In case you haven’t noticed yet, the ACC in basketball this season is Duke and the Eleven Dwarfs. You have one team, the defending national champions, who are far and away the best team in the country, pretty much annihilating every team in their path. What’s left in the other eleven slots, however, you ask? Why, eleven teams (of which Boston College is one) with varying levels of success, but none are close to Duke in terms of completeness and domination. I think we can separate this conference out into three tiers of teams, and assess from there just where exactly BC’s place is at this juncture. Of course, this could change mightily once conference games get into high gear, but this is my evaluation as of right now.
ACC overlords
Duke
The Middle
Boston College
Clemson
Florida State
Maryland
Miami
North Carolina
NC State
Virginia
Virginia Tech
Yikes
Georgia Tech
Wake Forest
And even the two teams I have in “yikes” aren’t necessarily that far behind some of the teams in the middle. That’s a big middle, though, and the last time I checked, the top four teams in the conference get byes into the second round of the ACC Tournament. Could Boston College get one of those byes, even though they were picked in the preseason to finish 10th in the conference?
The answer, if the Eagles continue to play reasonably competitive basketball for the remainder of the season, is yes. Four teams have to get them: we know Duke is one, and the other three will be out of that muddled middle. The Eagles are playing about as well as anyone else in that group right now, so why not us? I’m not saying BC is going to cut down the nets or anything crazy like that, but the opportunity exists this season for BC to far exceed their expected ACC finish and put together a surprisingly good season, possibly culminating in an NCAA Tournament bid. Such a season would be a tremendous accomplishment for Coach Donahue in his first year at BC, following a bad 2009-2010 and the loss of several recruits and players, but it is important to remember that there is still a long way to go and much basketball to be played. It is clear, however, that with no obvious #2 (and so on) in this conference, the rest of the ACC’s top spots are up for grabs. Boston College can slide up and surprise the college basketball world.
Now, will BC get credit for any of it, or will people just blame a down ACC for such a “bad” team finishing in a high position? The jury is out on that one. I tend to think the latter, because the so-called conventional wisdom is that BC isn’t supposed to be playing well this year. Whatever the case, though, this team is well-coached and a lot of fun to watch, so enjoy the ride, hopefully up into one of those top four slots in the ACC.
Showing posts with label ACC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ACC. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
ACC Roundtabling with BC Interruption
I -- yes, I -- was selected to partake in the ACC Blogger Roundtable being hosted by BC Interruption as the BC blog representative. I was asked questions, and I answered them. And we're off!
(BCI) 1. Virginia Tech and Florida State seemed to acquit the ACC Championship Game well this year, turning in an entertaining 44-33 game in front of a crowd of 72,379 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Assess the success of the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte in year one. How much of the success can be attributed to the host city, and how much can be attributed to the matchup? A little of A, a little of B?
>>(STG) I’ve said all along that I like the game in Charlotte, as it’s much closer to the geographic center of the conference than Jacksonville or anywhere else in Florida. Flights to Charlotte can be pretty inexpensive on the East Coast if you book in advance. I think the matchup has more to do with it, though. Both of these fanbases are big and they travel well. Going up or down (as the case may be) to Charlotte clearly wasn’t a dealbreaker for VT or FSU fans, as it’s situated pretty well in between both schools. They’d have gone regardless of where the game was, however. These are big-time football schools and it was expected to be a good game, so you’d have to have imagined a large turnout was in the cards.
(BCI) 2. Would you like to see Charlotte become the permanent home of the ACC Football Championship? Or would you be in favor of some alternate Championship Game format? (continuing to rotate the location, move to campus a la the Pac 12, etc.) Explain.
>>(STG) If Charlotte became the permanent home, I’d be fine with it. If they decided to have championship games hosted on campuses, I think it would be interesting but it probably won’t happen. Could you see Alumni Stadium hosting one of those? The thought is practically surreal and I don’t know if I mean that in a good way or a bad way.
I wasn’t crazy about Jacksonville and Tampa didn’t do much for me. Back to Charlotte though, I think it’s a decent venue and as I mentioned in the first response, it’s pretty close to the midpoint of the ACC schools, which I think is fair.
(BCI) 3. On to the ACC's 2010 slate of bowl games. How happy are you with your program's bowl placement? Did your team's bowl destination exceed or fall short of preseason expectations? (No, I didn't forget about you, Duke, Wake Forest and Virginia. You can speak to general season results relative to preseason expectations here).
>>(STG) Well, San Francisco is apparently so nice, we’re doing it twice. I’d be lying if I said I’m thrilled, however. Going into the season, I thought we had a decent chance of ending up in Charlotte, but when you dig yourself a 2-5 hole, that’s a good way to blow up the season. Yes, BC squeezed out five wins to close out the season, but three of those teams are terrible and the other two are so-so teams with their own issues that squeaked into bowls themselves. Some would argue that 7-5 is good considering where BC was in October, but relative to our preseason expectations, winning 7 games with a defense this stout and a schedule this easy is just not acceptable. BC let a few too many get away. Forgive the rant, but being a 7-8 win team in a third-rate “leftovers” bowl every year is not what BC football should be aiming for; we should aspire to be where the Hokies are, but for some reason, we don't.
Anyway, as for this particular bowl matchup, well, I don’t think we got an easy one. I’ve seen several of Nevada’s games and they are a very good team (ranked, no less) with an outstanding offense. I expect BC’s defense to slow them down some, but the Eagles haven’t exceeded 26 points against an FBS opponent this season. The defense will have to play the game of their lives just to keep BC in it because quite frankly, we just don’t score points. Further, our best win this year was an average Syracuse team; BC hasn’t beaten anyone this good all year and it will be a big challenge. I can see how easy it would be for BC fans to think things have turned around lately and give us good odds in the bowl game, but we’ve beaten two bowl-eligible teams all year, and haven’t beaten anyone remotely good. UNR is a step up from our recent competition.
(BCI) 4. Looking at the conference's bowl schedule as a whole, how many games do you have the conference winning? Is this the year the conference has a breakout year come bowl season?
>>(STG) On a really quick glance, I give the ACC five or six bowl wins, so no, no breakout year. There are a few I view as tossups, but overall it should be a meh bowl season for a meh power conference. Going on the record, I do not presently have Boston College as one of those wins.
(BCI) 5. Clearly, there are many factors other than on-field performance that go into bowl selections (travel rep, ticket sales, travel distances). Pretend for a moment that the ACC placed teams in our conference's bowl games 1-9 based solely on their on-field performance this season (you can rank 1-9 anyway you see fit). Holding our bowl opponents fixed, how does your answer to question 4 change? Does the ACC then win more or less bowl games this year?
>>(STG) Well, if travel distances were REALLY a factor, we wouldn’t be getting stuck out in friggin California for the second straight year against a much more local team. Anyway, I don’t think my answer would change too much, because outside of Virginia Tech and perhaps Florida State, the middle of the ACC is very mushy and just not that dangerous. There are teams in there who I think will have difficulty winning bowl games no matter who they play.
(BCI) 6. Last one. The home of the ACC Champion has been the redheaded step child of BCS bowls the past few seasons. The Orange Bowl has been awarded either the Big East champ or a BCS at-large leftover the past few seasons and the casual fan has responded with some of the lowest TV ratings in BCS bowl history. Did the Hokies/ACC dodge a bullet not drawing an 8-4 Big East champ UConn in the Orange Bowl? Or would you have rather have had the Hokies face an easier opponent to improve on the ACC's 2-10 record in BCS bowls?
>>(STG) I’m fine with the way things worked out. I’m quite interested to see what the Hokies can do against a talented Stanford team, and yet I would have rather enjoyed watching the Hokies beat the crap out of UConn (though I’m fairly certain Oklahoma will take care of that). I think VT is capable of winning the game and improving that BCS bowl record. Playing a so-so team like UConn would have been a no-win situation of sorts for the Hokies: if you win, you were supposed to so it’s no big deal, and if you lose, you’re a disgrace to college football. So yes, VT dodged a bullet, we’re going to get a decent game out of it, and that school in Storrs probably will still lose.
(BCI) 1. Virginia Tech and Florida State seemed to acquit the ACC Championship Game well this year, turning in an entertaining 44-33 game in front of a crowd of 72,379 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Assess the success of the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte in year one. How much of the success can be attributed to the host city, and how much can be attributed to the matchup? A little of A, a little of B?
>>(STG) I’ve said all along that I like the game in Charlotte, as it’s much closer to the geographic center of the conference than Jacksonville or anywhere else in Florida. Flights to Charlotte can be pretty inexpensive on the East Coast if you book in advance. I think the matchup has more to do with it, though. Both of these fanbases are big and they travel well. Going up or down (as the case may be) to Charlotte clearly wasn’t a dealbreaker for VT or FSU fans, as it’s situated pretty well in between both schools. They’d have gone regardless of where the game was, however. These are big-time football schools and it was expected to be a good game, so you’d have to have imagined a large turnout was in the cards.
(BCI) 2. Would you like to see Charlotte become the permanent home of the ACC Football Championship? Or would you be in favor of some alternate Championship Game format? (continuing to rotate the location, move to campus a la the Pac 12, etc.) Explain.
>>(STG) If Charlotte became the permanent home, I’d be fine with it. If they decided to have championship games hosted on campuses, I think it would be interesting but it probably won’t happen. Could you see Alumni Stadium hosting one of those? The thought is practically surreal and I don’t know if I mean that in a good way or a bad way.
I wasn’t crazy about Jacksonville and Tampa didn’t do much for me. Back to Charlotte though, I think it’s a decent venue and as I mentioned in the first response, it’s pretty close to the midpoint of the ACC schools, which I think is fair.
(BCI) 3. On to the ACC's 2010 slate of bowl games. How happy are you with your program's bowl placement? Did your team's bowl destination exceed or fall short of preseason expectations? (No, I didn't forget about you, Duke, Wake Forest and Virginia. You can speak to general season results relative to preseason expectations here).
>>(STG) Well, San Francisco is apparently so nice, we’re doing it twice. I’d be lying if I said I’m thrilled, however. Going into the season, I thought we had a decent chance of ending up in Charlotte, but when you dig yourself a 2-5 hole, that’s a good way to blow up the season. Yes, BC squeezed out five wins to close out the season, but three of those teams are terrible and the other two are so-so teams with their own issues that squeaked into bowls themselves. Some would argue that 7-5 is good considering where BC was in October, but relative to our preseason expectations, winning 7 games with a defense this stout and a schedule this easy is just not acceptable. BC let a few too many get away. Forgive the rant, but being a 7-8 win team in a third-rate “leftovers” bowl every year is not what BC football should be aiming for; we should aspire to be where the Hokies are, but for some reason, we don't.
Anyway, as for this particular bowl matchup, well, I don’t think we got an easy one. I’ve seen several of Nevada’s games and they are a very good team (ranked, no less) with an outstanding offense. I expect BC’s defense to slow them down some, but the Eagles haven’t exceeded 26 points against an FBS opponent this season. The defense will have to play the game of their lives just to keep BC in it because quite frankly, we just don’t score points. Further, our best win this year was an average Syracuse team; BC hasn’t beaten anyone this good all year and it will be a big challenge. I can see how easy it would be for BC fans to think things have turned around lately and give us good odds in the bowl game, but we’ve beaten two bowl-eligible teams all year, and haven’t beaten anyone remotely good. UNR is a step up from our recent competition.
(BCI) 4. Looking at the conference's bowl schedule as a whole, how many games do you have the conference winning? Is this the year the conference has a breakout year come bowl season?
>>(STG) On a really quick glance, I give the ACC five or six bowl wins, so no, no breakout year. There are a few I view as tossups, but overall it should be a meh bowl season for a meh power conference. Going on the record, I do not presently have Boston College as one of those wins.
(BCI) 5. Clearly, there are many factors other than on-field performance that go into bowl selections (travel rep, ticket sales, travel distances). Pretend for a moment that the ACC placed teams in our conference's bowl games 1-9 based solely on their on-field performance this season (you can rank 1-9 anyway you see fit). Holding our bowl opponents fixed, how does your answer to question 4 change? Does the ACC then win more or less bowl games this year?
>>(STG) Well, if travel distances were REALLY a factor, we wouldn’t be getting stuck out in friggin California for the second straight year against a much more local team. Anyway, I don’t think my answer would change too much, because outside of Virginia Tech and perhaps Florida State, the middle of the ACC is very mushy and just not that dangerous. There are teams in there who I think will have difficulty winning bowl games no matter who they play.
(BCI) 6. Last one. The home of the ACC Champion has been the redheaded step child of BCS bowls the past few seasons. The Orange Bowl has been awarded either the Big East champ or a BCS at-large leftover the past few seasons and the casual fan has responded with some of the lowest TV ratings in BCS bowl history. Did the Hokies/ACC dodge a bullet not drawing an 8-4 Big East champ UConn in the Orange Bowl? Or would you have rather have had the Hokies face an easier opponent to improve on the ACC's 2-10 record in BCS bowls?
>>(STG) I’m fine with the way things worked out. I’m quite interested to see what the Hokies can do against a talented Stanford team, and yet I would have rather enjoyed watching the Hokies beat the crap out of UConn (though I’m fairly certain Oklahoma will take care of that). I think VT is capable of winning the game and improving that BCS bowl record. Playing a so-so team like UConn would have been a no-win situation of sorts for the Hokies: if you win, you were supposed to so it’s no big deal, and if you lose, you’re a disgrace to college football. So yes, VT dodged a bullet, we’re going to get a decent game out of it, and that school in Storrs probably will still lose.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
2010 Week 9 in the ACC
Last week was disastrous for me in the picks department as I went 2-3 (43-19 overall). That'll teach me to pick our team.
Florida State at North Carolina State
Line: FSU -4
Florida State stands out as the best team in the ACC Atlantic, while NC State of all teams have been rolling along nicely this season. This game could go a long way into determining the division champion, and though this game is at home for the Pack, I will go for the ranked visiting team. Pick: Florida State
Miami at Virginia
Line: Miami -14.5
Virginia finally beat an FBS team last weekend -- Eastern Michigan. I know, I'm impressed too. Miami is juuuust a slight step up from the EMU Eagles. Pick: Miami
Wake Forest at Maryland
Line: Maryland -5
Maryland seems to be figuring things out this season, sitting at 5-2. Wake Forest's defense, meanwhile, couldn't stop a retirement home's football team. Pick: Maryland
William and Mary at North Carolina
No line
William and Mary are pretty good for an FCS team. I still don't think that will make a difference. Pick: North Carolina
Duke at Navy
Line: Navy -13.5
1-6 Duke is simply terrible. 5-2 Navy, though not amazing, is far better. The Middies will go 4-0 at home. Pick: Navy
Clemson at Boston College
Line: Clemson -7
Last week purged any lingering hope that BC could recover in the second half of the season, at least from where I sit. Clemson have underachieved, but nowhere near as badly as the Eagles have. Expect Rettig to continue to grow, the rest of the offense to struggle under the sleepy leadership of Gary Tranquill, and the defense to have its moments to shine. Whatever positives, however, will be wiped out and then some by the negatives, as we've seen week after week. Pick: Clemson
Florida State at North Carolina State
Line: FSU -4
Florida State stands out as the best team in the ACC Atlantic, while NC State of all teams have been rolling along nicely this season. This game could go a long way into determining the division champion, and though this game is at home for the Pack, I will go for the ranked visiting team. Pick: Florida State
Miami at Virginia
Line: Miami -14.5
Virginia finally beat an FBS team last weekend -- Eastern Michigan. I know, I'm impressed too. Miami is juuuust a slight step up from the EMU Eagles. Pick: Miami
Wake Forest at Maryland
Line: Maryland -5
Maryland seems to be figuring things out this season, sitting at 5-2. Wake Forest's defense, meanwhile, couldn't stop a retirement home's football team. Pick: Maryland
William and Mary at North Carolina
No line
William and Mary are pretty good for an FCS team. I still don't think that will make a difference. Pick: North Carolina
Duke at Navy
Line: Navy -13.5
1-6 Duke is simply terrible. 5-2 Navy, though not amazing, is far better. The Middies will go 4-0 at home. Pick: Navy
Clemson at Boston College
Line: Clemson -7
Last week purged any lingering hope that BC could recover in the second half of the season, at least from where I sit. Clemson have underachieved, but nowhere near as badly as the Eagles have. Expect Rettig to continue to grow, the rest of the offense to struggle under the sleepy leadership of Gary Tranquill, and the defense to have its moments to shine. Whatever positives, however, will be wiped out and then some by the negatives, as we've seen week after week. Pick: Clemson
Thursday, October 21, 2010
2010 Week 8 in the ACC
Last week: 4-2
Overall: 41-16 (.719)
Duke at Virginia Tech
Line: VT -26.5
Absolute mismatch. Virginia Tech is on a total roll right now and Duke is Duke. Pick: Virginia Tech
Georgia Tech at Clemson
Line: Clemson -5.5
Clemson hasn't beaten Georgia Tech since 2006. It never ceases to amaze me how completely one-dimensional the Jackets' offense is (running, and running only) -- I mean, GT quarterbacks have 34 completions THIS SEASON. Then again, Nesbitt had 12 completions total in both games against the Tigers last year, and they won. Clemson's rush defense is OK, but couldn't stop GT last year. Both teams are so-so this season. If that's what I have to go on, I'll take the visitors in yet another close game. Pick: Georgia Tech
Eastern Michigan at Virginia
Line: UVA -24
You know you're bad when the Wahoos are more than three touchdown favorites over you. Pick: Virginia
North Carolina at Miami
Line: Miami -6.5
Interesting game. Jacory Harris is an INT machine, and UNC is tied for 8th in the nation in picks. I think UNC will win the turnover battle, and as for the game, both teams have firepower but I believe the road team will prevail in the upset, due in part to the aforementioned turnovers. Pick: North Carolina
Maryland at Boston College
Line: BC -4
A weak 4-2 team vs. a massively underperforming 2-4 team, what could be better viewing on a Saturday afternoon? BC's offense, even with golden boy Chase Rettig and star Montel Harris, is no great shakes. Luckily for the Eagles, however, their defense is capable of it.
Also, luckily for BC, Maryland is nothing to write home about, with some very soft wins in their pocket. Of course, the Terps just got wrecked by Clemson in a game where they outgained the Tigers by 137 yards (committing 10 penalties and losing 3 turnovers along the way).
I think, albeit slightly hesitantly, BC will get out of their own way long enough to be able to win this game. Pick: Boston College
Overall: 41-16 (.719)
Duke at Virginia Tech
Line: VT -26.5
Absolute mismatch. Virginia Tech is on a total roll right now and Duke is Duke. Pick: Virginia Tech
Georgia Tech at Clemson
Line: Clemson -5.5
Clemson hasn't beaten Georgia Tech since 2006. It never ceases to amaze me how completely one-dimensional the Jackets' offense is (running, and running only) -- I mean, GT quarterbacks have 34 completions THIS SEASON. Then again, Nesbitt had 12 completions total in both games against the Tigers last year, and they won. Clemson's rush defense is OK, but couldn't stop GT last year. Both teams are so-so this season. If that's what I have to go on, I'll take the visitors in yet another close game. Pick: Georgia Tech
Eastern Michigan at Virginia
Line: UVA -24
You know you're bad when the Wahoos are more than three touchdown favorites over you. Pick: Virginia
North Carolina at Miami
Line: Miami -6.5
Interesting game. Jacory Harris is an INT machine, and UNC is tied for 8th in the nation in picks. I think UNC will win the turnover battle, and as for the game, both teams have firepower but I believe the road team will prevail in the upset, due in part to the aforementioned turnovers. Pick: North Carolina
Maryland at Boston College
Line: BC -4
A weak 4-2 team vs. a massively underperforming 2-4 team, what could be better viewing on a Saturday afternoon? BC's offense, even with golden boy Chase Rettig and star Montel Harris, is no great shakes. Luckily for the Eagles, however, their defense is capable of it.
Also, luckily for BC, Maryland is nothing to write home about, with some very soft wins in their pocket. Of course, the Terps just got wrecked by Clemson in a game where they outgained the Tigers by 137 yards (committing 10 penalties and losing 3 turnovers along the way).
I think, albeit slightly hesitantly, BC will get out of their own way long enough to be able to win this game. Pick: Boston College
Thursday, October 14, 2010
2010 Week 7 in the ACC
Last week: 5-1
Overall: 37-14 (.725)
North Carolina State at East Carolina
Line: NC State -7
Another BC connection weekend for TOB; this time, he faces former Eagles quarterback Dominique Davis. ECU would be a tempting upset pick, except for the fact that they’ve gotten blown out by both ACC teams they’ve played (those games were on the road, but that shouldn’t matter). Pick: NC State
Maryland at Clemson
Line: Clemson -14.5
Maryland has the better record, but Clemson is favored. Looking at their schedule, however, the Terps don’t have much in the impressive wins department. Clemson certainly doesn’t, either, as their only two wins of the year were against squishy also-rans Presbyterian and North Texas. I actually believe this game is much closer than the line would suggest, but I figure Clemson’s losing streak has to end sometime. I’ll take the Tigers but I feel like I might regret this on Saturday night. Pick: Clemson
Miami at Duke
Line: Miami -19.5
Miami will rebound, and Duke is the only team in the ACC in my estimation that can claim to be worse than BC. I doubt this will be a must-watch. Pick: Miami
Mid Tennessee at Georgia Tech
Line: GT -19
The Blue Raiders aren’t even that good for a Sun Belt team, as opposed to last year when they were 10-3 and won a bowl game. This will most likely get ugly. Pick: Georgia Tech
Wake Forest at Virginia Tech
Line: VT -22.5
The Hokies are finally on a roll, and the Deacs can’t stop anyone. Following consecutive bitter losses, Wake's 4 game losing streak will become 5. Pick: Virginia Tech
North Carolina at Virginia
Line: UNC -6.5
UNC has lost four in a row to the Cavaliers. Their last win was in 2005 – a 7-5 baseball score. In fact, they haven’t beaten UVA at Charlottesville since 1981. This is kind of a weird game with no clear favorite to me, but based upon the ‘Hoos complete ownership of the Heels, I will give it to the home team. Pick: Virginia
Boston College at #16 Florida State
Line: FSU -21.5
Well, we all know where Boston College has been and is heading this season. It needs to be said, as it has been said so many times: our team sucks. This wasn’t supposed to happen this season, but it did, and the Eagles will probably only continue to get worse. Chase Rettig, regardless of how effective he is, can only do so much.
Florida State, on the other hand, is ranked. I can almost certainly picture this team in Charlotte in December. Most recently, the Seminoles’ conquered a pretty hapless Miami squad (hapless for a team that was also supposed to be ranked, that is) and are turning their guns on the Eagles.
As for my pick: I wouldn’t have to tell any of you that I’m picking the Seminoles. The only question, of course, would be “by how much?” The Eagles are losing worse and worse every weekend. UNRANKED teams are making them look like absolute crap, and now they have to go down to Doak to get a spanking they won’t soon forget. Forgive me, BC fans, but I think Florida State wins by a substantial margin. My best-case scenario probably won’t be realized; a 40-point defeat, which was pretty close to my worst-case, seems well within the realm of possibility. It might not get that bad, but it'll be bad nevertheless. Pick: Florida State
Overall: 37-14 (.725)
North Carolina State at East Carolina
Line: NC State -7
Another BC connection weekend for TOB; this time, he faces former Eagles quarterback Dominique Davis. ECU would be a tempting upset pick, except for the fact that they’ve gotten blown out by both ACC teams they’ve played (those games were on the road, but that shouldn’t matter). Pick: NC State
Maryland at Clemson
Line: Clemson -14.5
Maryland has the better record, but Clemson is favored. Looking at their schedule, however, the Terps don’t have much in the impressive wins department. Clemson certainly doesn’t, either, as their only two wins of the year were against squishy also-rans Presbyterian and North Texas. I actually believe this game is much closer than the line would suggest, but I figure Clemson’s losing streak has to end sometime. I’ll take the Tigers but I feel like I might regret this on Saturday night. Pick: Clemson
Miami at Duke
Line: Miami -19.5
Miami will rebound, and Duke is the only team in the ACC in my estimation that can claim to be worse than BC. I doubt this will be a must-watch. Pick: Miami
Mid Tennessee at Georgia Tech
Line: GT -19
The Blue Raiders aren’t even that good for a Sun Belt team, as opposed to last year when they were 10-3 and won a bowl game. This will most likely get ugly. Pick: Georgia Tech
Wake Forest at Virginia Tech
Line: VT -22.5
The Hokies are finally on a roll, and the Deacs can’t stop anyone. Following consecutive bitter losses, Wake's 4 game losing streak will become 5. Pick: Virginia Tech
North Carolina at Virginia
Line: UNC -6.5
UNC has lost four in a row to the Cavaliers. Their last win was in 2005 – a 7-5 baseball score. In fact, they haven’t beaten UVA at Charlottesville since 1981. This is kind of a weird game with no clear favorite to me, but based upon the ‘Hoos complete ownership of the Heels, I will give it to the home team. Pick: Virginia
Boston College at #16 Florida State
Line: FSU -21.5
Well, we all know where Boston College has been and is heading this season. It needs to be said, as it has been said so many times: our team sucks. This wasn’t supposed to happen this season, but it did, and the Eagles will probably only continue to get worse. Chase Rettig, regardless of how effective he is, can only do so much.
Florida State, on the other hand, is ranked. I can almost certainly picture this team in Charlotte in December. Most recently, the Seminoles’ conquered a pretty hapless Miami squad (hapless for a team that was also supposed to be ranked, that is) and are turning their guns on the Eagles.
As for my pick: I wouldn’t have to tell any of you that I’m picking the Seminoles. The only question, of course, would be “by how much?” The Eagles are losing worse and worse every weekend. UNRANKED teams are making them look like absolute crap, and now they have to go down to Doak to get a spanking they won’t soon forget. Forgive me, BC fans, but I think Florida State wins by a substantial margin. My best-case scenario probably won’t be realized; a 40-point defeat, which was pretty close to my worst-case, seems well within the realm of possibility. It might not get that bad, but it'll be bad nevertheless. Pick: Florida State
Thursday, September 30, 2010
2010 Week 5 in the ACC
Last week: 5-3; not that good
Season: 27-11
#16 Miami at Clemson
Line: Miami -3
Wow, good game here. The ‘Canes put Pittsburgh out of their misery last week while Clemson is back in action after that devastating overtime loss to Auburn. Following their bye and playing in front of the home crowd, I think the Tigers rebound. Pick: Clemson
Florida State at Virginia
Line: FSU -7
Wow, not such a good game here. Virginia hasn’t been quite as bad as I’d figure they’d be, but Florida State is probably just a little too much for them to handle. Pick: Florida State
Virginia Tech at #23 North Carolina State
Line: VT -4
Who would have ever thought we’d see TOB get the Wolfpack ranked? In any case, the Hokies look like they’re starting to get their shit together, while NC State already has it together. These two teams met last year, and VT won by four touchdowns. Something tells me that this game will be much closer, but I expect a high scoring game which goes to the road team. Pick: Virginia Tech
East Carolina at North Carolina
Line: UNC -13
I think this game is trickier for the Heels than the line suggests, and it’s also a little interesting. The Pirates are in the top 10 in the nation in points scored, while UNC as a whole has had their successes and failures. The thing is, ECU allows a TON of points along with all those that they score, so if the Heels can get their offense going, they should win. I can see this game being wild at times. Pick: North Carolina
Duke at Maryland
Line: Maryland -7.5
I saw that Army upset coming from a mile away last week but I decided to play the favorite rather than go with my gut. This week, I’m punishing Duke for my failures by not picking them. Pick: Maryland
Georgia Tech at Wake Forest
Line: GT -9.5
Both of these teams are flopping around to varying degrees, but have you seen how many points Wake has been giving up? They’ve lost their last two games by a combined score of 99-24. The Deacs are longing for the days when they could play Presbyterian. Pick: Georgia Tech
Notre Dame at Boston College
Line: ND -2.5
Pick tomorrow!
Season: 27-11
#16 Miami at Clemson
Line: Miami -3
Wow, good game here. The ‘Canes put Pittsburgh out of their misery last week while Clemson is back in action after that devastating overtime loss to Auburn. Following their bye and playing in front of the home crowd, I think the Tigers rebound. Pick: Clemson
Florida State at Virginia
Line: FSU -7
Wow, not such a good game here. Virginia hasn’t been quite as bad as I’d figure they’d be, but Florida State is probably just a little too much for them to handle. Pick: Florida State
Virginia Tech at #23 North Carolina State
Line: VT -4
Who would have ever thought we’d see TOB get the Wolfpack ranked? In any case, the Hokies look like they’re starting to get their shit together, while NC State already has it together. These two teams met last year, and VT won by four touchdowns. Something tells me that this game will be much closer, but I expect a high scoring game which goes to the road team. Pick: Virginia Tech
East Carolina at North Carolina
Line: UNC -13
I think this game is trickier for the Heels than the line suggests, and it’s also a little interesting. The Pirates are in the top 10 in the nation in points scored, while UNC as a whole has had their successes and failures. The thing is, ECU allows a TON of points along with all those that they score, so if the Heels can get their offense going, they should win. I can see this game being wild at times. Pick: North Carolina
Duke at Maryland
Line: Maryland -7.5
I saw that Army upset coming from a mile away last week but I decided to play the favorite rather than go with my gut. This week, I’m punishing Duke for my failures by not picking them. Pick: Maryland
Georgia Tech at Wake Forest
Line: GT -9.5
Both of these teams are flopping around to varying degrees, but have you seen how many points Wake has been giving up? They’ve lost their last two games by a combined score of 99-24. The Deacs are longing for the days when they could play Presbyterian. Pick: Georgia Tech
Notre Dame at Boston College
Line: ND -2.5
Pick tomorrow!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
2010 Week 4 in the ACC
Last week: 7-1 – only miss was the GT/UNC game
Season: 22-8
Reminder: these are straight-up picks
#19 Miami at Pittsburgh
Line: Miami -3.5
Interesting game here. Will the ACC beat a BCS opponent, or will the Big East (outside of WVU) cease their pathetic existence? If Jacory Harris has another awful game, it’ll be the latter, but I tend not to think that will happen. Pick: Miami
Virginia Tech at Boston College
Line: VT -4
Tomorrow!
North Carolina State at Georgia Tech
Line: GT -8.5
The Yellow Jackets haven’t necessarily played as well as I’d have thought, but they’re the better team. NC State picks up their first defeat on the road. Pick: Georgia Tech
Florida International at Maryland
Line: UMD -11.5
Without knowing what it is, you'd think that the line would be about -20 for the Terps, but FIU has faced Rutgers and Texas A&M, and played them both to within a touchdown. This one shouldn’t get interesting, as FIU is just not that good, but it might. Pick: Maryland
Virginia Military Institute at Virginia
No line
Yawn. Pick: Virginia
Army at Duke
Line: Duke -6.5
Army is 2-1 this year, and Duke just got slapped hard by the #1 team in the country, but as tempting as the Black Knights are as a potential upset, nuh uh. Pick: Duke
Wake Forest at Florida State
Line: FSU -19
Wake got a very, very rude awakening in Stanford last week. They won’t give up 68 to the Seminoles, but there’s a reason they’re big underdogs. Pick: Florida State
North Carolina at Rutgers
Line: UNC -1.5
North Carolina has to win eventually, right? Two soul-crushing losses in a row for the Heels. Meanwhile, Rutgers barely put FIU away before their bye. The third time picking them might be the charm, I think. Pick: North Carolina
Season: 22-8
Reminder: these are straight-up picks
#19 Miami at Pittsburgh
Line: Miami -3.5
Interesting game here. Will the ACC beat a BCS opponent, or will the Big East (outside of WVU) cease their pathetic existence? If Jacory Harris has another awful game, it’ll be the latter, but I tend not to think that will happen. Pick: Miami
Virginia Tech at Boston College
Line: VT -4
Tomorrow!
North Carolina State at Georgia Tech
Line: GT -8.5
The Yellow Jackets haven’t necessarily played as well as I’d have thought, but they’re the better team. NC State picks up their first defeat on the road. Pick: Georgia Tech
Florida International at Maryland
Line: UMD -11.5
Without knowing what it is, you'd think that the line would be about -20 for the Terps, but FIU has faced Rutgers and Texas A&M, and played them both to within a touchdown. This one shouldn’t get interesting, as FIU is just not that good, but it might. Pick: Maryland
Virginia Military Institute at Virginia
No line
Yawn. Pick: Virginia
Army at Duke
Line: Duke -6.5
Army is 2-1 this year, and Duke just got slapped hard by the #1 team in the country, but as tempting as the Black Knights are as a potential upset, nuh uh. Pick: Duke
Wake Forest at Florida State
Line: FSU -19
Wake got a very, very rude awakening in Stanford last week. They won’t give up 68 to the Seminoles, but there’s a reason they’re big underdogs. Pick: Florida State
North Carolina at Rutgers
Line: UNC -1.5
North Carolina has to win eventually, right? Two soul-crushing losses in a row for the Heels. Meanwhile, Rutgers barely put FIU away before their bye. The third time picking them might be the charm, I think. Pick: North Carolina
Thursday, September 16, 2010
2010 Week 3 in the ACC
Last week: 6-4 – Didn’t see some of the epic fails coming, but otherwise, not bad
As one of my readers pointed out last week, I need to remind you: these are straight-up picks. I give the line just for your betterment and understanding of the contest; rarely will I pick against the spread (unless I feel compelled to do so).
Cincinnati at North Carolina State
Line: NC State -1.5
Kind of a tough one to call. I’m not really buying into either one of these teams this year, but the Wolfpack survived last week to get to 2-0 while Cincinnati has already looked lousy in defeat this season. Is it NC State’s turn? I would say no, if it’s anything like the Pitt game last year. Pick: NC State
Georgia Tech at North Carolina
Line: UNC -1
You think both of these teams have a bad taste in their mouths? Georgia Tech flopped in Kansas while UNC got to sit around and think about their painfully-close miss against LSU for two weeks. The team that’s more pissed off will win. Right now, I think it’s the Heels. Pick: North Carolina
Maryland at #21 West Virginia
Line: WVU -13
Maryland has played fine in their first two weeks, coming out with a 2-0 record to start the year. This week, they face a West Virginia team that won thanks to a complete choke by Marshall last Friday. UMD has surprised me a little with their opening victories, but despite WVU’s so-so game last week, I think the Terps hit their first snag here. Pick: West Virginia
East Carolina at Virginia Tech
Line: VT -19.5
If you were told that one of these teams was 2-0 and the other 0-2 without knowing which was which, I doubt you’d hang the o-fer on the Hokies. Nevertheless, it’s there, but it’s likely going away soon…right? We were all confident that JMU would fold like a cheap tent, but they showed us. Still, VT is too good not to win eventually, and though ECU is a fine program, the Hokies should be able to bounce back. Not sure they’ll cover, though – I have to see it to believe it. Pick: Virginia Tech
BYU at Florida State
Line: FSU -9.5
Florida State was greatly humbled in Norman last weekend, but now they return home to face a team they beat the crap out of last year in Utah. Decent likelihood that the Seminoles bounce back. Pick: Florida State
#1 Alabama at Duke
Line: Alabama -24
The Blue Devils can be tricky to deal with – just ask Wake Forest – but they’re not really any match for the nation’s top team. If they were, however, to pull a miraculous upset, maybe it’d help this conference’s reputation somewhat. Don’t hold your breath, though. Pick: Alabama
Clemson at #16 Auburn
Line: Auburn -7
Clemson played two creampuff opponents to start the year while Auburn has already been tested with a conference game (although only against blah Mississippi State). The (Clemson) Tigers will get up for this game, but the (Auburn) Tigers might just be a little too much for them at the end of the day. Pick: Auburn
Wake Forest at #19 Stanford
Line: Stanford -17
Wake has looked alright in the first two weeks of the season, first beating up Presbyterian and then winning a shootout with Duke. What that game exposed, however, was the Deacs’ defense against better-quality opposition. I don’t necessarily expect them to surrender 48 points (though they easily could), but Stanford will be able to put points on the board in bunches. The Cardinal have shown themselves to be an excellent offense, and Wake just won’t be able to keep up. Pick: Stanford
As one of my readers pointed out last week, I need to remind you: these are straight-up picks. I give the line just for your betterment and understanding of the contest; rarely will I pick against the spread (unless I feel compelled to do so).
Cincinnati at North Carolina State
Line: NC State -1.5
Kind of a tough one to call. I’m not really buying into either one of these teams this year, but the Wolfpack survived last week to get to 2-0 while Cincinnati has already looked lousy in defeat this season. Is it NC State’s turn? I would say no, if it’s anything like the Pitt game last year. Pick: NC State
Georgia Tech at North Carolina
Line: UNC -1
You think both of these teams have a bad taste in their mouths? Georgia Tech flopped in Kansas while UNC got to sit around and think about their painfully-close miss against LSU for two weeks. The team that’s more pissed off will win. Right now, I think it’s the Heels. Pick: North Carolina
Maryland at #21 West Virginia
Line: WVU -13
Maryland has played fine in their first two weeks, coming out with a 2-0 record to start the year. This week, they face a West Virginia team that won thanks to a complete choke by Marshall last Friday. UMD has surprised me a little with their opening victories, but despite WVU’s so-so game last week, I think the Terps hit their first snag here. Pick: West Virginia
East Carolina at Virginia Tech
Line: VT -19.5
If you were told that one of these teams was 2-0 and the other 0-2 without knowing which was which, I doubt you’d hang the o-fer on the Hokies. Nevertheless, it’s there, but it’s likely going away soon…right? We were all confident that JMU would fold like a cheap tent, but they showed us. Still, VT is too good not to win eventually, and though ECU is a fine program, the Hokies should be able to bounce back. Not sure they’ll cover, though – I have to see it to believe it. Pick: Virginia Tech
BYU at Florida State
Line: FSU -9.5
Florida State was greatly humbled in Norman last weekend, but now they return home to face a team they beat the crap out of last year in Utah. Decent likelihood that the Seminoles bounce back. Pick: Florida State
#1 Alabama at Duke
Line: Alabama -24
The Blue Devils can be tricky to deal with – just ask Wake Forest – but they’re not really any match for the nation’s top team. If they were, however, to pull a miraculous upset, maybe it’d help this conference’s reputation somewhat. Don’t hold your breath, though. Pick: Alabama
Clemson at #16 Auburn
Line: Auburn -7
Clemson played two creampuff opponents to start the year while Auburn has already been tested with a conference game (although only against blah Mississippi State). The (Clemson) Tigers will get up for this game, but the (Auburn) Tigers might just be a little too much for them at the end of the day. Pick: Auburn
Wake Forest at #19 Stanford
Line: Stanford -17
Wake has looked alright in the first two weeks of the season, first beating up Presbyterian and then winning a shootout with Duke. What that game exposed, however, was the Deacs’ defense against better-quality opposition. I don’t necessarily expect them to surrender 48 points (though they easily could), but Stanford will be able to put points on the board in bunches. The Cardinal have shown themselves to be an excellent offense, and Wake just won’t be able to keep up. Pick: Stanford
Monday, September 13, 2010
The aftermath of Disaster Saturday for the ACC
We at Boston College are survivors – survivors of one of the worst weekends for our conference that I can remember. On this disastrous Saturday for the Atlantic Coast Conference, this collection of teams lost five of the nine non-conference games that were played.
The horrors began in Lawrence, Kansas, where #15 Georgia Tech, the defending ACC champions, fell to a rebuilding Kansas team (who, the previous weekend, had been disgraced at home by North Dakota State). Though it was only a three-point loss for the Yellow Jackets, the stat line was particularly ugly for one Joshua Nesbitt. He went 5-15 for 116 yards and a touchdown. Running the ball went no better: in 15 carries (the most of anyone on the team), he netted only 33 yards. The rest of the team ended up rushing for 258 combined, for what it’s worth. Despite outgaining the Jayhawks by a decent amount and controlling time of possession, in the second half, 6 of their 7 drives ended without points, and that will do you in against a bunch of teams. It was a shocking loss, but not nearly as shocking as the one that came next.
We move down to Blacksburg, Virginia, where the Hokies of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University were still stinging from their narrow loss to highly-ranked Boise State. In this game, they would face a far more manageable opponent in James Madison University, or so we believed. In what would be a sign of coming danger, the Hokies – largely expected to romp over the Dukes – led by only six at halftime. From then on, Virginia Tech would be held to only three points while Drew Dudzik would run it in twice for JMU, resulting in a 21-16 defeat for the Hokies. So, how do you lose a game to an FCS team when you hold them to 235 yards of offense and they draw 75 penalty yards? Simple: VT committed three turnovers, two of which were later on in the game, while JMU committed none. The result was a stunning loss that will probably be the Appalachian State vs. Michigan-type game for this season, and will quite possibly be seen as the worst loss of Frank Beamer’s career at Virginia Tech so far. That’s two; three disasters to go.
Let’s take Miami and Florida State together. After all, they’re rivals, they’re from the same state, they were both playing prominent top-ten teams, and much was expected from them this year. What we got instead were two grand flops. First, Miami: in the second quarter, the Hurricanes led 10-3. Ohio State outscored them 33-14 the rest of the way, handing them a 12-point loss (which, in the scheme of things, was actually kind of respectable). What was not respectable, however, was how Jacory Harris played: he ended up throwing four picks, which just happened to be all the turnovers in the game. Much has been made of this young man and his talent, but he clearly got knocked down a peg at the ‘Shoe by the Buckeyes. Next, Florida State: this team, now coached by someone born after the Permian-Triassic extinction event, was riding very high after getting a national preseason ranking, having a Heisman contender come into his own, and rolling over Samford last weekend. Oklahoma, after all, was looking just as potentially overrated, so I expected a good game. Wrong! The Seminoles got destroyed by the score of 47-17. Christian Ponder (and Josh Nesbitt for that matter) may have seen his dreams of a Heisman disappear as he did not have a good game against the formidable Sooners. In fact, his backup seemed to have a better stat line than he did (although in garbage time and limited play). Sure, FSU shut down the OU running game, but couldn’t stop the passing game at all.
The final ACC loss of the day came in Los Angeles, where the Virginia Cavaliers expectedly fell to the USC Trojans by a score of 17-14. Though this was a loss, this may have been the ACC’s best non-conference loss of the day. After all, USC is ranked, Virginia isn’t very good, and this game was at the LA Coliseum. All this game really did was expose some more of USC’s issues which were raised against Hawaii, but that’s a discussion for another blogger to have. It was, however, a loss when the ACC desperately needed a quality win to salvage a shred of dignity.
All winning on Saturday were your Boston College Eagles, Clemson Tigers, Maryland Terrapins, and North Carolina State Wolfpack. The BC game was not without its troubles, but the Eagles were in no serious danger of losing. NC State was, towards the end, in serious danger of losing, but UCF’s potential tying drive ended deep in NC State territory. Clemson and Maryland both rolled to wins over weaker opponents. Duke and Wake Forest also met in a conference game, which has no real meaning for the purposes of this article.
So, what’s the current situation in the ACC after this wretched showing on Saturday?
1.) The ACC has been largely booted from the rankings. Virginia Tech, gone. Georgia Tech, see ya. Florida State, we hardly knew ye. The only team left is Miami, who fell to 17th in the AP (and if they hadn’t been playing the #2 team in the nation on the road, it could have been far worse had they still lost).
2.) The ACC won’t be taken seriously for the rest of the season. This mid-September Saturday has sealed the conference’s fate for the 2010 college football season. Our quote-unquote premier teams like VT, FSU, Miami, and GT all got their asses handed to them – some by good teams, some by not so good. So what’s left? Maryland, one of the conference’s worst teams last year, suddenly is playing like one of the best so far. That should tell you what kind of situation we’re in. The ACC is in BigEastville.
3.) The Coastal Division is in shambles. VT, GT, and Miami were the three top dogs in that division, and all lost on Saturday. The most surprising part is Virginia Tech sitting at 0-2 while the other two are at 1-1 and licking their wounds. We’re through only two weeks of the season, and every team in that division has a defeat, combining for a record of 4-7 (.364).
4.) Conversely, the Atlantic doesn’t look half bad (relatively speaking) anymore. The only defeat amongst the six teams was FSU’s gag job in Oklahoma. This division's best win was, surprisingly, Maryland's victory over Navy. Of course, head-to-head, the Atlantic is a barely noteworthy 1-0, with Wake beating Duke in a defense-optional game.
5.) This weakened conference is wide open. It’s crystal clear now that there isn’t one team in the whole damn conference that’s unbeatable. Furthermore, there are no longer any clear frontrunners. It’s going to be one of those years where anyone can beat anyone on any given day, so if nothing else, conference play should be interesting. From a Boston College standpoint, an easy schedule looks like it could be easier if they catch teams at the right time.
Next weekend, we get to sit back and watch the carnage if there is more to be had. Checking out the schedule and all of the ranked opponents, there just might be.
The horrors began in Lawrence, Kansas, where #15 Georgia Tech, the defending ACC champions, fell to a rebuilding Kansas team (who, the previous weekend, had been disgraced at home by North Dakota State). Though it was only a three-point loss for the Yellow Jackets, the stat line was particularly ugly for one Joshua Nesbitt. He went 5-15 for 116 yards and a touchdown. Running the ball went no better: in 15 carries (the most of anyone on the team), he netted only 33 yards. The rest of the team ended up rushing for 258 combined, for what it’s worth. Despite outgaining the Jayhawks by a decent amount and controlling time of possession, in the second half, 6 of their 7 drives ended without points, and that will do you in against a bunch of teams. It was a shocking loss, but not nearly as shocking as the one that came next.
We move down to Blacksburg, Virginia, where the Hokies of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University were still stinging from their narrow loss to highly-ranked Boise State. In this game, they would face a far more manageable opponent in James Madison University, or so we believed. In what would be a sign of coming danger, the Hokies – largely expected to romp over the Dukes – led by only six at halftime. From then on, Virginia Tech would be held to only three points while Drew Dudzik would run it in twice for JMU, resulting in a 21-16 defeat for the Hokies. So, how do you lose a game to an FCS team when you hold them to 235 yards of offense and they draw 75 penalty yards? Simple: VT committed three turnovers, two of which were later on in the game, while JMU committed none. The result was a stunning loss that will probably be the Appalachian State vs. Michigan-type game for this season, and will quite possibly be seen as the worst loss of Frank Beamer’s career at Virginia Tech so far. That’s two; three disasters to go.
Let’s take Miami and Florida State together. After all, they’re rivals, they’re from the same state, they were both playing prominent top-ten teams, and much was expected from them this year. What we got instead were two grand flops. First, Miami: in the second quarter, the Hurricanes led 10-3. Ohio State outscored them 33-14 the rest of the way, handing them a 12-point loss (which, in the scheme of things, was actually kind of respectable). What was not respectable, however, was how Jacory Harris played: he ended up throwing four picks, which just happened to be all the turnovers in the game. Much has been made of this young man and his talent, but he clearly got knocked down a peg at the ‘Shoe by the Buckeyes. Next, Florida State: this team, now coached by someone born after the Permian-Triassic extinction event, was riding very high after getting a national preseason ranking, having a Heisman contender come into his own, and rolling over Samford last weekend. Oklahoma, after all, was looking just as potentially overrated, so I expected a good game. Wrong! The Seminoles got destroyed by the score of 47-17. Christian Ponder (and Josh Nesbitt for that matter) may have seen his dreams of a Heisman disappear as he did not have a good game against the formidable Sooners. In fact, his backup seemed to have a better stat line than he did (although in garbage time and limited play). Sure, FSU shut down the OU running game, but couldn’t stop the passing game at all.
The final ACC loss of the day came in Los Angeles, where the Virginia Cavaliers expectedly fell to the USC Trojans by a score of 17-14. Though this was a loss, this may have been the ACC’s best non-conference loss of the day. After all, USC is ranked, Virginia isn’t very good, and this game was at the LA Coliseum. All this game really did was expose some more of USC’s issues which were raised against Hawaii, but that’s a discussion for another blogger to have. It was, however, a loss when the ACC desperately needed a quality win to salvage a shred of dignity.
All winning on Saturday were your Boston College Eagles, Clemson Tigers, Maryland Terrapins, and North Carolina State Wolfpack. The BC game was not without its troubles, but the Eagles were in no serious danger of losing. NC State was, towards the end, in serious danger of losing, but UCF’s potential tying drive ended deep in NC State territory. Clemson and Maryland both rolled to wins over weaker opponents. Duke and Wake Forest also met in a conference game, which has no real meaning for the purposes of this article.
So, what’s the current situation in the ACC after this wretched showing on Saturday?
1.) The ACC has been largely booted from the rankings. Virginia Tech, gone. Georgia Tech, see ya. Florida State, we hardly knew ye. The only team left is Miami, who fell to 17th in the AP (and if they hadn’t been playing the #2 team in the nation on the road, it could have been far worse had they still lost).
2.) The ACC won’t be taken seriously for the rest of the season. This mid-September Saturday has sealed the conference’s fate for the 2010 college football season. Our quote-unquote premier teams like VT, FSU, Miami, and GT all got their asses handed to them – some by good teams, some by not so good. So what’s left? Maryland, one of the conference’s worst teams last year, suddenly is playing like one of the best so far. That should tell you what kind of situation we’re in. The ACC is in BigEastville.
3.) The Coastal Division is in shambles. VT, GT, and Miami were the three top dogs in that division, and all lost on Saturday. The most surprising part is Virginia Tech sitting at 0-2 while the other two are at 1-1 and licking their wounds. We’re through only two weeks of the season, and every team in that division has a defeat, combining for a record of 4-7 (.364).
4.) Conversely, the Atlantic doesn’t look half bad (relatively speaking) anymore. The only defeat amongst the six teams was FSU’s gag job in Oklahoma. This division's best win was, surprisingly, Maryland's victory over Navy. Of course, head-to-head, the Atlantic is a barely noteworthy 1-0, with Wake beating Duke in a defense-optional game.
5.) This weakened conference is wide open. It’s crystal clear now that there isn’t one team in the whole damn conference that’s unbeatable. Furthermore, there are no longer any clear frontrunners. It’s going to be one of those years where anyone can beat anyone on any given day, so if nothing else, conference play should be interesting. From a Boston College standpoint, an easy schedule looks like it could be easier if they catch teams at the right time.
Next weekend, we get to sit back and watch the carnage if there is more to be had. Checking out the schedule and all of the ranked opponents, there just might be.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
August Boredom Post VI: 10 (non-BC) ACC games I'd like to watch this year
I've put together a list of ten games, in chronological order, that I'd like to see this year out of our conference. Some are non-conference matchups while some are internal ACC affairs, but all should be high on entertainment value. I had trouble narrowing it down to ten games with ACC teams which aren't named the Eagles, but here is my list:
1. Boise State vs. Virginia Tech
Monday, September 6, 2010 - Landover, MD
Two very highly-ranked teams going head to head in the first game of the season. For Virginia Tech, it's another quality opponent and a chance to set themselves up as a legitimate contender from Week 1. For Boise State, it's their annual "well, we have to play ONE good team" game, and a Broncos win could basically clear a path straight through to the BCS yet again.
2. Florida State at Oklahoma
Saturday, September 11, 2010 - Norman, OK
Both of these teams are believed to be much improved over their 2009 incarnations (though both teams might be overrated -- Oklahoma far more so than FSU), so this should be a good early test for the Seminoles and the Sooners. There will be a BC game on at the same time, but that game is likely to be a blowout, and this one should be far more compelling, should I decide to flip back and forth. But wait, there's more...
3. Miami at Ohio State
Saturday, September 11, 2010 - Columbus, OH
This game starts ten minutes after BC/Kent State and FSU/OU. That's right, I'll have three games of interest to me going on at the same time. In any case, Ohio State is the nation's #2 team, so this will be a chance for us to see just how legit the Hurricanes are at the outset. Could be a very entertaining contest.
4. Florida State at Miami
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - Miami, FL
Both of these Florida teams are beloved by the media this year, and both plan on being in Charlotte in December (though not if a few other teams can help it). Fairly curious to see how this one goes, as it's a reasonably good opportunity to see FSU sustain a critical ACC loss.
5. Georgia Tech at Clemson
Saturday, October 23, 2010 - Clemson, SC
Rematch of the 2009 ACC Championship Game. The Tigers went 0-2 last year against the defending conference champions, and will no doubt be very motivated to hand the Jackets a Death Valley loss.
6. Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech
Thursday, November 4, 2010 - Blacksburg, VA
The last two teams to be crowned ACC champions meet in Virginia in early November. Both of these teams will probably be in the ACC Coastal mix.
7. Miami at Georgia Tech
Saturday, November 13, 2010 - Atlanta, GA
One of the few blemishes on Georgia Tech's 2009 season was a pasting in Miami. Last year, these were two of the conference's best teams, and I can't imagine this will be a bad game to watch (unlike last time).
8. Clemson at Florida State
Saturday, November 13, 2010 - Tallahassee, FL
Of obvious interest to Boston College fans. How fortunate for the Seminoles that both of their expected main division rivals have to go play in Tallahassee this year. One of these two teams is going to lose, and I hope it's whatever team's defeat is best for BC at the time.
9. Virginia Tech at Miami
Saturday, November 20, 2010 - Miami, FL
If the preseason poll is right (for a change), these two teams are looking like the one and two of the ACC Coastal. Much like BC-FSU seems like a potential de facto division title game, this game in Miami feels somewhat the same for the Coastal.
10. Florida at Florida State
Saturday, November 27, 2010 - Tallahassee, FL
Florida's annual Who's-is-Bigger game, the "Sunshine Showdown," has been decidedly lopsided lately. The Gators have won six in a row -- and only two of those games were close -- but St. Timothy of Gainesville is now a mile high and Florida State is on the way up.
1. Boise State vs. Virginia Tech
Monday, September 6, 2010 - Landover, MD
Two very highly-ranked teams going head to head in the first game of the season. For Virginia Tech, it's another quality opponent and a chance to set themselves up as a legitimate contender from Week 1. For Boise State, it's their annual "well, we have to play ONE good team" game, and a Broncos win could basically clear a path straight through to the BCS yet again.
2. Florida State at Oklahoma
Saturday, September 11, 2010 - Norman, OK
Both of these teams are believed to be much improved over their 2009 incarnations (though both teams might be overrated -- Oklahoma far more so than FSU), so this should be a good early test for the Seminoles and the Sooners. There will be a BC game on at the same time, but that game is likely to be a blowout, and this one should be far more compelling, should I decide to flip back and forth. But wait, there's more...
3. Miami at Ohio State
Saturday, September 11, 2010 - Columbus, OH
This game starts ten minutes after BC/Kent State and FSU/OU. That's right, I'll have three games of interest to me going on at the same time. In any case, Ohio State is the nation's #2 team, so this will be a chance for us to see just how legit the Hurricanes are at the outset. Could be a very entertaining contest.
4. Florida State at Miami
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - Miami, FL
Both of these Florida teams are beloved by the media this year, and both plan on being in Charlotte in December (though not if a few other teams can help it). Fairly curious to see how this one goes, as it's a reasonably good opportunity to see FSU sustain a critical ACC loss.
5. Georgia Tech at Clemson
Saturday, October 23, 2010 - Clemson, SC
Rematch of the 2009 ACC Championship Game. The Tigers went 0-2 last year against the defending conference champions, and will no doubt be very motivated to hand the Jackets a Death Valley loss.
6. Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech
Thursday, November 4, 2010 - Blacksburg, VA
The last two teams to be crowned ACC champions meet in Virginia in early November. Both of these teams will probably be in the ACC Coastal mix.
7. Miami at Georgia Tech
Saturday, November 13, 2010 - Atlanta, GA
One of the few blemishes on Georgia Tech's 2009 season was a pasting in Miami. Last year, these were two of the conference's best teams, and I can't imagine this will be a bad game to watch (unlike last time).
8. Clemson at Florida State
Saturday, November 13, 2010 - Tallahassee, FL
Of obvious interest to Boston College fans. How fortunate for the Seminoles that both of their expected main division rivals have to go play in Tallahassee this year. One of these two teams is going to lose, and I hope it's whatever team's defeat is best for BC at the time.
9. Virginia Tech at Miami
Saturday, November 20, 2010 - Miami, FL
If the preseason poll is right (for a change), these two teams are looking like the one and two of the ACC Coastal. Much like BC-FSU seems like a potential de facto division title game, this game in Miami feels somewhat the same for the Coastal.
10. Florida at Florida State
Saturday, November 27, 2010 - Tallahassee, FL
Florida's annual Who's-is-Bigger game, the "Sunshine Showdown," has been decidedly lopsided lately. The Gators have won six in a row -- and only two of those games were close -- but St. Timothy of Gainesville is now a mile high and Florida State is on the way up.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
August Boredom Post III: Predicted ACC order of finish
Atlantic
1: Boston College (if I didn't pick us, I'd be ejected from the BC blogosphere)
2: Florida State
3: Clemson
4: Wake Forest
5: NC State
6: Maryland
Coastal
1: Virginia Tech
2: Miami
3: Georgia Tech
4: North Carolina
5: Duke
6: Virginia
Of course I picked BC, for reasons I've already stated, but it would not surprise me if either of the two teams I listed directly below captured the Atlantic. As for the other three, yes, they would be legitimate surprises.
Forgive me for making my ACC Coastal ballot identical to the preseason poll, but I couldn't bring myself to shuffle them around. I wanted to flip Miami and Georgia Tech just to be kind of bold but I decided against it.
1: Boston College (if I didn't pick us, I'd be ejected from the BC blogosphere)
2: Florida State
3: Clemson
4: Wake Forest
5: NC State
6: Maryland
Coastal
1: Virginia Tech
2: Miami
3: Georgia Tech
4: North Carolina
5: Duke
6: Virginia
Of course I picked BC, for reasons I've already stated, but it would not surprise me if either of the two teams I listed directly below captured the Atlantic. As for the other three, yes, they would be legitimate surprises.
Forgive me for making my ACC Coastal ballot identical to the preseason poll, but I couldn't bring myself to shuffle them around. I wanted to flip Miami and Georgia Tech just to be kind of bold but I decided against it.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
New ACC TV deal: cha-ching
It is being reported that ACC schools stand to make about $12 million each, more than double the $5.6 million they make now. I suspect ACC fans will be pleased with the news, as their athletic departments will be cashing in and many more ACC games will be broadcast in a variety of different sports.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Will the Hen cluck no more in Raleigh?
You know that Kevin Noreen is going to wonderful academic institution West Virginia and that we've had some BC players drafted into the NHL. Speaking of people who once graced the Heights with their presence, our old friend semi-capable head coach Tom O'Brien seems to be in hot water at NC State.
We all knew that coming into this season, TOB's record ofachievement mediocrity was, well, mediocre. He will be entering his 4th year down there and still they've got just about nothing to show for his tenure except a program which is still winning at the same clip as when he took over -- which is to say not much.
Enter Debbie Yow, sister of the late NC State coach Kay Yow, as the new athletic director. She will doubtlessly not tolerate a failed head coach which she inherited from the previous administration. TOB is toast if he has another lackluster year. So what does that mean for BC if he gets canned? Well, that's one less automatic win every year.
Of course, that article also spells out quite a bit of doom for Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen, thanks also to Yow's change in jobs. The coaching carousel in the ACC could be on the move again after this season. As for BC's coaching situation, unless the Jets call Spaziani up for an interview, I think he's safe.
We all knew that coming into this season, TOB's record of
Enter Debbie Yow, sister of the late NC State coach Kay Yow, as the new athletic director. She will doubtlessly not tolerate a failed head coach which she inherited from the previous administration. TOB is toast if he has another lackluster year. So what does that mean for BC if he gets canned? Well, that's one less automatic win every year.
Of course, that article also spells out quite a bit of doom for Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen, thanks also to Yow's change in jobs. The coaching carousel in the ACC could be on the move again after this season. As for BC's coaching situation, unless the Jets call Spaziani up for an interview, I think he's safe.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Will love keep us together? The ACC and expansion
The question remains is how will this affect the other major conferences -- well, the ones which still exist? The Big Ten is no doubt already getting envious and, to prove that theirs is just as big as the Pac-10's, will also explore expansion to 16 (though that seems more distant than the Pac-10's expansion, which is an imminent reality). The most likely source of a direct hit on the ACC, however, would be if the SEC wants to pop some proverbial Enzyte pills and undergo some natural conference enhancement of their own.
Lately, more and more people in this here blogosphere are not only discussing the ramifications of an SEC incursion, but the likelihood. It is becoming fairly clear, at least to me, that an SEC raid would be somewhat unfeasible and would not make a lot of sense. There is a very good post on Eagle Outsider which breaks it down far better than I could, so if you have not already seen it, take a look. The gist of it is this: ACC teams flipping over to the SEC would only gain a little more financially, the SEC would likely not be conquering any new media markets, and those ACC teams would be bailing out to join an inferior academic conference.
The only way the SEC could really break any new ground would be to poach the Virginia schools, Maryland, or some North Carolina schools. They would have to take both Virginia Tech and Virginia, because the Virginia state government will throw a shit-fit if they break them up. I think it's quite unlikely that they'll snatch either one. Additionally, those few suggesting that North Carolina would leave for the SEC forget about a school named Duke, who would also have to go (and I see no reason why they want to, as they're as ACC as can be). There is no way in hell UNC and Duke will be split up. Football may be king nationally, but not on Tobacco Road. UNC-Duke basketball would be an out-of-conference game! Like that's going to happen. Finally, nobody seems interested in Wake Forest or NC State, I doubt there's interest on their part, and clearly we're not going to the SEC.
Some had suggested that Maryland would let themselves be courted by a new conference, but their Athletic Director shot it down quite forcefully. So that about does it: the only ACC territory the SEC can truly annex is very unlikely to fall into their hands. So what does that leave? The rumored four: Clemson, Georgia Tech, Miami, and Florida State. South Carolina is already SEC territory. Georgia is already SEC territory. Florida is already SEC territory. Adding those four teams would be nothing more than adding schools for the sake of adding schools, or to show the Pac-10 and Big Ten that they can keep up in the numbers game. If any of those schools leave the conference, they probably just don't really want to be here anymore, anyway.
The net result here is that I'm becoming convinced that the SEC will do nothing -- unless they decide to go get Texas. THAT would be a major coup for the conference and would likely prove highly successful. As for raiding the ACC, however, it would do little overall to enhance them. Love won't keep the ACC together, but not having much of anything that the SEC can pry away just might.
Friday, May 28, 2010
FSU puts BC out of their misery 2 innings early
The day began with much promise for the Boston College Eagles on their heels of one of their most dramatic victories in the last several years. It ended with a disgraceful defeat that saw Boston College eliminated from the ACC Tournament.
Not only did Boston College lose 12-2, but this was a "mercy rule" game -- Florida State took a 10-run lead in the bottom of the 7th, and per ACC rules, the remainder of the game was canceled. Being honest, BC wasn't coming back, anyway, and the pitching probably would have given up a few more before all was said and done.
Starter John Leonard was not good at all, having given up 6 runs in 2.1 innings, done on nine hits and a hit batter. Not to be outdone, the BC bullpen also gave up 6 runs, including the "mercy rule walkoff." The BC offense apparently didn't save enough runs for today, either, and the combination of all of these three things make for a disaster.
This was an embarrassing loss for the Eagles; embarrassing enough that it could knock BC out of the NCAA Tournament. On Wednesday I thought we were out, yesterday I thought we were in, and today I don't know. These are the troubles with not only being on the bubble, but literally sitting right on the border. We will find out BC's fate in a few days and neither outcome would surprise me.
Not only did Boston College lose 12-2, but this was a "mercy rule" game -- Florida State took a 10-run lead in the bottom of the 7th, and per ACC rules, the remainder of the game was canceled. Being honest, BC wasn't coming back, anyway, and the pitching probably would have given up a few more before all was said and done.
Starter John Leonard was not good at all, having given up 6 runs in 2.1 innings, done on nine hits and a hit batter. Not to be outdone, the BC bullpen also gave up 6 runs, including the "mercy rule walkoff." The BC offense apparently didn't save enough runs for today, either, and the combination of all of these three things make for a disaster.
This was an embarrassing loss for the Eagles; embarrassing enough that it could knock BC out of the NCAA Tournament. On Wednesday I thought we were out, yesterday I thought we were in, and today I don't know. These are the troubles with not only being on the bubble, but literally sitting right on the border. We will find out BC's fate in a few days and neither outcome would surprise me.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
BC beats Miami, or How I learned to stop worrying and love the walk-off bomb
It took a lot of home runs, but Boston College slugged their way to an ACC Tournament victory in Greensboro on Thursday.
Behind Mike Dennhardt, Boston College climbed out to a 4-0 lead, which evaporated in the 6th inning following a Miami home run and a bullpen fold. BC got the lead back in the 7th on a home run, but gave it back in the top of the 8th. The score was 5-5.
In the 9th, Miami spanked BC's bullpen for 5 runs, taking a 10-5 lead into the bottom of the 9th. After a few timely hits, John Spatola hit a 3-run, 2-out home run to tie the game, eventually forcing extra innings. The two teams would remain 10-10 in the 10th and 11th.
In the top of the 12th, Andrew Lawrence (remember that name for a moment) gunned down a Miami baserunner at home plate trying to score from second on a base hit. This play ended the inning. Andrew Lawrence's next big play would end the game, as he hit a two-run no-doubt home run in the bottom of the 12th to seal Boston College's 30th victory of the season.
The implications of this win are monstrous. Having just beaten a Top 15 team (with a chance to beat another ranked team tomorrow), the Eagles may have just sealed their bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year. All will be revealed in a few days, but this was a crucial win and one hell of a ball game if I do say so myself.
Boston College may not be the best team out there, but they do not quit. They went down to the wire with the #1 team in the nation yesterday and fought from 5 runs down to beat another very good team in Miami. Their play in this ACC Tournament so far will be a big benefit to their tournament chances.
Behind Mike Dennhardt, Boston College climbed out to a 4-0 lead, which evaporated in the 6th inning following a Miami home run and a bullpen fold. BC got the lead back in the 7th on a home run, but gave it back in the top of the 8th. The score was 5-5.
In the 9th, Miami spanked BC's bullpen for 5 runs, taking a 10-5 lead into the bottom of the 9th. After a few timely hits, John Spatola hit a 3-run, 2-out home run to tie the game, eventually forcing extra innings. The two teams would remain 10-10 in the 10th and 11th.
In the top of the 12th, Andrew Lawrence (remember that name for a moment) gunned down a Miami baserunner at home plate trying to score from second on a base hit. This play ended the inning. Andrew Lawrence's next big play would end the game, as he hit a two-run no-doubt home run in the bottom of the 12th to seal Boston College's 30th victory of the season.
The implications of this win are monstrous. Having just beaten a Top 15 team (with a chance to beat another ranked team tomorrow), the Eagles may have just sealed their bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year. All will be revealed in a few days, but this was a crucial win and one hell of a ball game if I do say so myself.
Boston College may not be the best team out there, but they do not quit. They went down to the wire with the #1 team in the nation yesterday and fought from 5 runs down to beat another very good team in Miami. Their play in this ACC Tournament so far will be a big benefit to their tournament chances.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Eagles fall to Cavaliers in tourney's first game
Like so many other teams in so many other seasons, Boston College baseball made us believe that yes, they had a chance. Of course, it was not to be.
The Eagles lost to the #1 Virginia Cavaliers in the first game of the 2010 ACC Baseball Tournament by a 6-4 score in Greensboro on Wednesday. Virginia struck for early 2-0 and 3-1 leads, but in the 7th, the Eagles came roaring back. John Spatola hit a game-tying home run to center and Mike Sudol hit a go-ahead double a few batters later. Unfortunately, that would be the last of BC's scoring.
Pat Dean started the 8th but walked the leadoff batter. Mik Aoki went to Taylor Lasko who allowed the game-tying hit and loaded the bases, leaving Matt Brazis to clean up the mess, which he could not. Virginia got two runs on a two-out single in the 8th and despite a BC threat in the 9th, that was the game.
This could have been BC baseball's biggest win in years, but instead, it's just another loss. It seems unlikely that BC will do any damage in this tournament and furthermore BC's chances of making the NCAA Tournament have become even more remote. The Eagles went for it all today and still came up short, and now, having burned their ace, things don't look particularly rosy.
In case you're interested, BC's 2nd game is tomorrow at the same time and on the same channel against Miami, another very good team.
The Eagles lost to the #1 Virginia Cavaliers in the first game of the 2010 ACC Baseball Tournament by a 6-4 score in Greensboro on Wednesday. Virginia struck for early 2-0 and 3-1 leads, but in the 7th, the Eagles came roaring back. John Spatola hit a game-tying home run to center and Mike Sudol hit a go-ahead double a few batters later. Unfortunately, that would be the last of BC's scoring.
Pat Dean started the 8th but walked the leadoff batter. Mik Aoki went to Taylor Lasko who allowed the game-tying hit and loaded the bases, leaving Matt Brazis to clean up the mess, which he could not. Virginia got two runs on a two-out single in the 8th and despite a BC threat in the 9th, that was the game.
This could have been BC baseball's biggest win in years, but instead, it's just another loss. It seems unlikely that BC will do any damage in this tournament and furthermore BC's chances of making the NCAA Tournament have become even more remote. The Eagles went for it all today and still came up short, and now, having burned their ace, things don't look particularly rosy.
In case you're interested, BC's 2nd game is tomorrow at the same time and on the same channel against Miami, another very good team.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
BC in the 2010 ACC Baseball Tournament
As the 8th and final seed in the tournament, I can assure you that this will not be an easy ride. The 2009 Eagles came into this tournament as the very same seed and were a tiebreaker away from advancing to the championship game.
These are not your 2009 Eagles, however.
Boston College won their way into the field with a win on the final day of the regular season over Georgia Tech, but this team's pitching is, was, and will remain highly suspect. Furthermore, only half of BC's 14 ACC wins were against teams in this tournament, illustrating how BC fattened up on the bad teams.
Remember, this is not a tournament with a bracket. The 8 teams are divided into two divisions - A and B - where each team will play each other team once in a three-game round robin. The team with the best record in each pool at the end of the round robin plays for the ACC championship. Boston College sits in Division A and it looks like this:
BC will play each of those three teams. Here is a primer on those games:
Boston College vs. #1 Virginia
Initial reaction: Oh shit
Have we met?: Yes, and BC would probably rather they hadn't. Virginia swept the 3-game set in Charlottesville and outscored BC 22-5.
Offensive comparison: UVA .335 - 8.27 runs per game; BC .295 - 6.60 runs per game
Pitching comparison: UVA 3.48 ERA; BC 6.56 ERA
Analysis: Virginia is the best team in the country. Boston College is most assuredly not.
Chances of a BC win?: Virtually non-existent.
Boston College vs. #14 Miami
Initial reaction: Sigh
Have we met?: Yes, Miami won two of three games.
Offensive comparison: Miami .295 - 7.46 runs per game; BC .295 - 6.60 runs per game
Pitching comparison: Miami 3.58 ERA; BC 6.56 ERA
Analysis: The offenses are not far apart at all. The pitching is.
Chances of a BC win?: Minimal, though Pat Dean (if he pitches this particular game) has a tendency to shut this team down.
Boston College vs. #7 Florida State
Initial reaction: Please make it stop
Have we met?: Yes, Florida State won two of three games.
Offensive comparison: FSU .296 - 8.24 runs per game; BC .295 - 6.60 runs per game
Pitching comparison: FSU 4.46 ERA; BC 6.56 ERA
Analysis: Florida State looked kind-of beatable when they were in Boston not too long ago. Still, they'd be favored here.
Chances of a BC win?: Decent but less than 50-50.
Bottom line: This was a pretty bad draw for BC. The other division wouldn't have been too much better. All of the super-crappy ACC teams have been weeded out, and those were the teams which supplied many of BC's conference wins this year. The outlook is not very good. If BC is lucky, they'll steal one game out of three and go home.
These are not your 2009 Eagles, however.
Boston College won their way into the field with a win on the final day of the regular season over Georgia Tech, but this team's pitching is, was, and will remain highly suspect. Furthermore, only half of BC's 14 ACC wins were against teams in this tournament, illustrating how BC fattened up on the bad teams.
Remember, this is not a tournament with a bracket. The 8 teams are divided into two divisions - A and B - where each team will play each other team once in a three-game round robin. The team with the best record in each pool at the end of the round robin plays for the ACC championship. Boston College sits in Division A and it looks like this:
BC will play each of those three teams. Here is a primer on those games:
Boston College vs. #1 Virginia
Initial reaction: Oh shit
Have we met?: Yes, and BC would probably rather they hadn't. Virginia swept the 3-game set in Charlottesville and outscored BC 22-5.
Offensive comparison: UVA .335 - 8.27 runs per game; BC .295 - 6.60 runs per game
Pitching comparison: UVA 3.48 ERA; BC 6.56 ERA
Analysis: Virginia is the best team in the country. Boston College is most assuredly not.
Chances of a BC win?: Virtually non-existent.
Boston College vs. #14 Miami
Initial reaction: Sigh
Have we met?: Yes, Miami won two of three games.
Offensive comparison: Miami .295 - 7.46 runs per game; BC .295 - 6.60 runs per game
Pitching comparison: Miami 3.58 ERA; BC 6.56 ERA
Analysis: The offenses are not far apart at all. The pitching is.
Chances of a BC win?: Minimal, though Pat Dean (if he pitches this particular game) has a tendency to shut this team down.
Boston College vs. #7 Florida State
Initial reaction: Please make it stop
Have we met?: Yes, Florida State won two of three games.
Offensive comparison: FSU .296 - 8.24 runs per game; BC .295 - 6.60 runs per game
Pitching comparison: FSU 4.46 ERA; BC 6.56 ERA
Analysis: Florida State looked kind-of beatable when they were in Boston not too long ago. Still, they'd be favored here.
Chances of a BC win?: Decent but less than 50-50.
Bottom line: This was a pretty bad draw for BC. The other division wouldn't have been too much better. All of the super-crappy ACC teams have been weeded out, and those were the teams which supplied many of BC's conference wins this year. The outlook is not very good. If BC is lucky, they'll steal one game out of three and go home.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Boston College in the ACC Tournament for the second straight year
With their mildly surprising 6-3 win over Georgia Tech on Saturday afternoon, salvaging one game of three in the series, Boston College (29-26, 14-16) has qualified for the 2010 ACC Baseball Tournament. It took some timely execution and a great deal of luck, but BC will be the #8 team in the field of 8. I know, it's not that glamorous, but at least they're in.
In last year's ACC Tournament, Boston College was the 8 seed and managed to win two games, but Florida State advanced to the championship game on the tiebreaker. In a few days, I will take the liberty of reminding all of you about the tournament format and BC's place in it, breaking down all of the games the Eagles will play. It begins with a round-robin, so BC will face three teams in their pool. BC will play in the 1-4-5-8 seed pool, which means a game against Virginia (groan). The ACC Tournament begins on Wednesday in Greensboro, NC.
The regular season finale victory meant BC's 14th ACC win, which is the most they have had in this conference.
In last year's ACC Tournament, Boston College was the 8 seed and managed to win two games, but Florida State advanced to the championship game on the tiebreaker. In a few days, I will take the liberty of reminding all of you about the tournament format and BC's place in it, breaking down all of the games the Eagles will play. It begins with a round-robin, so BC will face three teams in their pool. BC will play in the 1-4-5-8 seed pool, which means a game against Virginia (groan). The ACC Tournament begins on Wednesday in Greensboro, NC.
The regular season finale victory meant BC's 14th ACC win, which is the most they have had in this conference.
Friday, May 21, 2010
ACC Tournament scenarios
Boston College is DOA in the ACC Baseball Tournament anyway, but this is how the last day of the regular season looks. If my tiebreaker math is incorrect, forgive me:
Scenario 1: Boston College beats Georgia Tech
Result: Boston College qualifies for ACC Tournament
The Eagles own the tiebreakers over both UNC (common opponents record) and NC State (head-to-head sweep) and would clinch at least the 8th spot.
Scenario 2: Boston College loses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina beats Virginia Tech
Result: Boston College does not qualify for ACC Tournament
The Eagles would be 13-17 and Tar Heels 14-16. NC State can finish no worse than 14-16 so it does not matter what they do in this case.
Scenario 3: Boston College loses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina loses to Virginia Tech
Result: Boston College qualifies for ACC Tournament
BC 13-17, UNC 13-17 (BC tiebreaker).
Scenario 1: Boston College beats Georgia Tech
Result: Boston College qualifies for ACC Tournament
The Eagles own the tiebreakers over both UNC (common opponents record) and NC State (head-to-head sweep) and would clinch at least the 8th spot.
Scenario 2: Boston College loses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina beats Virginia Tech
Result: Boston College does not qualify for ACC Tournament
The Eagles would be 13-17 and Tar Heels 14-16. NC State can finish no worse than 14-16 so it does not matter what they do in this case.
Scenario 3: Boston College loses to Georgia Tech, North Carolina loses to Virginia Tech
Result: Boston College qualifies for ACC Tournament
BC 13-17, UNC 13-17 (BC tiebreaker).
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