Pinstripe Bowl 2017: Final Thoughts And Predictions

BIG GAME LETS GO!

By A.J Black@AJBlack_BC Updated Dec 26, 2017, 4:17pm EST

NCAA Football: Boston College at Syracuse

A belated Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah to you all! And just in time for the holidays is the second installment of Steve Addazio Takes The Bronx. We all remember how the first installment ended, and hopefully this edition will have a few coffin corner punts from Mike Knoll to avenge that. But cross your fingers that it won’t be too many. On the other sideline will be the Iowa Hawkeyes, a team that has had a very solid season, a vicious conference schedule, and a statement win over the Ohio State Buckeyes. BC is riding a wave of success, winning five of the final six games. Will the A.J. Dillon show continue to ride against a solid Iowa Defense or will BC struggle against a very good Big Ten opponent?

Keys To Victory

Let Wade Make Some Plays: AJ Dillon is going to get his yards, but he will get a lot more if Iowa is forced to respect the pass. 20 attempts from Darius Wade should be more than enough, but he is going to need to hit on some of them. Use Tommy Sweeney, or a longer attempt to Kobay White early, and Dillon will find room.
Stay Physical Up Front: The unsung hero of the second half of this year was the play of the offensive line. The once maligned group became a fantastic unit who made Dillon’s job all that much easier. Iowa is known for their physical fronts, and this could be the most difficult front line BC has played since the Clemson Tigers.
Force Turnovers: BC forced 25 turnovers this season, with superb play by the cornerbacks. Iowa is going to need to sustain long drives if they want to wear out BC. If the Eagles can force them into mistakes, they will get the short field.
Get Off The Field On 3rd Down: If Iowa has a glaring weakness, it is the inability to convert on 3rd down. They rank 100th in the country, only converting 35.6% of their attempts. BC will want to continue that trend.
Limit Mistakes: One of BC’s biggest improvements in the second half was the decline in penalties. If they continue to do that they should win. Secondly, Wade can’t throw any bad interceptions.

My Non-IPA Beer of the Week:

Bronx Brewery Pale Ale: The flagship brew for this micro brewery located on the Bronx, smooth finish, looks like an amber lager, drinks like an IPA. A little tricky to find especially in Massachusetts, but if you can find it, it is well worth it!

Absolutely Necessary Rap Song Of The Week

Nas: NY State Of Mind. The best rapper to come out of New York, there I said it. Illmatic may be the greatest rap album of all time, and a song that is perfect for a Pinstripe Bowl.

AJ’s Power of Positivity Thought Of The Week:

Here we are, a Pinstripe Bowl. Just two months removed from a certain someone calling for Steve Addazio to be fired immediately. The offense is beautiful, the defense is clicking, and a win could mean some Top 25 votes for the Eagles. And oh yeah, this beautiful offense, like 95% of them will be returning next year.

Also a huge thanks to this senior class. It has been a roller coaster, but these dudes deserve to leave on a high note. Good luck tomorrow, and where ever your future may hold.

Pregame Food Of The Week-

A Nathan’s Coney Island Hot Dog: A New York tradition, grab one wherever you can. I haven’t had one before, but they look delicious.

Prediction Thread: Mike jumps in with a close prediction.

Coach JF (4): NO PREDICTION

AJ Black (4) 28-21 BC.

Mike G (2): 31-10 BC

Matt O (2): 24-17 BC

Laura (1): 27-24 BC

Arthur B (1): 21-20 BC. BC scores a touchdown late to tie the game, Mike Knoll is sent out to kick the extra point, makes it, and exorcises all of the demons from the Penn State game.

Eric H (1): BC 23 20

Grant: BC 27-20

Patrick: 24-20 BC

Superfan Thermometer: 10/10