Boston College is still not in Boston.
Syracuse stays home to take on Boston College. This would normally be a rivalry game, probably played around Thanksgiving. But everything is messed up this year. Like Syracuse's chances at beating BC.
Syracuse loses another player to an opt out as Trill Williams declares for the draft. This is clearly a lost season. The only good part is that Dino Babers has said that all the QBs on the roster got first team reps. There is no downside to playing a freshman in the next few games to see if a legitimate challenger to Tommy DeVito can emerge. But as for the game itself, BC doesn't have AJ Dillon anymore. David bailey takes over running duties for the Eagles. And while he isn't Dillon, he'll be just fine against Syracuse. Syracuse will put up some points, but frankly with so many players out or now gone, and no idea who will be playing QB, no chance Syracuse puts up the upset here unless BC has a VERY BAD, NO GOOD day. BC over Syracuse 34 to 14.
This game is available regionally at 2:00pm. Check your local listings here, or watch on FoxSports.com. John will be watching from the home office. I will probably be out of pocket again. But remember, even if Syracuse loses (likely), BC sucks and always will. GO ORANGE!
Another trip down to Greensboro for the Orange.
Syracuse took a tough loss on Saturday to end the regular season in overtime. What made it even more brutal was First Team All-ACC and conference leading scorer Elijah Hughes was sitting on the bench the entire second half. While it seems unlikey this season that Syracuse advances far enough to make the NCAA Tournament, they are still playing to keep playing in the postseason. Plus, conference tournaments are always a blast. John and I try our hands in trying to predict how the ACC Tournament will go. We both have Louisville hoisting the trophy, but we have very different winners before the Championship. Click below to enjoy (apologies for mine not being handwritten, but I wanted it to be in color, and my office doesn't have a color printer like Johnny McCounty below).
Labels: ACC, ACC Tournament, Basketball, BC Sucks, Louisville Sucks, Notre Lame, Pittsburgh, Preview, We Hate Duke
Syracuse students agree: If Syracuse can't beat BC, we should just end the season.
Syracuse blew it against UNC last Saturday. But the good news is Syracuse takes on Boston College, the team Syracuse absolutely crushed earlier in the year. BC, the cure for what ails you.
The Eagles are still one of the worst shooting teams in the league, only making 30.1% from long range. They are also one of the worst defensive teams in the league. Just like the last game. Jay Heath is the best shooter on BC. If anyone is getting hot from long range, it's Heath. However, that's still fairly unlikely. He's only scoring 12.9 points a game and shooting 37% from three. Yes, that is the leading scorer for Boston College. BC also has no real inside scoring threat. I don't believe BC even attempted a hot inside the arc for the first eight minutes of the game in Syracuse. This game, while closer due to the fact they are at home and won't miss everything they missed in Syracuse, should still be heavily in Syracuse's favor. Look for Boeheim to contribute, as he lit up the Eagles in the lat meeting. Obviously Hughes will Add points. But Sidibe contributing on offense his been the real X Factor lately. Syracuse should be able to score against the Eagles, while limiting their opportunities. Syracuse has been one of the most efficient teams in the fast break, and BC doesn't have a good defense. O0range over the Boston College Eagles by 16.
This game is available on ESPN 2 at 7:00pm. I'll be in the Conte Forum not in Boston, while John will be in the home office. I'll see you out there. GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, BC Sucks, Preview
Getting another win would be nice.
Syracuse heads back home after an unflattering loss in Florida to take on old rival Boston College. Somehow Syracuse is favored. Can Syracuse pick up a win against a division rival?
The defensive game plan is simple. Stop AJ Dillon and force BC to have to make throws. If Syracuse can stuff the box and keep BC in 3rd and long situations, that will put pressure on the BC Quaterback, who hasn't had the best season. BC is 101 in the nation in passing offense this season. Syracuse can take advantage with a defensive unit that forced a lot of turnovers last year, and are more than capable of making a few interceptions. Winning the turnover battle at home to give more opportunities to score will go a long way to ensure Syracuse will be able to win the game. Obviously Syracuse has to take care of the ball themselves, but they have to again go with a quick passing attack and try and get more yards on the ground. If Syracuse is able to create some long runs to stretch the defense, that will obviously take a little pressure off the offensive line protection scheme and give Tommy DeVito more time to make plays, which he is more than capable of doing when healthy. Keeping him off the ground is always paramount, but scoring points at this point in the season is even more critical. I like Syracuse is at home and I like BC hasn't set the world on fire this season. I'm taking Syracuse in a tight one at home, 31 to 24.
This game is available nationally on The ACC Network at noon. John will be in the Dome. I'll be on the field and unavailable to watch. Enjoy. Remember, BC sucks and always will... and GO ORANGE!
The last regular season game of the season. Time to show up.
Syracuse got smacked up by a very good Notre Dame team. There is a reason they are undefeated and also #3 in the nation. They may be a little underrated frankly. Either way, now Syracuse heads into their last game with rival Boston College in Chestnut Hill (not Boston). Can Syracuse finish the season strong and finish with their highest win total in a very long time?
Syracuse takes on Boston College with a big question hanging over them. Will Eric Dungey play? While Eric was apparently able to get in and out of a hot tub to chat with Dino Babers and Tommy DeVito, he has stopped short and said he was unsure if Dungey would start. Either way Tommy DeVito has prepared as if he is starting so I'm actually not worried about the QB position. Unlike last week, the Defensive Line of Boston College isn't as talented as Notre Dame, so even DeVito will have much more time to be able to make plays. Similarly, the secondary will not cover the SU receivers like ND. Honestly, Syracuse will be able to score against Boston College. The question will be, can they score more than BC? Or more accurately, can the Syracuse defense stop AJ Dillon from breaking off big runs? If Syracuse's defense can make some plays and win the turnover battle on the day, more importantly if Syracuse can avoid interceptions, Syracuse should be able to win the game. The weather should be clear and low to mid-40's, so it shouldn't be a factor in the game, save for the wind. But that being said, this game should be close. Syracuse needs to make timely plays on 3rd down. The good news is that the top Special Teams will be a factor in this one, unlike last week. Field position will help Syracuse to hold Boston College from running up the game. I'm taking Syracuse to finish the regular season and head into a Bowl Game with a win. 34 to 31.
This game is available on the flagship ESPN at 12:00pm. This is also available on WatchESPN. Both John (ugh) and I will be in Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill. It should be a fun one. While Diamond Ferri isn't showing up, it should be a good display for a very good finish in the ACC Atlantic Division. BC sucks and always will... and GO ORANGE!
Syracuse students agree: Another must win, but also no one wants to lose to BC.
Syracuse heads to Chestnut Hill to take on the Eagles of Boston College. Stop me if you heard this one before, but this is a must win game. Syracuse was able to win in the Dome over BC 81 to 63, in their best offensive performance of the year up to that point. Syracuse will need a similar effort tonight in BC, a place where Syracuse didn't play very well last year on New Year's Day. Literally, one of the worst games SU had last year. And while BC isn't Pittsburgh, they still aren't the best team in the league. And Syracuse being on the bubble need wins. The good news is that Jim Christian, by all accounts, isn't a very good coach, so unless Syracuse can't make anything and BC bombing 3s, Syracuse is in a good position to win the game. Syracuse again needs to stop Jerome Robinson, Ky Bowman, and Jordan Chatman. If Syracuse is able to stop them, they will win the game. Syracuse again shot very well against BC in the Dome, and in the two previous games before the Duke abomination on Saturday. And let's face it, BC isn't going to have as good of a defense as Duke. Tyus Battle and Frank Howard had good games against BC last time, and while I think Frank Howard will have a good game, I think BC will make more of an effort to key in on Battle, which will give more opportunity for Brissett (who was virtually non-existent against Duke), Dolezaj, and even Chukwu the ability to get points in this game. I think this will go exactly like it did in the Dome. A tight game in the first half, with Syracuse breaking the game open with about 12 minutes to go in the 2nd half. I think Brissett gets hot, and makes up for the defense keying in on Battle again. I'm taking the Orange by 17. This game is available regionally at 9:00pm. For those, who can't watch on TV, WatchESPN. I'll be in the Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill (not Boston), for what will probably be another usual dismal showing from the BC Students. John will be in the Home Office. GO ORANGE! For Boston, for Boston...
Labels: ACC, Basketball, BC Sucks, Preview
Syracuse students agree: BC sucks!
Syracuse takes on old foe in Boston College. The Orange are favored in this game. Weirdly, both these teams basically use their starting 5 and not much else. Syracuse will look to guard the two big shooters on BC, Nik Popovic and Steffon Mitchell. They'll guard them tight, hoping Boston College can't do much on the inside, a play they tried to employ against VTech and Pittsburgh, with Pittsburgh only succeeding last in the 2nd half. Either way, we know the story by now. This is the easiest year for previews in a while. Syracuse's defense will do it's job. If Syracuse can rebound the ball, they should win this one. I like SU to go off in the 2nd half and get on a few mini-scoring runs. They should be tight with BC until about midway through the 2nd. Then see the shooters for Syracuse get hot, BC in a little bit of foul trouble, and Syracuse should have a pretty good day in a must win for the Orange. I'm taking them by 10. This game is available nationally on The U at 7:00pm. Also available on WatchESPN. John is in the Dome. I'm at home. Let's Go Orange, and BC SUCKS AND ALWAYS WILL!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, BC Sucks, Preview
Did you know BC sucks and always will?
Another lost season is almost in the books. Syracuse can't possibly get a Bowl Game. So nothing left to play for but pride and the Seniors in their last game in the Carrier Dome. Can Syracuse play well enough to get one last win and beat rival Boston College yet again?
Syracuse is listing Eric Dungey as Out for this game. With Eric Dungey in, Syracuse has a real shot to tear up BC, as Eric and the receivers can put points on the board. But he is out, which leaves the options as a Backup QB or a 3rd String QB to get the job done. Boston College isn't a big explosive offensive team. But they do have an excellent freshman RB in AJ Dillon. The real problem with Mahoney or Culpepper is turnovers. Both had zero TDs and each had 2 INTs versus Louisville. Against Wake, Mahoney had 3 TDs but 2 INTs. Syracuse can't win if they turn the ball over. Especially when you are losing so much going from mobile Eric Dungey to anyone else. Syracuse just doesn't play well offensively if Eric Dungey isn't there. And next year it may be Dungey or DeVito that will lead Syracuse to an 8 win season. I don't know. But I do know, today, the likelihood of Syracuse beating Boston College without Eric Dungey at QB is very low. I've seen stranger things happen with a Syracuse-BC game (2004), but not many, and not for a long time. BC shouldn't blow up Syracuse like Louisville did, but they will win. Sadly BC over Syracuse 38 to 24.
This game is available regionally on the ACC Network at 12:30pm. Check your local listings here. If not on TV where you are, the game will be on ACC Network Extra (WatchESPN). Try to enjoy this with some holiday leftovers. John will be in the Dome. I'll be in the home office. So here's to the Outhouse on the Hill...
Syracuse students agree: No matter what, Syracuse can totally beat BC.
Syracuse heads into ACC play on the road in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts to take on Boston College. The Eagles head into this game at 7-6, only slightly worse than 8-5. But they are, in fact, a decent basketball team when given the right match up. Syracuse will need to make baskets, as chances are they won't get many second chance buckets against BC. They are tied in rebounding with Virginia atop the ACC standings. Syracuse will need to make buckets, but specifically the easy ones they should definitely hit. Otherwise, it will be a long day. Syracuse also must stop Jerome Robinson. He's one of the few BC players that averages double digits in scoring, and if allowed to, will light up Syracuse. SU will have to find him and cover him. If Syracuse is successful in limiting Robinson's points, and frankly, doesn't allow some rando to then become ACC player of the week, Syracuse should win. I like Syracuse to force a few steals here, but more importantly, continue their hot shooting from outside. Additionally, if it comes down to it, BC is somehow worse at free throws than Syracuse. And we know how much they matter. The gym will be quiet. Students are home on break, and not many go to games at BC in the first place. So I think there will be a decent crowd for Syracuse there and they should edge out BC for their first ACC win of the season. And they need to. I'll take the Orange by 8. This game is available nationally on ESPN U / Watch ESPN at 12:30. Both John and I will be on campus at BC so giddy up. Let's go Orange! FOR BOSTON, FOR BOSTON, THE OUTHOUSE ON THE HILL!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, BC Sucks, Preview
Sup losers.
Syracuse and Boston College. A rival we've seen before. But this year has a lot of interesting back stories going on. Steve Addazio is up against the wall. This is basically a must win game for him. For Syracuse to remain in Bowl contention, the Orange need this one too. So who can win this one?
A mere two weeks ago, I think a lot of the Orange faithful thought the year was dead. We packed it in, and we were waiting for basketball. Some really ridiculous fans had even written off Babers, despite the fact that Syracuse, like all programs, need time to adjust to a new HBC. But then things changed. Syracuse beat #17 Virginia Tech, and not in a way that would have you say Syracuse got lucky or VTech just didn't show up. It was a convincing win where Syracuse played above their pay grade in all 3 phases of the game. It was awesome. And then for some dumb reason, Vegas has SU a dog against BC today (BC lost to VTech 49-0, just saying). Odd. Either way, Boston College is struggling for wins in ACC play. Last year they had zero. Currently they have zero. But they do have 3 wins and a schedule with little margin for error, still having to face NC State, Louisville, and Florida State. But let's face it... I can't pick against Eric Dungey and company after last weeks win. I can't pick against Syracuse after that locker room speech for Babers. I can't pick against Syracuse because... they're playing Boston College. And, as you may already know, BC SUCKS AND ALWAYS WILL. So here's to the Outhouse on the hill. Orange over the Eagles 31 to 24.
This game is available regionally on the ACC Network at 12:30pm. Check your local listings here and the blackout map here to see if you can watch on WatchESPN if it isn't on TV. If not, today's game is available on the ACC Website here, and The ACC app on your phone. I'm out of the office, but John will be watching and Tweeting live. So enjoy that. If you're going to the game stay dry. I'll talk to you on the other side. GO ORANGE!
Syracuse students agree: Boston College still isn't in Boston.
Syracuse just played 4 games at home in the Dome. But now they are venturing back out on the road to take on the Eagles of Boston College. Syracuse topped BC in the Dome a month ago, winning 62 to 40, holding the Eagles to one of the lowest scores ever recorded by an opponent in the Dome. The Eagles are not a very good basketball team, but that night in particular, both teams didn't score very well. However, Syracuse's Zone confused and befuddled BC enough that they had no idea how to take the ball inside. BC settled for taking 26 three point attempts, making only 6. Syracuse struggled at scoring too however, which is why Syracuse didn't end up winning by like 30 or 40 points. Syracuse has played much better offense in the half court since they last faced BC. Not only has DeJuan Coleman stepped up his game considerably, but typically we haven't seen more than one player have an off night in the last few games. Come out and play good defense, and Syracuse shouldn't have any trouble in this one. Eli Carter, BC's best offensive threat, only managed to score 13 points against the Orange in the last game. No other BC player broke into double digits. While BC may make a few more 3s this time around, I'm pretty sure their young team, nor their coach have figured out how to really do much against this 2-3 Zone. You know, other than try and shoot over it. Luckily, Syracuse still has the best three point defenses in the ACC. That should come in handy tonight. And again lead to some easy buckets at the other end for SU's transition game. I'd look for Gbinije and Richardson to lead the way in scoring, and Roberson to be huge on the boards again. BC may start strong, but should easily fade in the 2nd half again. I like the Orange by 17. This game is available regionally on The ACC Network at 1:00pm. Check your local listings. For those not blacked out, which is the majority of you, you can catch it online at WatchESPN. BC sucks and always will. And Happy Valentine's Day to all of you out there.
Labels: ACC, Basketball, BC Sucks, Preview
Boston College - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR Goodbye Coach Shafer, and Thanks
0 Comments Published on 12.10.2015 by Brian Harrison
A nice end to the career of a great person.
The season mercifully concluded against Boston College after Thanksgiving. It was underwhelming to say the least. With a lame duck coach, Syracuse managed to beat Boston College as time expired. Sending Shafer into the sunset a winner one last time. BC lost to the Orange 20 to 17.
Offense
B-
Zach Mahoney (11/25, 86yds, 1 TD, 0 INT) did enough. SU did enough. However, they mostly got their yards on the ground. Syracuse did just enough, and the final drive for SU continued enough to get the Orange in field goal range. And really, a few of SU's best drives were helped by penalties.
Defense
C
Keeping BC's QB limited to 1 completion was excellent. However, allowing 230 yards on the ground was bad. Really, if BC's QB was any good in this game, SU probably would have lost. Not good.
Special Teams
B
Riley Dixon shanked one early, but made up for it later in the game. However, that might have hurt his Heisman chances. Either way, the hero was Cole Murphy who hit a 49 yarder, but also the game winner.
Coaching
A
Scott Shafer played the clock and play management perfectly on the final drive. No complaints.
GPA
B- (2.93)
A fitting end to Shafer's era. The team wasn't that impressive, but did enough to end up on top. And Shafer was carried off the field on the shoulder's of his players. Into the sunset.
We'll have more coverage of the new football coach and the state o the program, but really we're all focused on basketball. Plenty of that coming soon.
Rivalry Week!
Syracuse is playing for pride this week. After losing eight games in a row after winning their first three, Syracuse and BC are staying home this Bowl Season, so we're all just playing for pride in this one. Can Syracuse end the year with a win against a rival, or will Scott Shafer lose his last game in orange?
Boston College brings the best defense in the nation into the Dome. But they also bring one of the worst offenses in the country as well. Syracuse is in a fairly similar boat. Syracuse's offense is capable but not the best, while the defense typically bends a lot but doesn't break. SU's defense is far from the best though. The secondary is questionable at best. However, both teams will be starting true freshman QBs. BC's Jeff Smith is a QB that can really get things going on the ground, kind of like SU's QB. Whichever team can establish a solid running attack, as well as take care of the ball, should win the game. BC has the edge with defense, but Syracuse will have the edge at home, along with Shafer and the staff really having no tomorrow. That means some gutsy play calling and taking chances. I think this game will be close, but I'll give the edge to Shafer and the home field after Thanksgiving. I'll take the Orange over BC 24 to 21.
This game is available regionally at 12:30pm. Check your local listings here. As always, for those not blacked out, the game is available on WatchESPN. The Orange::44 staff will be in the Dome tomorrow. And after 60 minutes, no matter the results, we'll be giving Scott Shafer a standing ovation for what he has done and tried to do for the program. We wish Scott well. Mercifully this season comes to a close though. And as always, GO ORANGE! For Boston, for Boston...
Syracuse - Boston College Postgame Reactions OR Boston Beatdown
0 Comments Published on 2.13.2015 by Brian Harrison
The hero once again was Silent G.
Because sports media members love a good #Narrative, some people still thought Syracuse might attempt to phone it in for the rest of the season. Well, if anyone still was clinging to that narrative, it was promptly put to bed in Boston Wednesday night. Syracuse dropped the hammer on Boston College and swept the season 70 to 56.
- Michael Gbinije had a great night shooting 8-11, 2-3 for 21 points. He was also 3-4 on free throws and pulled down seven rebounds, had four assists and four steals. He also had a huge slam and was clearly the best player in the game.
- Kaleb Joseph had his best game of the season offensively, earning 14 points on 7-7 field goals. He also had four assists and one steal. He also had two excellent, big time dunks.
- Rakeem Christmas was doubled almost every time he touched the ball. He still managed seven points, ten rebounds, and three blocks.
- BJ Johnson, where have you been? Although he did take a crazy 12 three point attempts, four did go down. He finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Shooters gonna shoot.
- Syracuse finished with a 49.1% on field goals and 39.1% (9-23) on 3s. They were also 9-11 on free throws.
- BC only attempted a shocking 18 3s and made six. Not enough to come close to winning this game.
Labels: ACC, Basketball, BC Sucks
Syracuse students agree: SU won the first game. They can do it again.
To save some time, I think the same outcome that happened in the first game in the Dome will Happen again. Syracuse will earn a single digit lead win. And the game plan is simple too. Syracuse needs to limit Olivier Hanlan and GUARD THE THREE POINT LINE. BC couldn't make a bucket inside the arc for most of the game. They had no answer for the 2-3 Zone and looked lost even on set zone offense plays. Because of that, Boston College took 29 3s. And because they made 10, they were in the game. BC will have to make 13 or 14 it they want to beat Syracuse. Syracuse will make it interesting however. Either no one but Christmas will make buckets for long stretches, or some other ridiculous thing. Christmas was in a lot of foul trouble in the first matchup against BC. That shouldn't be the case tonight unless some crazy calls happen. Always possible. But really, Syracuse should handle BC just fine. The 3s will keep BC in the game, but Syracuse should maintain and keep the lead. Syracuse by 8. This game is available nationally on ESPN 2 / WatchESPN. John and I are at the home offices. Should be a fun one. For Boston...
Labels: ACC, Basketball, BC Sucks, Preview
Boston College - Syracuse Postgame Reactions or SOTU
0 Comments Published on 1.22.2015 by John Brennan
 |
| So here's to the outhouse on the hill... |
Tuesday night in Washington was dominated by President Obama's State of the Union speech -- SOTU. Tuesday night in Syracuse
- All five Syracuse starters were in double-digit scoring. That's awesome. The leading scorer? Not Rakeem Christmas (more on him in a minute). The star Tuesday night was Michael Gbinije. He had 17 points on 7-12 shooting, two threes, eight rebounds, four assists, and all 40 minutes on the floor. I think we can say he has really turned into the player we thought he could be (and knew he needed to be) entering the season.
- The other starters scored: Trevor Cooney (15pts, 4-11, 2-5 from three), Kaleb Joseph (13pts, 2-7 shooting, 9-11 from the line), Rakeem Christmas (12pts, 5-8 shooting, 2-2 at the line), and Tyler Robersobn (10pts, 3-8 shooting, 4-6 free throws).
- Kaleb played more aggressively, especially in the second half. But, as Boeheim noted in his presser, he'd make a great play, then an awful play, and back and forth. So, consistency is an issue. Something else I noticed about him running point -- I counted a few times when Boeheim called a play for Cooney to take a shot, and when Cooney would swing out from the paint to the wing and out into the backcourt (and be open), Kaleb often times would fail to get him the ball. Missed opportunities for Cooney to catch and shoot, in my opinion.
- Rak "only" had twelve points and seven rebounds in just 23 minutes of play. That was 17 minutes of foul trouble, the last 1:51 after his fifth. That allowed Chino Obokoh 16 minutes of game play (a career high) where he had four rebounds and a block. A nice effort for a big kid who doesn't get many minutes. BC's game plan wasn't to exactly attack the basket (just 12 points in the paint all game) so this game didn't give us a great look at Chino on defense. But the time will come, eventually.
- Maybe the biggest takeaway from this game was Syracuse's ability to succeed without Rakeem Christmas. The team has relied on him, sometimes exclusively, to be that go-to guy, that consistent scorer who will put up big numbers when the rest of the team struggles. So for Rak to go to the bench with Syracuse holding onto a lead, and for the players on the floor to increase that lead and hold it for virtually the rest of the game, was a big growing moment for the Orange.
- Syracuse had a much better shooting effort than that Clemson game last Saturday -- 22-50 for 44%, and 36.4% from three.
- Boston College entered this game the best free throw shooting team in ACC play. After only going 3-6 from the line in the first, they improved to 16-21 in the second, which almost put them back in this game. Then again, had Syracuse been better at the line in those final two minutes, this one would have been over much, much sooner.
Syracuse avenges last year's loss to BC on Jim Boeheim Court, so that's good. Syracuse also wore its traditional white jerseys & white shorts, instead of last year's "throwback" orange jerseys & blue shorts for the BC game. While there were some questionable calls from the officials, Syracuse didn't let it effect its game (well, maybe Rak did). At any rate, it's another win in the books before this team faces a tough Miami Hurricanes squad on Saturday afternoon.
Labels: Basketball, BC Sucks, Recap
Syracuse students agree: BC sucks and always will.
Syracuse laid a stinker at Clemson, while they were having a hell of a shooting day. It happens sometimes. Very rarely does a team lay two in a row. That's what I'm banking on tonight against Boston College. A not very good basketball team. Same as last year. Syracuse laid a stinker against BC last year, ending their win streak and their time at #1 (BC fans forget Syracuse won at BC earlier in the year). Not only does Syracuse have a burning desire to beat them as payback, but Syracuse is looking to come out on fire. And Boston College isn't very good. Winless in the ACC, they have losses to UMass, Pittsburgh, and USC. Syracuse is a better scoring team and a better rebounding team. Syracuse was murdered on the boards by Clemson. If Syracuse is finally able to box out against BC, it looks as though Syracuse can get a nice win at home. Rakeem Christmas has proven he will be reliable. If Cooney or Gbinije can score Syracuse will be in a good position to win. Points come at a premium for Syracuse, but at least at home they should find an easier time. Boston College got torched by Oliviar Hanlan last season in the Dome. If Syracuse can find #21 and get a hand in his face, Syracuse will go a long way to helping their cause. Orange::44 favorite Eddie Odio will be on the floor for BC (think Nate Lubick type statistics) and will surely do something hilariously awful during the game so that will be fun for everyone. I'll take the Orange by 13. This game will be available nationally on ESPN U / WatchESPN at 7:00pm. If it's Syracuse Basketball, it's on ESPN U. Never Graduate.
Labels: ACC, Basketball, BC Sucks, Preview
Why does BC hate tailgating?
Syracuse's season is done. And Syracuse can't even play spoiler this weekend. They have nothing to play for. So can Syracuse even show up in this one?
The Syracuse seniors, who have had moderate success and two bowl wins in their careers, are looking to finish on a high note. The one thing that can help them do that is having the entire starting offensive line healthy and in this game. AJ Long had moderate success against Pittsburgh in his first game back. If Syracuse is able to sustain drives and keep their defense off the field, Syracuse could avoid another 4th quarter defensive collapse. But really, the defense should hold solid and stop the good running of BC. If Syracuse can hold QB Tyler Murphy to the pocket, Syracuse should be able to compete in this game. I just don't think the Syracuse offense will show up on the road in the cold and not turn the ball over. Syracuse will put up a good effort in this rivalry game on the 10 year anniversary of the Diamond Ferri game. Unfortunately, I think they will come up short and end this dreadful year. BC over Syracuse 38 to 14.
This game will be available regionally at 12:30pm. Check your local listings here. If it is on TV in your area you can't watch on WatchESPN. Maybe no one can watch it on WatchESPN anyway, but if you aren't blacked out, allegedly you can. Both John and I will be in Chestnut Hill for the game. We'll see you on the other side.
Syracuse students agree: Basketball > Hockey.
The Orange of Syracuse have made the trip back to "Boston" to take on the Eagles in an ACC Conference game. This game, if you recall, was a conference game in the Big East way back when. I may still grimace if someone mentions Troy Bell. But this game has lost some meaning in the several years we didn't play BC in conference play, and for the most part BC/SU was more of a rivalry on the gridiron. However, in a new conference without much to grab on to in terms of rivalries for basketball other than the obvious, BC will definitely do for this blogger.
Syracuse enters this game atop the ACC standings and still has an unblemished record on the 2013-2014 campaign. Boston College... well they are not having a good go of it so far. They are 1-2 in the ACC and 5-11 overall, losing seven of the last ten. Not good for a team that only about ten years ago was in the top ten. But that was a conference and a head coach and a golden age ago. BC now looks like a bottom barrel program with an RPI (I know, stupid people math, but still...) in the high hundreds. Students and locals don't even come out to games, not even achieving 6k in an arena that only holds 8,606 for basketball. They are lucky if they fill half capacity for a basketball game in Chestnut Hill. But the place will be packed tonight with a fair amount of Syracuse fans. While not the biggest alumni area, the greater Boston area has a TON of Orange alums and fans. The place will be full of them, hoping to see the #2 Orange take BC to the woodshed. And they probably will. BC averages 70.8ppg, while allowing 75.2. Contrast that with Syracuse that only allows 58.4ppg and scoring 73ppg and you see why BC is not looking good on paper to win this game. About the only shots BC is likely to make from the floor are free throws. They are not a great three point threat, only scoring 32.7% from behind the arc, and they don't rebound the ball particularly well. They have lost to the likes of Harvard, Clemson, Providence, and Toledo. I'm not saying they won't hang around in the first half of this game, but the second half should be all Orange. With a pro-SU crowd, only a few students on hand, and a team that is begging for improvement on both offense and defense, this spells an Orange route by all accounts. Look for Orange::44 favorite Eddie Odio, the Nate Lubick of BC, to make some terrible choices when handling the ball. I once saw him get hit in the face and the foul was called on him. And it was a good call. That tells you the kind of talent that kid possesses. Either way, if Syracuse rebounds the ball and doesn't allow BC easy put back points, this game will be over quickly. If not, Syracuse will allow BC to hang around and the crowd might start to believe. But you have to think that Trevor Cooney will bounce back from his not so great game against UNC and hit a couple big shots to make up for his last game. I like Syracuse to roll in this one. I'll take the Orange by 22.
This game is available nation wide on ESPN U / Watch ESPN at 9:00pm. Even though I live close, I'll be in the home office watching this one, and John will be at his, so feel free to hit is up on the Twitter. And rest assured we'll be singing the BC "Fight Song" if/when they lose. For Boston...
Labels: ACC, Basketball, BC Sucks, Big East
Boston College - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR Two Minute Drill
0 Comments Published on 12.01.2013 by John Brennan
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| Because of this, the Orange live to play another game in 2013 |
At 5-6, Syracuse was in the proverbial "win-or-go-home" situation. Lose, and you finish at 5-7 and no bowl game. Win, and you're 6-6, bowl eligible, get some extra practices, and get a nice bowl trip out of it. Not to mention, the Scott Shafer Era and ACC Era would be judged on how they started, and a losing record wouldn't be acceptable. Syracuse rose to the occasion against Boston College on Saturday, leading for much of the game but giving up the lead in the third quarter and having to battle back. The drama, of course, came on a Syracuse drive starting at the its own 25 yard line with 2:08 left to go in the game, with the score BC 31, SU 27.Orange QB Terrel Hunt, cool and collected, and almost without any sense of urgency, marched his offense down the field and scored a touchdown on a beautifully executed pass to Josh Parris with six seconds left. That would prove to seal it for the Orange, who won 34-31.
Offense
A-
This may have been the best all-around offensive game for the Orange all season. 480 total yards - 270 through the air, 210 on the ground. Leading the charge was Hunt, who arguably played the best game of his young career: 29 completions on 43 attempts (67%) for 270 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 90 net yards rushing including a touchdown of his own. With so many key injuries, offensive coordinator George McDonald was forced to change up his game plan from last week, which resulted in a heavier reliance on the passing game and for Hunt himself to run the ball more. While some of those rushes were reads, it was clear a good number of them were designed rushes -- and they worked. Hunt was able to spread the ball around to ten different receivers -- but to be fair, one of them was himself, as he foolishly caught a tipped pass for a loss of 16 yards. He made up for it the next play on a long completion, though. One of my biggest complaints about the offense is its continued under-utilization of Ashton Broyld.
Defense
A-
The focus of the Boston College offense is RB Andre Williams, who came into this game a potential Heisman candidate. Though he was limited by injury for much of the game, the Syracuse defense mostly held him in check before he got hurt. Williams was stuffed in the backfield several times, and if it weren't for the long touchdown run he had, his stats would have been completely pathetic. So, major props to the Syracuse D for stepping up big against big competition. BC quarterback Chase Rettig did his best to slice up the Syracuse secondary, but in the end only passed for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Just another solid game for this defense, which is what we come to expect these days.
Special Teams
C
Conventional wisdom is to dog pile on Ryan Norton. On the plus side, he successfully hit all his point after attempts and two field goal attempts; on the minus side, he missed a field goal attempt early in the first, sent a kickoff out of bounds, and routinely purposely kicked the ball short. I didn't quite understand that logic, because it seems like it really gave up some good field position. Interesting stat: Syracuse only punted twice; Riley Dixon kicked for 97 yards, including a booming 52 yarder.
Coaching
A-
As I mentioned earlier, George McDonald called a much better game on the offensive side of the ball than he did last week. Except for the predictable run up the middle on first down, and the option making its way back onto the field a couple times, many of the play calls were spot on. With the confidence that this injury-plagued squad gained in this win, hopefully this gives the coaches the drive to really open up the playbook during these extra practices in preparation of a bowl game. I challenge them to use Ashton Broyld more -- he's a playmaker who can catch the ball, run with the ball -- and even throw the ball (remember, he was recruited as a QB!). We have the ability to see some stunning plays at the end of December if the coaches can make the best out of the personnel they have.
GPA
3.28 (B+)
Syracuse played a good game. BC did not, for much of the game. Syracuse did its best to capitalize on BC's ineptness, but some early miscues kept this game a lot closer than it should have been; Syracuse had the opportunity to score at least 10 points, yet failed to hit the field goal and score a touchdown. But the Orange led for a great portion of the game, and when it mattered during the two-minute drill, Syracuse was able to make things happen and pull ahead for the win.
What a great way to win for the seniors on Senior Day. While the Eagles aren't cream of the crop ACC, they were an already bowl eligible team at 7-4 heading into this game, and was favored to win. Give credit to the Syracuse fans who showed up for this game, kept energy high and allowed the team to feed off that enthusiasm. While a good number of those in attendance participated in the wave DURING THE GAME WHILE SYRACUSE HAD THE BALL, Syracuse was forced to punt and shortly thereafter gave up the lead. Many of those wave-promoting fans left the game early, so karma didn't allow them to see the awesome end to the game.
Syracuse now waits around until the bowl matchups are announced next week, likely on Sunday, December 8. The Orange became the 11th bowl eligible team from the ACC, so they might not even end up in an ACC bowl, so stay tuned on what craziness might happen with bowl selections.
Labels: ACC, BC Sucks, Football, Report Card