BC Interruption: All Posts by Rich RappA Boston College Eagles Community.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47285/bci-fave.png2020-12-08T14:15:55-05:00https://www.bcinterruption.com/authors/rich-rapp/rss2020-12-08T14:15:55-05:002020-12-08T14:15:55-05:00Boston College Football: Bowl Projection Roundup
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<figcaption>Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="ftMmZs">Unless your school is competing in the top tier, bowl games generally feel like a holiday bonus, one last game—often in an unfamiliar location, under the banner of a goofy corporate name, against an uncommon opponent—to put a bow on the season. Given the uncertainty entering the 2020 slate, a bowl berth seems like even more of a reward, not just for compiling a winning record, but for staying vigilant in the face of a pandemic. Keeping players and staff healthy for the entirety of an 11 game season was no small accomplishment. </p>
<p id="NkKMMw">Of course, a bowl appearance is still not a given for Boston College: 11 of the 43 scheduled games have already been scrapped, including a number of ACC tie-ins. As COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to surge across the country, I think it’s fair to wonder if flying student-athletes and staff across the country for what amounts to a post-season exhibition game is superfluous. </p>
<p id="CwtbGF">This season already feels more complete than I ever suspected it could, so it wouldn’t be terribly disappointing if last week’s game proves to have been the last of the season. Should the Eagles accept a bowl invitation, I trust that the administration will continue to take every precaution to ensure the game is played safely, as the program’s record to this point hasn’t given me a reason to believe otherwise. Here’s a look at where various pundits project BC to land:</p>
<h3 id="gvOkgb">December 26th: Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl</h3>
<h4 id="vWgwSk">Raymond James Stadium - Tampa, FL - Noon, ABC</h4>
<p id="aI1C88">Mark Schlabach, <em>ESPN</em>: BC vs. South Carolina</p>
<p id="AKpg2Z">Bill Bender, <em>Sporting News</em>: BC vs. <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com">Oregon State</a></p>
<p id="UceQFB">Jerry Palm, <em>CBS Sports</em>: BC vs. Memphis</p>
<p id="QX3YK3">Brad Crawford, <em>247 Sports</em>: BC vs. Kentucky</p>
<p id="zIUayY">Stewart Mandel, <em>The Athletic</em>: BC vs. <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com">BYU</a></p>
<p id="GiF7nm">Raymond James is one of the few stadiums that still looks pretty handsome when empty. If we can ensure that the touchdown cannons will be at our disposal, I am all the way in on this. The name of the bowl is basically a full sentence, which is a tough look, but I kind of like the Boxing Day time slot. Five different opponents projected, typifying the crap shoot nature of this enterprise.</p>
<h3 id="ESHA8y">December 28th: Military Bowl Presented by Perspecta</h3>
<h4 id="sW1kgi">Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium - Annapolis, MD - 2:30, ESPN</h4>
<p id="aZ4q1Y">Steven Lassan, <em>Athlon Sports</em>: BC vs. Navy</p>
<p id="sA9oMX">Navy is currently 3-6 entering this weekend’s game against Army. Seems like it would be pretty hard to get revved about this match up, particularly at 2:30 on a Monday.</p>
<h3 id="zeUv7R">December 30th: Duke’s Mayo Bowl</h3>
<h4 id="s6IOYu">Bank of America Stadium - Charlotte, NC - Noon, ESPN</h4>
<p id="VDp7E7">Kyle Bonagura, <em>ESPN</em>: BC vs. Maryland</p>
<p id="0yEun6"><em>College Football News</em>: BC vs. Maryland</p>
<p id="5GZvOC">I actually enjoy this particular brand of mayonnaise, but shudder to think of an entire bowl of it. Does Luke Kuechly have something to do with this? By the way, Maryland has played a grand total of FOUR games this season. Honestly, what are we even doing out here?</p>
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https://www.bcinterruption.com/2020/12/8/22163212/boston-college-football-bowl-projection-roundup-byu-maryland-navy-oregon-state-gasparilla-bowlRich Rapp2020-12-05T19:29:16-05:002020-12-05T19:29:16-05:00Recap: Boston College 32 Virginia 43
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<figcaption>Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="8inHFc">Road dogs and short a starting quarterback and running back, Boston College lost their season finale at Virginia, 43-32. It was BC’s first ever loss to UVA, and it dropped the Eagles to 6-5 (5-5) as teams jockey for bowl positioning.</p>
<p id="XWYalK">Dennis Grosel put up some gaudy numbers in relief of the injured Phil Jurkovec (32/46 520 yards 4 TDs), but a pair of interceptions deep in UVA territory doomed the Eagles. It should be noted that those 520 passing yards tied Grosel with Doug Flutie for BC’s single game record. Though the turnovers hurt, the BC defense was unable to contain quarterback Brennan Armstrong and the rest of the Cavalier offense. Armstrong finished 19/27 for 287 yards, 1 TD 1 INT through the air, and 17 carries for 130 yards and a TD on the ground. Even with Grosel’s record tying performance, UVA out-gained BC 549-513.</p>
<p id="rz5SwF">Trailing 3-0 early in the first quarter, BC put together an impressive 90 yard drive. Grosel hit Zay Flowers in stride for a 45 yard TD pass, which put the Eagles up 7-3. The Cavaliers returned the ensuing kickoff all the way to the BC 22, but the defense was able to dig in and hold UVA to a field goal.</p>
<p id="f24MQc">After trading three-and-outs, the BC offense was threatening early in the second quarter. On first down at the UVA 19, Grosel eluded pressure, but rather than throw the ball away, he heaved one off his back foot toward the end zone, and the Cavaliers came down with the interception at their own 5.</p>
<p id="J5sRyl">Virginia needed only 8 plays to traverse the 95 yard field in front of them. Armstrong found Ra’Shaun Henry from 47 yards out to go ahead 13-7. BC went three-and-out on their next possession, and UVA again sliced through an Eagles defense that looked completely out of sorts. This time they ran just 3 plays to cover 62 yards, capped by a Keytaon Thompson 10 yard TD rush.</p>
<p id="TKZLFB">Trailing 20-7 in the waning minutes of the half, Boston College showed signs of life. Grosel stood in against pressure and floated a pass down the sideline to his wide open tight end Hunter Long, who hauled it in for a 36 yard TD. Long finished the day with 8 catches for 109 yards.</p>
<p id="5jNEHi">Jahmin Muse then intercepted an ill-advised throw from Armstrong, and with just 31 seconds on the clock, Coach Hafley saw an opportunity to chip away at the deficit before the half. The Eagles did just that, as Aaron Boumerhi knocked in a 35 yard field goal to cut the lead to 20-17.</p>
<p id="eklTpR">Boston College got a stop to begin the second half, but Grosel threw his 2nd interception of the game on the next possession. Grosel was looking for Zay Flowers near the UVA goal line, but Cavalier defensive back Nick Grant won the 50/50 ball as he and Flowers tumbled into the end zone for a touchback. Two plays later, UVA scored on a 60 yard TD run by Armstrong. </p>
<p id="5v8rY1">UVA added 10 more points to make it 17 straight before BC finally stopped the bleeding with Flowers’ 2nd TD reception of the game. Flowers continues to shine in his sophomore season— he compiled 8 catches for 180 yards, 2 TDs and a 2 point conversion. </p>
<p id="uHKY9y">After a failed onside kick attempt, UVA’s Keytaon Thompson added his second score of the day, going untouched on a 43 yard touchdown carry that gave the Cavaliers a commanding 43-25 lead. Grosel added another TD pass to his stat line on a pretty throw and even better catch by Jehlani Galloway, bringing the final balance to 43-32 in favor of Virginia.</p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2020/12/5/22156476/recap-boston-college-eagles-32-virginia-cavaliers-43-footballRich Rapp2020-12-05T14:30:00-05:002020-12-05T14:30:00-05:00Game Thread: Boston College Football at Virginia
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<figcaption>Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="jCi6wD">Can the Eagles go above .500 in ACC play for the first time in forever? The regular season finale is upon us, leave your thoughts below!</p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2020/12/5/22155810/game-thread-boston-college-eagles-football-at-virginia-cavaliersRich Rapp2020-11-29T11:27:18-05:002020-11-29T11:27:18-05:00Post Game Thoughts: Louisville 27 Boston College 34
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<figcaption>Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="XAYp0A">Win or lose, Boston College football games have been undeniably entertaining this season. The Eagles held off Malik Cunningham and the <a href="https://www.cardchronicle.com">Louisville Cardinals</a> 34-27 in Saturday night’s home finale, and improved to 6-4 (5-4) on the season. BC overcame game-ending injuries to their starting quarterback and running back to gain bowl eligibility, and won five conference games for the first time since 2009. Let’s take a look at some keys to the game:</p>
<h2 id="o0vgDP">The Good</h2>
<p id="nvhmUS"><strong>Dennis Grosel -</strong> Pressed into action with just one snap under his belt all season (a clutch 4th down conversion mind you), Grosel rose to the challenge. Coach Hafley extolled the leadership of his backup quarterback, which was on full display as he helped the Eagles stave off Louisville’s unrelenting offensive attack in the 4th quarter.</p>
<p id="MVBF5B">Grosel’s first full drive covered 84 yards in just 8 plays, and two of those plays were cut for the highlight reel. First, Grosel flipped the field with an unexpected 44 yard scamper:</p>
<div id="K3KafQ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/grosel-jZpl4R" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="oNPb3y">Then he threw a nice ball to CJ Lewis in the back of the end zone, which Lewis managed to snag with one hand after untangling from the defender:</p>
<div id="CreitB"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/lewis-oVxq4K" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="gxU1i4"><strong>David Bailey/Offensive Line -</strong> In our game preview, I wondered if Travis Levy might start seeing more of the running workload, but Bailey put up a very solid 10 carry 53 yard 2 TD line before going down with injury. </p>
<p id="J2sRAR">The offensive line not only opened up holes, but seemed to relish out-muscling the Louisville front, and pushed entire piles forward on several occasions. The line also shined in pass protection: Louisville did not record a single sack or QB hurry.</p>
<div id="j4fKzi"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/bailey-XL8EvW" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="nPksdn">The Bad</h2>
<p id="56FvUA"><strong>Defense -</strong> BC always struggles with dual threat quarterbacks, and Malik Cunningham was no exception. Cunningham accounted for 427 of Louisville’s 493 yards. He finished 19/31 294 yards 2 TD 1 INT passing, to go along with 17 carries for 133 yards. The Eagles again struggled to get off the field on 3rd down (The Cardinals were 7/12), and didn’t generate much of a pass rush.</p>
<p id="JTjZbv">The most egregious defensive lapse occurred late in the fourth quarter. After Grosel connected with Jehlani Galloway for what seemed like a game sealing TD that put BC up 34-20 with under 5 minutes remaining, the Cardinals scored on their very next play from scrimmage. Cunningham hit Dez Fitzpatrick on a screen pass, and poor angles of pursuit, lack of speed, and good blocking led to a 69 yard touchdown that made it a game again.</p>
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<h2 id="5xVih4">The Ugly</h2>
<p id="dq79x4"><strong>Louisville Turnovers -</strong> It must be positively maddening for Louisville fans to watch an offense with so much fire power continue to plague themselves with turnovers. This team has way too much talent to be 3-7. The Cardinals now hold a -1.4 turnover margin, which ranks 123 out of 127 FBS teams. BC, on the other hand, ranks 20th with a +0.9 margin, and that was ultimately the difference in this game. While BC’s lone turnover was costly (a Jurkovec fumble inside the UL 3 that you could <em>definitely</em> argue should have been blown dead), the Cardinals seemed to cough it up without much coaxing. BC capitalized with 10 points off of the two fumbles, and Shitta Sillah’s interception was a game-ender.</p>
<div id="okaJPD"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/ul-fumbles-xnKDA9" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2020/11/29/21725017/post-game-thoughts-louisville-cardinals-27-boston-college-eagles-34-footballRich Rapp2020-11-27T00:00:00-05:002020-11-27T00:00:00-05:00Preview: Boston College Football vs. Louisville
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<figcaption>Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Leftovers day two—keep fighting the good fight.</p> <p id="xIy0jG">After a much needed bye week and some schedule shuffling, Boston College returns to Alumni Stadium to take on 3-6(2-6) Louisville. The Cardinals are a bit better than their record would lead you to believe, as they’ve suffered one score defeats to <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a>, Pittsburgh, and <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Virginia Tech</a>, which helps explain why the Eagles are just one point favorites at home.</p>
<p id="Xsu8kt">The time off wasn’t without news, as we learned that Phil Jurkovec has been playing through a separated shoulder since the Clemson game four weeks ago. Coach Hafley noted that BC went more ground-heavy against Syracuse due to the injury, but Jurkovec threw it 40 times the next week against Notre Dame, so it’s difficult to say just how much the shoulder has hindered him. The injury probably had something to do with his season worst 45% completion rate against ND, as well as some uncharacteristic wayward throws towards wide open receivers at Syracuse. Either way, the off week will have provided some valuable healing time.</p>
<p id="ZpW4Z5">If the Eagles can win their final two games, Hafley will achieve something that Steve Addazio failed to do during his seven year tenure: finish the season above .500 in ACC play. Only one of Addazio’s seasons (2017) featured a more difficult strength of schedule rating than what BC has faced this season, so a 7-4(6-4) regular season finish would be no small feat for the rookie head coach.</p>
<p id="nZSHqx">First, Boston College will have to get past Louisville. Let’s take a look at how they line up: </p>
<h3 id="kEUzXA"><strong>When BC is on Offense:</strong></h3>
<p id="Fc0kYm">Even if Jurkovec is fully healthy, Louisville’s pass defense will pose a difficult challenge to the Eagles aerial attack. The Cardinals have held opponents to an ACC best 178.9 passing yards per game. Still, if BC spreads it around to their play-makers, I think they’ll be able to put up some points. Last season, Anthony Brown and Dennis Grosel combined for 304 yards and 4 TDs against the Cardinals, and UL has yet to face any of the top three passing teams in the ACC this season. Hunter Long tallied 6+ receptions and 81+ yards in each of the first four games, and hasn’t hit either of those marks since. Long still has the most receptions of any tight end in the country, and he’s due for a big game. Highlight reel mainstay Zay Flowers will look to extend his touchdown streak, having scored in four consecutive games.</p>
<p id="TNSjdY">Louisville is not quite as strong against the run, allowing 184.9 ypg, good for 11th in the ACC. David Bailey hasn’t had the 2020 that many expected, and it will be interesting to see how much of the workload goes to Travis Levy. Levy has been the more effective back over the last three games, carrying 36 times for 164 yards (4.55 ypc), compared to Bailey’s 46 carries for 178 yards (3.87 ypc).</p>
<h3 id="IT4iTz"><strong>When BC is on Defense:</strong></h3>
<p id="PyZsOU">Here’s where things could get a little hairy. Boston College always seems to struggle against dual threat quarterbacks, and Louisville’s Malik Cunningham is just that. In last season’s 41-39 shootout win over the Eagles, Cunningham went 13/18 for 288 yds and a TD through the air, and carried 6 times for 43 yds and a TD on the ground. The junior is having another solid season thus far: 2127 passing yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs & 438 yards 6 TDs rushing. I have my eye on that 11 interception figure. The BC D has forced 1.9 turnovers per game (3rd best in the ACC), while the Cardinals O has turned it over 2.3 times per game (3rd worst in the ACC), so perhaps some takeaways are in order.</p>
<p id="THPXkb">BC does catch a break, as Louisville’s star running back Javian Hawkins recently decided to opt out of the remainder of the season and set his sights on the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>. Hawkins represented a sizable chunk of the offense’s production: he scored a quarter of the team’s touchdowns and totaled 822 rushing yards in 8 games. In his absence last week, the Cardinals used a stable of running backs against Syracuse. </p>
<p id="TEmckG">Still, Louisville is not short on offensive weapons—keep an eye on the speedy receiver Tutu Atwell. After a stellar sophomore season (1272 yards, 11 TDs), Atwell has put up 547 receiving yards and 7 total TDs in 2020. He’ll line up alongside senior receiver Dez Fitzpatrick, who leads the team with 574 receiving yards.</p>
<h3 id="GaJPQQ"><strong>Oddsmakers:</strong></h3>
<p id="8ia5Ag">BC: -1</p>
<p id="0egqtp">Over/Under: 55</p>
<p id="09NCOx">Moneyline: BC -115, Louisville -105</p>
<h3 id="WryXNL"><strong>Prediction:</strong></h3>
<p id="d8jvkx">The winner in this match-up always scores a ton of points (2019: UL 41, 2018: BC 38, 2017: BC 45, 2016: UL 52), and I don’t think this year will be much different. While a dual threat quarterback typically makes me nervous against BC, the absence of Javian Hawkins renders this situation a lot less threatening than say, Virginia Tech’s Hendon Hooker/Khalil Herbert combo that gave them fits. Sure, Louisville managed to beat Syracuse 30-0 without Hawkins, but the Orange defense is too miserable to serve as a meaningful barometer. I think the well rested, mended and prepared Eagles win a close one, 35-31—bigger bird gets the worm. </p>
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<p id="cyjmfU">***I think I’m allowed to post non-Taylor Swift songs on this site***</p>
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https://www.bcinterruption.com/2020/11/27/21721541/preview-boston-college-eagles-football-vs-louisville-cardinalsRich Rapp2020-11-14T19:30:24-05:002020-11-14T19:30:24-05:00Game Recap: Notre Dame 45 Boston College 31
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<img alt="Notre Dame v Boston College" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Saw6rRwQcbBFeT4MRinH29yuN2E=/2x0:4247x2830/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67790528/1285693039.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="6HPZ5q">There were plenty of intriguing narratives to choose from entering Saturday’s game: a history of BC upsetting Notre Dame, a potential trap game after a big win, the Red Bandanna Game, <span>Phil Jurkovec</span> against his former school, the Holy War, etc. All of that drama fizzled fairly quickly, as <span>Ian Book</span> and his Notre Dame offense imposed their will on Boston College, and defeated the Eagles 45-31, preserving their undefeated season in convincing fashion. The Eagles drop to 5-4 with two games remaining.</p>
<p id="fotdIz">BC held the Irish to a field goal on their first drive, but it was immediately clear that ND wasn’t going to have much trouble moving the football. By game’s end, they had amassed 557 yards, with an impressively balanced 283 passing and 274 rushing. Though they turned it over three times, ND was not forced to punt all game.</p>
<p id="zZ0gsC"><span>Book</span> out-dueled his former backup, finishing 20 of 27 for 283 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs through the air, along with 85 yards and a TD on the ground. <span>Jurkovec</span> finished 18 of 40 for 272 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT.</p>
<p id="bEBXc6">Jurkovec got off to a hot start against his old team, as the Eagles picked up first downs on their first three plays from scrimmage. Under duress on 2nd and goal from the ND 4, Jurkovec threw an off balance floater to the back of the end zone. The ball was several feet behind <span>Zay Flowers</span>, but he was able to make an athletic adjustment and haul it in to put BC up 7-3.</p>
<p id="Ns974y">Notre Dame then botched a hand off on the first play of their next drive, the first of three Irish lost fumbles. It led to a quick three-and-out for the BC offense, but <span>Aaron Boumerhi</span> knocked in a 41 yard field goal to make it 10-3.</p>
<p id="FCSTws">The Irish needed only 8 plays to cover 77 yards and tie the game on their next possession, a drive that concluded with a touchdown pass that <span>Ben Skowronek</span> plucked out of the air above <span>Brandon Sebastian</span> in the corner of the end zone. Jurkovec hit Jaelan Gill for a 34 yard completion on the next drive, and two plays later a QB keeper brought the Eagles to the ND 12. But BC settled for another field goal, taking a 13-10 lead.</p>
<p id="UNgvS3">Coach Hafley then rolled the dice with an onside kick attempt that BC recovered, however a replay review found that <span>Travis Levy</span> made contact with a Notre Dame player too early, and BC was forced to kick it deep. That penalty proved costly, as the Irish orchestrated another quick scoring drive, this time 6 plays 75 yards. The Eagles had a chance to get off the field on 3rd and 10, but Book hit <span>Avery Davis</span> for a 48 yard completion to the BC 2. C’Bo Fleminster’s punched it in to go up 17-13.</p>
<p id="kU4trS">After a BC three-and-out, Notre Dame again breezed past the BC defense. The Book to Skowronek connection struck again, staking ND a 24-13 lead. For the second time in the half, a long completion from Jurkovec to Gill put the Eagles in the red zone. Yet again, they settled for a <span>Boumerhi</span> field goal.</p>
<p id="1whS8n">Notre Dame then coughed up possession for a second time, but BC gave it right back when <span>Alec Lindstrom</span> snapped the ball too early, and his unsuspecting quarterback couldn’t react fast enough to snag it. The Irish took advantage, as Book found Skowronek for the hat trick in the final seconds of the half to take a commanding 31-16 lead.</p>
<p id="pgjoi8">BC put together a strong drive to start the second half, but they were unable to convert on 4th & 1 from the ND 8. From there, it was a bit of a mess. Skowronek committed Notre Dame’s third fumble, but Jurkovec promptly threw an interception which led to Flemister’s second touchdown rush.</p>
<p id="MYiWJH">The Eagles answered with a 12 play, 80 yard drive that ended on a <span>David Bailey</span> touchdown run that nudged BC a bit closer. However, the Irish again charged down the field, punctuating a 7 play 70 yard drive with a 6 yard Book touchdown run.</p>
<p id="7Qk2Ay">BC tried to hang around in the 4th quarter. After a missed ND field goal, the Eagles drove down and scored on an 8 yard pass from Jurkovec to Long, and <span>Travis Levy</span> ran in the two point attempt to cut the Irish lead to 45-31. Penalties nullified their onside kick try, and Notre Dame ran out the remainder of the clock to seal the win.</p>
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https://www.bcinterruption.com/2020/11/14/21565583/game-recap-notre-dame-fighting-irish-45-boston-college-eagles-31-footballRich Rapp2020-11-14T14:30:00-05:002020-11-14T14:30:00-05:00Game Thread: Boston College vs. Notre Dame
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<img alt="Boston College V Notre Dame" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vG-Vg6Mc_4j2vDdL1FeHrKIqheg=/0x0:3072x2048/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67789790/72465779.0.jpg" />
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<p id="iEuV7M">Can the Eagles derail #2 Notre Dame’s perfect season? Leave your thoughts below.</p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2020/11/14/21565186/game-thread-boston-college-football-vs-notre-dame-fighting-irish-holy-warRich Rapp2020-11-08T10:29:14-05:002020-11-08T10:29:14-05:00Post Game Thoughts: Syracuse 13 Boston College 16
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Boston College at Syracuse" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aLNPMy5zZYoUaaKnQNxhfCWoi5U=/0x60:4387x2985/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67755763/usa_today_15173385.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="HK5ph3">It was hardly the most convincing of wins, but a win it was. I should think most Boston College fans would prefer to put this one in their pocket, and turn their attention to next week’s visit from the Midwestern Irish Catholics. While it never truly felt like BC was going to lose to Syracuse, this team has a nerve racking habit of playing to the level of their opponent. The Eagles dominated possession (38:49 to 21:11), easily out-gained the Orange (399 to 240), and won the turnover battle (0-2), they just weren’t really finishing off drives. Still, the Eagles moved to 5-3(4-3), and are now due to play up to their next opponent. </p>
<h2 id="gYLiYi">The Good</h2>
<p id="joZqhm"><span>Zay Flowers</span> - Here’s your weekly jaw-dropping Zay play. Full extension, get the foot down, somersault, stick the landing. Who was the last BC player with this kind of playmaking ability on offense? Will Blackmon?</p>
<div id="ZOkwcy"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/zay-0YQrlG" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="9rpdhO"><span>Max Richardson</span> - <span>Richardson</span> was all over the place, and he probably deserves more credit for anchoring this defense all season. With another 10 tackles, he continues to lead the nation in total tackles, and he also came through with 2 sacks on Saturday.</p>
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<p id="rR2C0W"><span>David Bailey</span> - We knew coming in that Syracuse’s porous rush defense might finally allow the Eagles to get the ground game working, and <span>Bailey</span> took advantage. He finished with 25 carries for 125 yards, and <span>Travis Levy</span> added another 73 yards. Hafley pointed to some good offensive line play in his post-game interview, and he seemed relieved that BC was able to scratch out one last first down, rather than give Syracuse another possession.</p>
<div id="FsyQPe"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/bailey-bc-WL49gX" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="rswWsy">The Bad</h2>
<p id="F7ag2s">Missed kicks - It wasn’t <em>that</em> bad, considering one was a 52 yard attempt, but <span>Aaron Boumerhi</span>’s two missed field goals kept this game a little bit closer than it needed to be. I’m not putting this squarely on the kicker’s shoulders, five field goal attempts against a bad defense is moreso a symptom of an offense that wasn’t really clicking.</p>
<p id="GA1b1f">Missed receivers - Upon checking the box score, I was a bit surprised to see that Jurkovec went 20/29. He flat out missed his guy on a few occasions, and appeared frustrated with himself on the sideline. I believe it was right before the failed 52 yarder that Jurkovec had Flowers wide open for a would-be touchdown and overthrew him, then air-mailed 6’5” <span>Hunter Long</span> near the sticks on the next play.</p>
<h2 id="oxpwAJ">The Ugly</h2>
<p id="v3aqcT">Penalties - Boston College and Syracuse finished right around even in penalty yardage, but seemingly once per game a BC player commits a wildly stupid deadball penalty. This time the culprit was <span>CJ Lewis</span>. The Eagles should have faced 2nd & goal at the Syracuse 2 with a good chance to go up 20-6 in the final minutes. Instead, <span>Lewis</span> got up and blatantly shoved a man after the whistle (there was a bit of a Neymarian flop, but still). Instead of hammering home the final nail, BC settled for a field goal, and Syracuse got to hang around for just a little bit longer. </p>
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https://www.bcinterruption.com/2020/11/8/21555083/football-post-game-thoughts-syracuse-orange-13-boston-college-16Rich Rapp2020-11-06T13:00:00-05:002020-11-06T13:00:00-05:00Preview: Boston College Football at Syracuse
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<img alt="Boston College v Syracuse" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nCYjX-BUOHcogNFRKo7SgJ0NLkc=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67749315/1185546382.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="VQkjSG">A week after a hard-fought loss at Clemson, Boston College heads to the Carrier Dome for a meeting with familiar foe Syracuse. It has been a rough season for Dino Babers’ Orange squad, which enters nursing a 1-6 record. BC is a two touchdown favorite as I write this, which sounds like a decent value considering Syracuse’s 19.5 average margin of defeat across their six losses.</p>
<p id="ronq8d">Sandwiched between games against Clemson and Notre Dame, this is a must have for the 4-3 Eagles. Excluding Notre Dame, BC’s remaining opponents are a combined 4-14, so a 3-1 finish to get to 7-4 is not out of the question. But let’s not get caught looking ahead.</p>
<p id="lkn6ZN">Hampered by injuries, Syracuse has been the worst offensive team in the ACC, scoring just 19.0 points per game, and their defense isn’t much better, allowing 33.3 ppg. I would love to see BC play a clean game in terms of penalties and turnovers, and finally get the ground game going. If Frank Cignetti is looking for a blueprint, last season the Eagles ran for 496 yards and 5 touchdowns against Syracuse. Useful.</p>
<p id="wa6wRe">Here’s how Cuse and BC match up:</p>
<h2 id="VBpBQX"><strong>When BC is on Offense:</strong></h2>
<p id="efP7nn">While they likely won’t repeat the aforementioned 496 yard ground explosion of 2019, there should be plenty of room for the Eagles to run. Syracuse has actually regressed against the rush, allowing an ACC worst 228.3 yards per game, which is up from 201.6 a year ago. BC is the second worst rushing team in the ACC, so something will have to give here. I don’t mind that BC has become a pass heavy offense (I rather enjoy it), but ball carriers are averaging a wildly inefficient 2.9 yards per carry and 94.6 ypg. If you take out Jurkovec’s rushing totals, that ypg drops down to 76.3.</p>
<p id="4bE4MI">If the Eagles can move the ball with their running backs, even if it’s just for this week, it would give Jurkovec a bit of a break. In his first season as a starter, Jurkovec is leading the ACC in attempts, completions, passing yards, total plays, total yards, and he’s third in touchdowns responsible for. By the end of the Clemson game he appeared to be out of gas, banged up, or maybe a bit of both. Jurkovec has shouldered the load all season, and it’d be awfully nice if <span>David Bailey</span> & Co. could relieve their quarterback of some of that weight this week.</p>
<p id="r28MWt">Top Syracuse defensive back <span>Trill Williams</span> announced on Wednesday night that he has opted to forego the remainder of the season and declare for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, further thinning out the Orange defense.</p>
<h2 id="jT8Jaj"><strong>When BC is on Defense:</strong></h2>
<p id="9wLq4D">The only ACC team trailing BC in rushing yards is Syracuse, with 90.9 ypg. The anemic Orange offense also ranks dead last in passing yards (176.3 ypg) and points per game (19.0). Their 267.1 ypg is 91.5 yards fewer than the 14th ranked offense of Pittsburgh. On the other side of the ball, the Boston College defense ranks 6th in the ACC in points allowed per game (26.3), pass defense (235.1 ypg), and total yards (393.0). Those numbers grow more appealing when you consider that the Eagles have already faced each of the top three scoring offenses in the conference.</p>
<p id="DZz9rj">With QB <span>Tommy DeVito</span> out, it looks like <span>Rex Culpepper</span> will get the start for Syracuse. Culpepper hasn’t been great to this point, completing 46.4% of his passes with 6 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. It’s possible that freshman Jacobian Morgan will see some action; Morgan stepped in last week against Wake and completed all seven of his attempts, including a touchdown pass.</p>
<h2 id="5MsPJY"><strong>Oddsmakers:</strong></h2>
<p id="ghQMTP">BC: -14</p>
<p id="aDHwpJ">Over/Under: 52.5</p>
<p id="Chgg9A">Moneyline: BC -600, Syracuse +450</p>
<h2 id="wTNXJh"><strong>Prediction:</strong></h2>
<p id="pc8VoH"><em>Editor’s Note: I spent a few sentences in the original post waxing poetic about a lovely fall day in Chestnut Hill. It will still be a lovely day, but this football game will not be taking place there! </em>Boston College rolls, 38-17.</p>
<p id="TeEv4i">Apologies, I’m losing it—it’s been a long week!</p>
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https://www.bcinterruption.com/2020/11/6/21551127/preview-boston-college-football-vs-syracuse-orangeRich Rapp2020-11-01T12:27:48-05:002020-11-01T12:27:48-05:00Post-Game Thoughts: Boston College 28 Clemson 34
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Boston College at Clemson" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ogsTD3P9jUoM2wk6P3Co99a-MW8=/0x85:3000x2085/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67722470/usa_today_15137585.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Josh Morgan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>BC can’t quite topple Clemson</p> <p id="lkqrAv">When Boston College went up 18 late in the second quarter I started to worry. Contrary to years past, the Eagles took the fight directly to Clemson from the opening kick. They landed some big punches: a brilliant opening drive, a defensive touchdown, and a penalty inducing fake field goal formation that led to a juggling <span>CJ Lewis</span> touchdown reception. From there, BC went from the team with nothing to lose, playing fast and free, to a team with a white-knuckle grip on a steadily eroding lead.</p>
<p id="T6aCqB">Let’s say you weren’t watching the game and <em>Halftime: Boston College 28 #1 Clemson 13</em> popped up in your notifications—you would probably assume that true freshman <span>D.J. Uiagalelei</span> was struggling in relief of Travis Lawrence, and BC was dominating this game. That wasn’t really the case, as Clemson led in time of possession, total yards, and first downs at halftime. Uiagalelei was 19/26 for 222 yards, 1 TD and 0 INT, and finished the game 30/41 for 342 yards 2 TD 0 INT. BC wasn’t dominating the Tigers, they were hanging with them offensively, which proved unsustainable for four quarters, and they held a sizable lead due to a 14 points swing on <span>Brandon Sebastian</span>’s 97 yard fumble return. </p>
<p id="WEhj1B">I don’t think Boston College played “not to lose” in the second half, rather, Clemson played a second half befitting a historically great football team. They continued to move the ball with ease, and scored on their first three possessions of the half. Their defense, which was uncharacteristically get-able in the first half, tightened up, and shut the Eagles out. BC didn’t take their foot off the gas pedal so much as they were overtaken by a faster car.</p>
<p id="0soykC">So while it wasn’t fun to watch a three score lead slip away, and everyone wants to avoid the “moral victory” angle, I can’t help but feel that this was another step in the right direction for this program. It is extremely difficult to put together two strong halves against a perennial title contender, and it was a hell of a lot of fun to give Clemson a good scare. </p>
<h2 id="r2Mrvp"><strong>The Good</strong></h2>
<ul><li id="bNAGne">That opening drive - 4 plays 74 yards that screamed <em>We are not the same BC team of years past, and we command your attention</em>. Also, <span>Zay Flowers</span> seems to make at least one brilliant play each game:</li></ul>
<div id="VsZ9Fo"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/zay-flowers-gZz29r" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<ul><li id="grjTrZ">
<span>Sebastian</span>’s fumble return - With Travis Etienne lined up and the ball at the BC 3, Clemson tying the game at 14 seemed like an absolute certainty. Instead, it was a 14 point swing in BC’s favor, and a hot start by the BC offense turned into, “wait a minute, something is happening here.” The broadcaster (not Tess, the other guy), blamed Etienne for not presenting a pocket to Uiagalelei, which is true, but it looked like the young QB came in extremely high with the hand off. Probably not a mistake the seasoned Lawrence/Etienne combo makes, and really one of the few errors by Uiagalelei in this game:</li></ul>
<div id="kwew6n"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/etienne-fumble-814Ey3" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<ul><li id="cQLGWY">“<span>Tessitore</span> is under center!” - Not only was it extremely cool to hear BC alum Joe <span>Tessitore</span> call his son’s unexpected motion from holder to under center, but this play was huge. It seemed like Hafley was content to run down the clock, kick a field goal, and limit Clemson’s chances of adding a score before the half. So when <span>John Tessitore</span> broke towards the line, I was shocked, Papa Tess was shocked, and more importantly, so was Clemson’s field goal block unit. Matador Hafley deftly waved the conservative play flag in front of the Tigers before pulling it back and springing on the attack:</li></ul>
<div id="XQVqqj"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/tessitore-lxG7lM" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
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<h2 id="qGyaIp"><strong>The Bad</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="MmBVBt">Etienne - Etienne broke the record for most games with a touchdown (42) in FBS history, and he broke NC State’s Ted Brown’s 1978 ACC career rushing yards record, so you can excuse BC for their inability to contain him. However, at what point do you concede that your linebackers can’t cover him, and bring in a defensive back to shadow him on every play? Etienne was fine on the ground (20 carries for 84 yards and a TD), but he really killed the Eagles as a pass catcher (7 catches for 140 yards and a TD). </li>
<li id="auJMng">Third down defense - This has been an issue for most of the season, however it should be noted that the BC defense improved on 3rd down in the 2nd half. Clemson converted 6 of 10 in the opening two quarters, and finished 7 of 16 for the game. Unfortunately, the Tigers were 3 for 3 on 4th down conversions in the second half, including a 30 yard touchdown run by Uiagalelei on 4th and 1.</li>
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<h2 id="xRuP6y"><strong>The Ugly</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="nBxgh1">2nd half offense - After an explosive first half, Boston College gained just 66 yards in the second. Jurkovec struggled mightily, and appeared completely out of sorts after taking a blow to the head on an interception that was called back for targeting, followed by a big hit on a questionable third down run (we should insert a tip of the cap to <span>Dennis Grosel</span> here, who entered for one play and converted on 4th and short). BC moved into Clemson’s half of the field late in the 4th quarter, but Jurkovec overthrew Flowers by a mile on consecutive plays.</li>
<li id="ffuJnY">Whatever the hell happened here:</li>
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https://www.bcinterruption.com/2020/11/1/21544444/post-game-thoughts-boston-college-eagles-football-28-clemson-tigers-34Rich Rapp