cover 3 or cover 2 and being able to split the defense, so that’d definitely be my favorite.

BCD: Is there a QB that you mold your game after, or even a couple that you try to morph together to kind of go in the direction of and emulate?

CR: I just try to [be my own QB]…you know it’s funny…because during the season you end up not following [Pro] football much because you are so caught up in your own team but , once the season was over and we were able to watch some football, we keep track and see who the best guys are and you just try to emulate what their strong points are, whether it be footwork, timing, how they throw a certain ball against certain coverages, so I’m not trying to emulate my work after just one guy, I just try to get everyone’s strengths and put that on the field.

BCD: Ok cool, Well Wesley’s favorite question to ask , is “ A lot of players use music to get ready for the game , whether to psych themselves up or calm themselves down do you think you need one or the other? Do you need to be psyched up or calmed down? And what tunes do you listen to, or pregame rituals that you partake in?

CR: Yeah , before games , I usually listen to music, get some classic rock, or rap music , or country, I really like to listen to everything. My favorite playlist that I play before every game usually gets me pretty riled up before the game. You want to be calm as the quarterback, but you gotta get the blood flowing.

BCD: That’s cool, now talking about facing our own defense in practice…I’m sure you had an eye on Herzy [last year], but now that he is gone, when you play the 7 on 7’s who do you keep an eye on?

CR: I think no matter what the drill is , you have to look for Kuechly, he could play every position on the defense.

It is [amazing] that he always seems to be in the right place, it’s very strange. You just look up and he is there. That happens because of how hard he works and how much film he watches. He’s definitely there because he knows what’s going on.

BCD: Great, only a couple more questions for you. Then I’ll let you go, I appreciate your time. Is Wetz going to be new guy blocking your blind side? And how do you feel about losing Cazzy?


CR: Cazz and I....we are pretty good friends, and [it was great] having him block my blind side [as] I never really had to worry about anything. He’s a really good player and watches a lot of film and [has] great technique, so I never had to really worry about watching my blind side. Having Wetzel step up and be in those shoes, he’s done a great job this spring. The more you play the more you know what the opponents are going to do and Wetzel has been taking it [all in] and getting a whole bunch of reps. I think once the season starts he is going to be a really good player.

BCD: Who is the serious guy that no one can get to crack a smile. A few years ago Robert Francois, who is now in the NFL, the players used to joke that he was scary as all heck and he wouldn’t crack a smile, are there any guys that is like that on the team this year?

CR: I will probably have to go with Luke Kuechly again, just because while we are practicing or whatever, he has such a mindset and he just takes over and there’s not too much nonsense going on, he’s just making his reads or whatever he needs to do, now outside of football you can make him laugh or whatnot [and] he has a good personality.
And then, he’s not playing now but Kaleb Ramsey, one of our Defensive tackles, he is extremely hard too. And he is very strong.

BCD: Yes, he’s definitely a big dude…seeing him on the sidelines last year gave me a whole new perspective.

CR: Yes , definitely a player who can make a huge impact on our team next year, as he did this year.

BCD: Absolutely, is there anyone on the other side that is kind of the funny guy, that keeps guys loose?

CR: Hmm.. .you know, I think everyone will crack a joke when appropriate when we are scoring touchdowns and stuff. I think some guys are easier going than others; but I think Coach Rogers has a pretty funny personality after the plays or whatever, or when we are in the film room or whatever and puts us in a better mood you know?

BCD: One more serious one for you, the big spring game that is coming up, what are you looking to improve on in the spring game and how will you judge success in the game?

CR: You know I just want to be able to execute every play, and I want everyone--all eleven on the field—to run the play to the fullest potential. If we can do that the play is going to be successful. The way we can judge success, is how well we executed. [Whether or not that results in] touchdowns and [impressive] statistics, all that stuff will take care of itself.

BCD: Alright, that’s great, and obviously, I have to ask the question, is your favorite BC Blog "BCDraft"?

CR: Well Definitely!

BCD: I thought you might say that! But in all seriousness, Chase—thanks so much for being with us here today and taking the time to speak with Eagles fans. We’re all looking forward to a great season and are behind you guys all the way.

CR: No problem. Go BC!