Sunday, September 16, 2007

Boston College Eagles

The BC Eagles ran their record to 3-0 with a win over 15th ranked Georgia Tech last night. Pre-season I said that if BC could get by Georgia Tech that they would go 7-0 to start the season. The Eagles next 4 games are against Army, UMass, Bowling Green and Notre Dame. Of the 4 - Bowling Green looks like the biggest challenge (but that's not saying much).

BC went into the week ranked 21st in the AP poll but they should move up to probably 16th this week since Arkansas, Louisville, Nebraska, UCLA and of course Georgia Tech all lost. It is entirely possible that by the time BC meets Virginia Tech on Thursday October 25th that the Eagles will not just be undefeated at 7-0 but also in the top 10 in the rankings.

When I made my prediction that BC would start the season 7-0 - I made the assumption that the highly regarded Virginia Tech team would put an end to their winning streak but now I'm not so sure. The Hokies were crushed by LSU and they barely got by Eastern Carolina. Yesterday it was 7-7 late into the 3rd quarter against lightly regarded Ohio before Virginia Tech was able to pull away with 21 unanswered points. If the game was tomorrow - the Hokies would be a slight favorite based only on the fact that the game will be in Blacksburg.

In fact, with the BC team gaining experience and confidence with each game - there is a slight chance that they could finish the season undefeated.

There - I said it.

After Va Tech - the Eagles play Florida State at home. Has anyone been overly impressed with the Seminoles this season? Next comes a game at Maryland who will have played both Wake Forrest and Georgia Tech by the time BC has to play the Terrapins. That insight should allow the BC coaching staff to have an effective game plan in place to beat Maryland on the road.

The next to the last game at Clemson will be the toughest test for Boston College. Under Tom O'Brien this would be the type of game that the Eagles would choke on. They would get right to the edge of greatness but then shrink right back into second tier status. This year feels different and Matt Ryan seems poised for a truly special season.

The last game of the year will be against Miami at home in Chestnut Hill.

It is almost a certainty that BC will be going to a bowl game in January but there is starting to look like there is a good chance the Eagles could put the BC in BCS.

That's not to say that BC will be national champions (unless they lay a BYU in 1984 like claim to the crown). I'm not delusional (yes you are - you retort). I'd fully expect BC to get steamrolled by USC, LSU, Florida and maybe Oklahoma in any bowl game. Against everyone else - I think I'd take my chances with the Eagles (plus the points).

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