Brian: The long wait is over. After six Saturdays with no BC football, the Eagles will face the Nevada Wolf Pack in the next to last game of the college football season. Let's start with the matchup of the Eagles offense vs. the Nevada defense. Will the rust show for BC? How do you think Chase Rettig will perform, especially given the San Francisco bowl game is a bit of a homecoming for the true freshman?
Jeff: There are no excuses for the offense not to show some signs of improvement. BC has had a chance to practice for an extended period of time without game preparation for the first time all year with this group of starters. There ought to be something good coming from that. The starting lineup was changed constantly throughout the year whether it was due to injury or productivity so the extra time to build some more cohesion among the younger contributers has to help.
Brian: Will Montel Harris and Andre Williams happily co-exist in the running game, or are you expecting a bigger game from one or the other?
Jeff: Andre Williams had a great game against Syracuse and Montel Harris is coming off of surgery but how can you possibly pick against Harris having the bigger game. If he looks healthy he will get the majority of the touches.
Brian: Naturally, I think the most compelling matchup in this game is Nevada's Pistol offense going up against the BC defense. BC has the number 1 rushing defense in the country, giving up just 80.17 yards per game. Meanwhile, the Nevada offense, led by QB Colin Kaepernick, ranks third in the nation with over 300 yards a game on the ground. Will BC be able to neutralize the Wolf Pack ground game?
Jeff: Yes. This is a different style of offense from N.C. State and Virginia Tech where Russell Wilson and Tyrod Taylor often run after nothing else is available on a passing play. Kaepernick runs on designed running plays. BC is quicker on defense than it has been in years past when option teams have torched the Eagles and I expect the Eagles to fair very well defensively. If our offense doesn't show up they might not get the shutout we'll need for the W but they will keep Nevada well below season averages.
Big Finish
Brian: Because of the long wait for the bowl game, DE Alex Albright has recovered from his broken fibula to play one more game. Are you expecting a big game from the senior?
Jeff: He had such a great season prior to injury, I hope so.
Jeff: The 10-6 Giants missed the Playoffs. As a Giants fan, were you a fan of the Tom Coughlin's end of season rant?
Brian: The Giants had an OK season, but were afforded every opportunity to make the playoffs. As for Coughlin, I'd say I'm indifferent at this point.
Brian: With all the early departures -- namely Da'Quan Bowers to the NFL -- will BC boast both the ACC's Offensive and Defensive Preseason Players of the Year next season?
Jeff: Highly unlikely that Montel Harris is ACC Preseason POY in my opinion because he plays for BC.
Jeff: Honestly, were you even surprised when we lost to Harvard for the third straight season?
Brian: Yes, very surprised. I figured Donahue would have the team amped and well-prepared to beat the Crimson.
Brian: The BC women's hoops team avenged the men's third straight loss to Harvard, winning 80-78. Make you feel any better about the men's loss?
Jeff: Not at all.
Jeff: I beat you in the bowl pick 'em once again. Want some pointers for next year?
Brian: Please. You'll have beaten me by a game, which is the equivalent of the BS officiating call in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Brian: Last one. Of course I'm going to ask ... prediction time. Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. Who ya got? What's the final score?
Jeff: Boston College 22, Nevada 17.