Brian: BC doesn’t have long to dwell on their second straight upset loss to Harvard as they host 7-1 Rhode Island on Sunday. The Rams certainly won’t be pushovers. URI has already defeated their in-state rivals Providence 86-82 this season, and their lone loss on the year was a 82-80 setback to a very good Virginia Commonwealth team. Last night, the Rams defeated Northeastern 79-76. Rhode Island has averaged 81.0 points per game and are giving up 71.1.
Do you expect the Eagles to rebound and get back in the win column on Sunday?
Jeff: Yikes. I don't know. The Eagles should have held on to beat Harvard on Wednesday so hopefully they can at least take 1 of 2 on the week. URI is probably as good as Harvard and might be a little better. Rhode Island is probably the second toughest team the Eagles have played this season with Northern Iowa being the best (if you believe RPI rankings this early into the season). I certainly want to see the Eagles bounce back but looking at the two teams' shared opponent - Providence - and the rest of URI's schedule so far this year, I see BC struggling to get the victory on Sunday. I'll say I barely expect the Eagles to win Saturday.
Brian: Just like Harvard, Rhode Island is led by star senior guard Keith Cothran. Cothran has averaged 17 points per game and 3.3 rebounds per game in the Rams first 8 games. Against Quinnipiac, Cothran went a ridiculous 10-of-11 shooting, and finished with a season-high 21 points. If the Eagles hope to win, they better play better defense against Cothran and limit the damage he can inflict on offense. BC did a good job of limiting Harvard's Jeremy Lin in the first half, but Lin went off on the second half en route to another big day against the Eagles.
A few days ago, FOX Sports' Jeff Goodman reported that Rakim Sanders will be back in the lineup Sunday. What impact do you expect him to have on the game?
Jeff: Rakim Sanders should be back in the lineup but I don't know if he'll be 100% his first game back and if the team benefits greatly from his return in just his first game back. I wouldn't have minded a game against a weaker opponent in his first game back but am looking forward to another nationally televised BC basketball game.
Big Finish
Brian: Next year, the ACC Championship Game runner-up can now no longer fall further than the No. 4 bowl (the Sun Bowl) and no bowl can circumvent the "one-loss" rule. Your thoughts?
Jeff: I told you a new rule would come from the Gator Bowl's antics this season.
Jeff: BC hockey defeated Harvard 3-2 on Wednesday to push their unbeaten streak to 6 games. Do the Eagles keep things rolling Saturday at Providence?
Brian: Yes. This is a case of two teams going in opposite directions. Providence has lost three straight and will likely lose their fourth straight tonight against New Hampshire.
Brian: Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly was named Charlie Weis’ successor at Notre Dame. Your thoughts on the hire?
Jeff: I like our chances against Notre Dame next year, but he was the right man for the job.
Jeff: As someone who will be attending the Emerald Bowl, how pissed are you that the BC band will not be there?
Brian: I'm not pissed, just really sad for the BC band members. They deserve a reward for the season as much as the players do. Hoping GDF will see the negative press this decision is generating and change his mind.
Brian: The ACC Championship Game drew a mere 1.9 rating on Saturday night, down 35% from last year’s 2.9 rating. Your thoughts?
Jeff: Last year it was a worst case scenario for ticket sales and this year it was a worst case scenario for TV ratings. Both teams losing their final regular season games and the Big 12 Championship game being so close certainly didn't help.
Jeff: HD answers the question, will the ACC break .500 in bowl games? Your thoughts?
Brian: She points to BC-USC as being the most difficult win for the conference. I say even without a BC W, if the conference can't go 4-2 in its remaining games, I'll be very disappointed.
Brian: Last one, the Heisman Trophy presentation is Saturday. Who you got winning the award?
Jeff: Colt McCoy.