Boston College Football: Offense Struggles In Second Scrimmage Of Summer

"I’m actually sick to my stomach right now."

That about sums up what head Coach Steve Addazio thinks about the shape of the Boston College offense after Saturday's scrimmage. During the morning session the Eagles made five turnovers and countless penalties, which clearly did not please the head coach. "We got all these penalties—I hate penalties. We've got guys off schedule, we got dropped balls and we missed a lot of blocks up front. There was just no consistency. Sure, we made a few big plays, but I'm just disappointed. I'm into consistency and I'm into no penalties and no turnovers."

From the media accounts, it sounds like Darius Wade still needs to continue to improve. He didn't throw any touchdowns, but showed some good work with his feet scampering for a big run. However he was picked off by Kam Moore and had multiple sacks. Running back Jon Hilliman tore off an 80 yard run caused by a great seal block by guard Dave Bowen. The Eagles wide outs were depleted as well as Harrison Jackson, Bobby Swigert, Ben Glines (who Eagle in Atlanta is reporting is out for an extended period of time), and Nolan Borgerson were held out of practice. That led to players like true freshmen Elijah Robinson and Chase Pankey grabbing playing time.

Sherm Allston again made another sensational play, with a 39 yard score on an end around. He talked about what it is like being an everydown WR: "It’s been a grind, but the coaches have been great, teaching us little techniques we use to help out in our overall game." Offensively the biggest play through the air came from true freshmen Chase Pankey, who caught a bomb from Jeff Smith. Interestingly Gethin Coolbaugh of Eagle Action reports that Addazio has said that Smith has leapfrogged Troy Flutie on the depth chart.

The offensive line continues to struggle, especially with Harris Williams still being held out. According to the reports Dave Bowen, sophomore Jon Baker, center Frank Taylor, freshman Chris Lindstrom, and Jim Cashman got the 1st team reps. Have to wonder how much Williams would help this crew at this point.

On the defensive side of the ball, there was a slew of big plays made on mistakes and turnovers. Kam Moore, converted DB Gabriel McClary, and true freshman LB Tanner Karafa had interceptions.  Defensive end Kevin Kavalec and true freshman Zach Allen had fumble recoveries as well.  Defensive tackles Wyatt Ray and Connor Wujciak had two of the Eagles 10 tackles for losses.

In terms of special teams, it still sounds like the place kicking job is up in the air. Mike Knoll missed a FG during the scrimmage, but it appears that if the season started this week Alex Howell would be the kicker. At this point you have to start to worry about a kid like Knoll, who sounds like he is still struggling to find some consistency. Another option would be Colton Lichtenberg, a true freshman, who apparently is doing quite well during the scrimmages.

The Maine game is in 12 days.