It feels like it has been years since they played last, but the Eagles will be kicking off in less than 24 hours. If you are like me, you are probably shaking with anticipation, and if you are a weirdo like me, you probably won't sleep much tonight. Finally an eventful offseason is over: one that included the loss of Ifeanyi Momah and Luke Kuechly, a complete overhaul of the coaching staff, the unceremonious dismissal of Montel Harris, and the announcement of Gene DeFilippo's retirement.
There is a lot to look forward to tomorrow. Boston College has only one place to go, and that is up. Miami is in the same boat though too. The U is reeling after scandal rocked the campus, and a self imposed bowl ban prevented them from post season play. Obviously Stephen Morris will be an upgrade over Jacory "Arm Punt" Harris, and recruiting has picked back up under Al Golden. But the U also will be missing Seantrel Henderson and star safety Ray Ray Armstrong was dismissed from the team earlier this year as well.
Big Questions
Can anyone honestly predict what the offense will look like tomorrow. Last year I was excited by the possibility of Kevin Rogers, and when he got here he clashed with Spaz and the offense looked exactly the same as the year before. Will Doug Martin fall into the same pitfall, or will the passing game finally click?
In terms of the gameday, will BC alumni and students actually show up to the game. The famously fickle fan base's morale is low, but as always a fresh year means a clean slate. Will the fanbase give Frank Spaziani and Co another chance, or will Alumni Stadium be 3/4's full.
Lingering Questions
Tons of lingering questions as well. How much, if any, will Rolandan FInch play? How will the Eagles' patchwork secondary hold up? Will BC's front seven be able to a) put pressure on the QB and b) make up for the loss of Luke Kuechly? Who will Chase Rettig be throwing the ball to?
Liquor to Help Celebrate the Opening Of College Football Season:
Summer is over, and if you are a football nut like me, that is awesome news. I love fall, seriously love fall. And the thing I love most about fall--other than football--is pumpkin. Pumpkin beer, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin flavored gum, pumpkin tooth paste....anything with the orange gourd. To celebrate the opening of the BC season, may I recommend the Fishermen's Pumpkin Stout.
It's not as sweet and cinnamon-y as Shipyard Pumpkinhead, but has a subtle pumpkin flavor, with the thick Guinness taste you love from a good stout. If you are going to slam beers, you probably will explode if you try it with this stout, but my goodness it's a great beer.
Fisherman's Imperial Pumpkin Stout (via walknboston)
Baldwin Jr's Pregame Preview
CAW CAW, I HADS REETURNED! FIRST LETS ME TELLS YOU ABOOT MY SUMMER! BAWDWIN JR SPENT FOUR MONTHS WITH MYS FAVORITEDEST WRITER MARKS BLAUDSCHUN! WE SWAM, TALKED ABOOT BIGGY EAST FOOSEBALL AND HUGGED PICTURES OF MIKEY TRANGHESE! WE DIDS ALOT OF TALKING ABOUT MIKEY T, HE SOUNDS LIKE A BERRY BERRY SMART MAN. LIKE MARK I'S DID NOT FOLLOWS BEECEE FOOSEBALL AT ALL THIS SUMMER, SO BAWDWIN JR CANTS MAKE A PREDICULATION THIS WEEK. CAW CAW!
Gametime Song of the Week:
Will Smith - Miami. Hehe the Fresh Prince of Bel Air made a song about South Beach. While the U and their fans are busy hooting and hollering about their team, I would KILL for BC to play this song as Miami takes the field. Soft mom and dad rap, it would be just too beautiful.
Where Are Those Internet Folks?
Brian: At the game, Section A Follow @bcinterruption
A.J Black: At the game, Section B Follow @BCHysteria
Conrad: At the game, Superfan Section Follow @Conradkaczmarek
Jeff: Longingly watching the game on the television at home Follow @BCIntJeff
Grant: At home, polishing his Jerry York shrine Follow @Salzano14
BCI Staff Predictions:
Brian: Boston College 21-20
Jeff: Boston College 20-13
Conrad: Boston College 19-14
Grant: Boston College 14-13
A.J: Boston College 13-10
Introducing the BCI Superfan Picture Share-all: Are you going to the game? Throwing a killer tailgate? Did a famous BC alum show up to party with you? Show your Eagle pride by sharing your pics on our Facebook page!
Superfan Thermometer:
How are you all feeling about this weekend's game opener against the U? Think the Eagles will be revitalized and take out Miami? Or are you like Mrs. A.J Black, who predicts the Eagles will drop this game to Miami 23-16? What are your final thoughts before kickoff? Leave your thoughts about today's game in the comments. Go Eagles!