|
|
-
 Wow. What happened to Boston College?
One week, the program is prepping for another Bowl game. The next, it’s prepping for a coaching search.
It’s a saga. It’s a soap opera. It’s a case of he-said-he-said. Call it whatever you want; almost all the analogies apply.
The New York Jets show interest in head coach Jeff Jagodzinski; Jags shows interest in the Jets, intending to interview for their vacant head coaching position.
BC Athletic Director Gene DeFelippo practically calls the bluff of his second year head coach, and has reportedly threatened to fire him if he meets with the Jets.
Or will Jags call Gene’s bluff, and go through with the interview?
It’s like a high school love triangle. Only with millions on the line, recruits hanging in the balance, and reputations at stake.
As with any good story (or love triangle) there are two sides to this one.
The Coach’s Case
Strictly from a business stand point, Jeff Jagodzinski is entitled to hear what the Jets have to say, unless his contract includes a clause that states otherwise. There are conflicting reports about an existing clause that prohibits such contact until after his third season as Eagles head coach, as detailed by The Boston Herald’s excellent college football writer Steve Conroy here.
In any case, the coach has one eye on a new job. That could be next year in the NFL, with the Jets. It could come down the road, after his five year deal with Boston College expires. But clearly, by flirting with the Jets, Jags sends the message that he’s not settling into Chestnut Hill for the long haul.
Okay, so Joe Paterno he’s not.
That doesn’t mean it’s a crime to listen when someone calls your number (unless your contract says it is). Look, you’re phone is going to ring when you win 20 games in two years at Boston College while maximizing – and arguably grooming – the talent of eventual NFL Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan.
Such is the business of coaching.
Jagodzinski’s interest in the Jets, and his willingness to put his career on the line to explore it, probably speaks to some level of issues between coach and college. His critics simply think it doesn’t speak well of Coach Jags, period.
Be True To Your…What?
Commitment. Sixty minutes. They are buzzwords of coachspeak. And they are being thrown back in Jeff Jagodzinski’s face.
Obviously, AD Gene DeFelippo feels slighted. What about his program, which was looking so good two years into Jagodzinski’s contract? What about that promise to see the Eagles through to a BCS Bowl?
Twice, in the ACC Championship game, they fell short of that mark. Maybe Jags felt it was close enough.
Understandably, DeFelippo feels it’s not enough. And it’s easy to see his argument, too.
Losing his head coach after just two seasons means potentially losing out on key recruits, and at the very least leaving them in the lurch.
Would they hesitate to commit to a football program that no longer employs the head coach who recruited them?
Promoting a current assistant, like Steve Logan or Jack Bicknell, Jr. might prevent that.
Might.
The Bottom Line
Underneath all the rah-rah speeches and fight songs and Flutie statues, big time college football is nothing more than big business.
For so long, Boston College was the little football program that could. It was Doug Flutie, flinging a prayer against mean ole’ Miami. It was the other Catholic school with a successful Division I program. It was Notre Dame’s kid brother.
Under Jagodzinski’s guidance, the Eagles had become more. They not only embarrassed the Irish on the field, they had arguably passed them by in the game’s big picture.
Granted, he won 20 games in two seasons with Tom O’Brien’s recruits. Forecasting the direction of the program right now is difficult.
Figuring out what it might be like without Jeff Jagodzinski might be even trickier.
But soon Boston College might not have another move -- other than to reach for a mop. With or without Coach Jags this is a mess that will require quite a clean-up.
|
-
C’mon, admit it. You heard Boston College was 12-2 and thought, no way.
Not possible. Not even if Jared Dudley still had eligibility.
The Eagles entered this season with a so-so forecast, tabbed to finish 11th in this year’s loaded ACC.
Their roster features senior Tyrese Rice and enough underclassmen to fill a core curriculum course. Might as well just call it Intro to Division I Basketball (10 freshmen and sophomores) with professor Al Skinner and give everybody credit.
But as BC opens up the ACC schedule, they deserve credit for opening a season with such low expectations on a tear. At 12-2, the Eagles have won nine straight* games.
*Disclaimer: Wins over San Francisco, Maine, and Bryant do actually count. Score one for the BC athletic department’s scheduling committee.
Look, for the purposes of this story we’re going to ignore the fact that Bryant hasn’t won a game, going on two months now. We’re willing to let that harder-than-it-shoulda-been win over Sacred Heart slide, for now.
Why? Well, if all that stood between you and a showdown with #1 North Carolina were games against Maine, San Francisco, and Sacred Heart then you’d probably be looking ahead on the schedule, too, right?
At a recent practice over in the Heights, I asked players if they had to guard against sneaking a peek on the calendar at this Sunday’s date with top-ranked North Carolina (5:30 PM on NESN). I completely expected to hear the old reliable of answers: No, we can only take it one game at a time. Instead, player after player caught me off guard with the truth. Bring on the Heels.
Understand, this is not to say Eagles players just sloughed off lesser opponents because they now think they’re good enough.
No, this is more a case of Boston College almost looking forward to this ACC test. There was eagerness in their tone. Almost as if to say, Go ahead and bring it, Tyler Hansbrough.
Almost.
Let’s be real here. Boston College isn’t going to win this game. Not on Tobacco Road. Not against these Tar Heels.
But here’s betting the Eagles will make it interesting.
The Eagles are finding an identity beyond Rice, their leading scorer. Sophomore transfer Joe Trapani (14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds) is second on the team in scoring while bringing some much-needed grit. And before struggling against Sacred Heart, Corey Raji had reeled off six straight games scoring in double figures – including a pair of double-doubles.
In other words, it’s not all up to Tyrese Rice, who’s averaging 6.4 assists per game and willingly finding ways to get his teammates good looks.
That said, Rice gets up for the North Carolinas of the world.
Earlier in the season, he told me that he sometimes prefers road games against big schools. He gets off on being the underdog, the enemy suiting up in a hostile environment. And he got off for 46 points the last time he saw UNC on the court. Granted, that game was a loss.
And Sunday’s is almost expected to be, given that the Heels are loaded with talent. Everybody’s a McDonald’s All American, as Trapani put it.
The Eagles will see how close their 12-2 record is to the top of the conference – or all of college basketball, for that matter. And they’re looking forward to it.
|
-
 NESN received a copy of this e-mail, sent to the Patriots following the conclusion of their regular season on Sunday night.
To: New England Patriots
From: NFL
Subject: Apologies
Dear Patriots:
We’d like to congratulate you on finishing the 2008 NFL season with an 11-5 record. However, we regret to inform you that your 11-win season is not good enough to qualify you as one of the AFC’s six playoff teams.
Yes, we understand this implies that San Diego’s 8-win season was good enough for postseason qualification. Unfortunately mistakes happen. Truthfully, we forgot the AFC West was still playing meaningful games until late last week.
Please know that your omission from the playoffs does not negate the Patriots’ accomplishments during the regular season, including:
- Winning 11 games with a quarterback who hadn’t started a meaningful football game since high school.
- Winning 11 games with Deltha O’Neal at cornerback.
- Tying the fifth-highest regular season win total in franchise history.
- Surviving, even flourishing, with 14 players on injured reserve.
- Rushing for the most yards as a team since 1985 without a single running back topping 800 yards.
- Rushing for 21 touchdowns, most in a season since 1981.
- Drafting and starting rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo, who led the team in tackles (128) and finished second in tackles for a loss (5).
- Setting an NFL record for fewest penalties in a season (57 accepted penalties).
- Kicker Stephen Gostkowski tallied 144 points, most in franchise history since the 1970 merger.
All of this is good. Even really good. It is just not good enough.
At this time, teams that do not make the playoffs typically start thinking about the NFL Draft. We understand that you’re not used to getting such a head start by missing out on the playoffs, so to help aid you in this process we would like to inform you that the Patriots will be slotted for the 24th overall pick this coming April. Granted, such a low pick is almost always reserved for a playoff caliber team, but… well, you did win 11 games this year.
Regardless, we are quite confident that you will still draft a better player than the Detroit Lions.
And the Cleveland Browns.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the extended offseason. And please remember that the unfortunate circumstances that led to your exclusion are not the fault of the NFL.
You are, though, entitled to blame Brett Favre.
Sincerely,
The NFL
|
-
Oh, the weather outside is frightful…if, say, you’re a football team that happens to make its home in sunny Phoenix, Arizona.
The idea of the Patriots and their occasionally porous pass defense (currently ranked 5th in NFL, giving up 7.6 yards per pass) facing the air show that is the Cardinals offense in a must-win situation was cause for more than a little trepidation about Sunday’s game.
But, like an extra defender, a Nor’easter is expected to dump a sloppy mix of snow and sleet on Foxboro Sunday afternoon. Good luck throwing on Deltha O’Neal in these conditions, Kurt Warner.
Just call Mother Nature the 12th man. Or woman.
That said, Warner wears gloves better than any quarterback since Dan Marino and his Isotoners. He can and will throw in bad weather. He also has the top tandem of receivers in the NFL, in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.
The Patriots need this win. The Cardinals need to rest up, after clinching their first division title since the Carter Administration. Ideally, Arizona decides to play it safe and call of the dogs. Or, even better, they play Matt Leinart.
But that’s not likely. And a spot in the playoffs isn’t likely for the Pats, either, if they lose.
Now, to be accurate, a loss would not eliminate New England from the AFC East picture. They could still win if the Jets and Dolphins both lose this week, and then tie in their final game. With the division title at stake in that final week, do you really see those two playing to a tie? That would only happen on Donavan McNabb’s watch.
Here’s how the Patriots make the playoffs:
AFC East: The Pats need to win these final two games, while the Jets and Dolphins each finish 1-1.
Wild Card: With the Colts wrapping up one spot, the Patriots would need to win out and hope the Ravens lose at least one of their final two games. If New England were to finish 1-1, they’d need Baltimore and Miami or New York to finish 0-2 to sneak in.
The Picks
Cardinals (8-6) at Patriots (9-5), 1:00 PM
A must-win, in snowy Foxboro must go to Bill Belichick’s Patriots. Good to have Lamont Jordan healthy (see: 97 rushing yards vs. Oakland) for this one.
Pick: Patriots
Bengals (2-11-1) at Browns (4-10), 1:00 PM
A battle the state of Ohio would rather not fight.
Pick: Bengals
Saints (7-7) at Lions (0-14), 1:00 PM
Detroit deserves credit for not giving up on the season. What I’m about to say may come as a shock: the winless Lions are not the worst team in the NFL this year.
Pick: Saints
Steelers (11-3) at Titans (12-2), 1:00 PM
These are two of the best defenses in the NFL this year, and one could carry a team into the Super Bowl. My money’s on the Steelers.
Pick: Steelers
Dolphins (9-5) at Chiefs (2-12), 1:00 PM
The Chiefs sure could help the Patriots by pulling off the upset here. Unfortunately, when I wrote that the Lions weren’t the worst team in the NFL this year, it was with Kansas City in mind.
Pick: Dolphins
49’ers (5-9) at Rams (2-12), 1:00 PM
I also had St. Louis in mind, with regards to the Lions.
Pick: 49’ers
Chargers (6-8) at Buccaneers (9-5), 1:00 PM
San Diego’s ridiculous rally in the final 1:30 of last week’s game was impressive. Too bad it was AGAINST THE CHIEFS and, therefore, not nearly as impressive.
Pick: Bucs
Jets (9-5) at Seahawks (3-11), 4:05 PM
Call me crazy, but….
Pick: Seahawks
Texans (7-7) at Raiders (3-11), 4:05 PM
Let me just say that if I were Randy Moss, I wouldn’t have exactly been motivated playing for the Raiders, either. That organization is a disgrace. By the way, I find it absurd that in Oakland, they still find fault with Moss. Maybe Al Davis would be a better place to start, no?
Pick: Texans
Bills (6-8) at Broncos (8-6), 4:05 PM
Oh, the Broncos are in the playoffs. Really? That’s what I get for not paying attention to the AFC West.
Pick: Broncos
Eagles (8-5-1) at Redskins (7-7), 4:15 PM
Excuse me, around the Beltway those would be the “Dead-Skins.”
Pick: Eagles
Falcons (9-5) at Vikings (9-5), 4:15 PM
Two of the top running backs in the league meet in the Falcons Michael Turner and the Vikings Adrian Peterson. Should be a good show. On a side note, it looks like Minny’s future rests on Tavaris Jackson’s arm. Oh boy.
Pick: Falcons
Panthers (11-3) at Giants (11-3), 8:15 PM
We’ll see who the best team in the NFC is after the dust settles in this one. And let me just say, it ain’t the Giants.
Pick: Panthers
Packers (5-9) at Bears (8-6), 8:30 PM
Honestly, why do the Bears continue to subject us to their interpretation of adequate quarterback play? I’ll take Kyle Orton and Chicago, I guess.
Pick: Bears
Scoreboard
Last Week: 11-5
Season: 143-73
|
-
Matt Cassel returned to Los Angeles this week to be with his family after his father, Greg, was found dead on Monday. The quarterback’s availability for the Patriots game in Oakland on Sunday remains in doubt.
First, what an awful situation for Cassel and his family, who lose their father at age 57 – far too young.
Second, Bill Belichick deserves credit for the way he’s handling such unfortunate circumstances. The head coach is giving Cassel time, saying that this about more than a football game. Agreed. Remember, during the 2005 season it was Belichick who had to put football on hold to deal with the loss of his own father.
Of course, this does potentially make for an interesting situation against the Raiders. If Cassel were unavailable, then rookie Kevin O’Connell would get the start. While the Pats 3rd round draft pick showed plenty of promise in training camp, this is not an ideal situation for the kid to be pressed into duty, with the Patriots in must-win mode for the final three weeks of the season.
It is a tough spot to be in, but given the circumstances, the Pats are dealing with it as best they can.
Playoff Picture
Even if the Patriots were to win their final three games, it may not matter after the dust of this postseason dogfight in the AFC settles. Right now, the Jets, Dolphins, Colts, Ravens, and Steelers all control their own destiny. The Patriots do not.
A quick check (okay, more like a good hour’s worth of thumbing through the NESN newsroom archives) of history confirms that New England could be the first team since the NFL adopted the current six-team playoff format in 1990 to finish 11-5 and miss the playoffs.
Here are the best-case scenarios for the Pats to earn a playoff berth:
AFC East:
• The Jets and Dolphins each have to lose two of their final three games (they meet in the final game, so one will have to win that…right, Donovan McNabb?).
• The Patriots would then need to win their final three to ensure there is no first place tie, because they lose tiebreakers to both New York and Miami.
Wild Card:
• The Patriots must win their final three games.
• The Jets or Dolphins would win the AFC East by at least tying the Patriots (see previous note on tiebreakers), so one of these two has to lose at least twice in the final three weeks.
• The Ravens (assuming they don’t catch the Steelers in the AFC North) or the Colts would need to lose two of their final three games; both hold the tiebreakers over the Patriots.
Now, there is still a way for the Pats to reach the playoffs if they lose one game. But it involves prayer, potential soul sacrifice, and a whole lot of losing in the AFC.
The Picks
Patriots (8-5) at Raiders (3-10), 4:05 p.m.
Matt Cassel’s potential absence means a start for rookie Kevin O’Connell (3rd round draft pick and heir apparent to Tom Brady…what, did I take that too far? Maybe just a little). Good thing they’re playing the Raiders.
Pick: Patriots
Saints (7-6) at Bears (7-6), 8:15 p.m., Thursday
Love the way Drew Brees has played this year. But a cold, soggy Chicago night wins out.
Pick: Bears
Buccaneers (9-4) at Falcons (8-5), 1 p.m.
Matt Ryan and his Falcons are 5-1 at home this year. Or maybe that’s Michael Turner and the Falcons. Think “The Burner” (14 touchdowns, 1269 yards rushing) was paying attention when the Panthers carved up the Bucs defense on MNF? Yeah, I think so.
Pick: Falcons
Redskins (7-6) at Bengals (1-11-1), 1 p.m.
Not looking good for the ‘Skins. Except this Sunday.
Pick: Redskins
Seahawks (2-11) at Rams (2-11), 1 p.m.
You know those t-shirts that say, “I’d rather be doing…?” They should pass those out to the first 30,000 in attendance at this game. That’s if 30,000 people have nothing better to do in St. Louis.
Pick: Do I have to? Uh…(flips coin)…Seahawks
49’ers (5-8) at Dolphins (8-5), 1 p.m.
It would be ideal for the Pats playoff hopes if Miami were to find a way to blow this game. Something tells me they won’t.
Pick: Dolphins
Bills (6-7) at Jets (8-5), 1 p.m.
But the Jets will.
Pick: Bills
Lions (0-12) at Colts (9-4), 1 p.m.
Just for fun, Indy should start Jim Sorgi. At running back.
Pick: Colts
Chargers (5-8) at Chiefs (2-11), 1 p.m.
As bad as the Chiefs are, I’m tempted to go with them when I see that San Diego is 1-5 on the road this year. That’s gotta be wrong, right?
Pick: Chargers
Packers (5-8) at Jaguars (4-9), 1 p.m.
Not sure Brett Favre would’ve made a difference this year.
Pick: Packers
Titans (12-1) at Texans (6-7), 1 p.m.
The Titans clinched last week and I smell Tennessee’s 2nd loss of the season. Barely.
Pick: Texans
Vikings (8-5) at Cardinals (8-5), 4:05 p.m.
Is it a stretch to put Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald in the company of Rice and Taylor? Even Clayton and Duper? They may be on their way, but easy on the superlatives, please.
Pick: Cardinals
Broncos (8-5) at Panthers (10-3), 4:05 p.m.
Looking forward to that Giants-Panthers NFC Championship matchup.
Pick: Panthers
Steelers (10-3) at Ravens (9-4), 4:05 p.m.
A good grudge match of two old AFC Central rivals (Baltimore moved from Cleveland, remember) with the division title at stake. This, friends, is why we watch.
Pick: Steelers
Giants (11-2) at Cowboys (8-5), 4:15 p.m.
Please, somebody put Tony Romo out of his misery. He is an over-hyped creation of the media. Sure he has talent – three quarters worth of it.
Pick: Giants
Browns (4-9) at Eagles (7-5-1), 8:30 p.m., Monday
Before you decide to order Dumb and Dumber On Demand instead of watching this game, remember that the Browns have actually played well on Monday night this year (wins vs. Giants and Bills). Really. They do. Then again, they’re down to Ken Dorsey at quarterback. Nice guy, that Ken Dorsey. Really nice guy.
Pick: Eagles
Scoreboard
Last Week: 13-2
Season: 132-68
|
-
The New York Yankees' new $161 million dollar man is CC Sabathia. His momma named him Carsten Charles, but in this case, CC might as well be short for “Cha-Ching.”
The deal, agreed upon by both sides on Wednesday, is worth $161 million over seven years -- a record deal for a pitcher. What happened to all that lip service about wanting to go West and pitch closer to home?
Money talks, friends.
And perhaps Sabathia deserves credit for upping the ante on the Yankees. C’mon, that whole business about bumping into a Dodgers exec and telling him he wanted to pitch at Chavez Ravine? Just good negotiating, if you think about it.
It can be argued that Sabathia smelled the Yankees' desperation and preyed on it. After missing the playoffs for the first time since 1993 and watching the Red Sox assume their status as AL East power, the Yankees couldn’t simply stand pat with all the talent available this offseason.
It’s no secret that the Steinbrenners are in full-on panic mode over in the Bronx; they’re an aging, wrinkling has-been with deep pockets, willing to pay big bucks for that facelift. Whatever it takes to reach back for the glory years, right?
In this case, it took the largest contract for a pitcher in history (insert Sabathia weight joke here).
Now, it is completely fair to label Sabathia as greedy. He waited for the highest bidder, and then cashed in.
For all those millions, he’ll be expected to be nothing short of the greatest lefty, ever. He’ll be lionized if he brings the Bombers back to the World Series. And if he falls short? Big boy better be prepared to be peppered with question after question about his hefty frame.
In Cleveland, Sabathia often grew frustrated when reporters quizzed him about dropping a few pounds. It usually happened when he was struggling on the mound, or out with a nagging injury. Once, during a pregame chat, he asked this intrepid inquisitor why it was such a big deal to people. I said it couldn’t be easy to carry all that weight through a 162-game season.
“I’m just a big guy,” he reasoned, shrugging those hulking shoulders and smiling. I got the feeling he wasn’t going to change.
Actually, leading up to his 2007 Cy Young season with the Indians, it wasn’t a change in his workout routine that helped Sabathia. It was an adjustment in his approach to pitching.
Still in his mid-20s, CC would get easily frustrated when things didn’t go as planned on the mound. He’d give up a home run, and then try to bore a hole through his catch with the next pitch. The guy was blessed with a brilliant fastball, but even Nolan Ryan had to learn how to work the plate.
Of all people, it was actually Curt Schilling who pulled the Indians' ace-in-the-making aside back in 2005 to offer advice (much like Roger Clemens had done for a young Schill more than a decade earlier). Sabathia learned to mix his pitches, work the count, and finally understood that good big league hitters can adjust to any speed if they know it’s headed for the meat of the plate.
At 28, Sabathia should just be hitting his prime. Last season, his second-half stats with the Milwaukee Brewers were downright gross. The guy lowered his ERA by more than two runs after jumping to the National League. He carried the Brewers into the playoffs. But like the year before against the Red Sox in the ALCS, he ran out of gas. Sabathia puts an awful lot of strain on his $161 million left arm. And he throws a ton of pitches.
Which brings me back to the inevitable question that will face the hefty lefty when he arrives -- and, potentially, when he struggles -- in the Bronx: Would it hurt to drop a few pounds?
The Yankees better hope they’re not asking that same question three years into such a hefty commitment.
|
-
The kid was nervous. Hands shaking, eyes wide nervous.
Chris Crane was done for the season. And Boston College’s ACC title game hopes would be done, too, if he didn’t settle himself.
So, after half a game of miscues, Eagles redshirt freshman Dominique Davis took a deep breath, told himself he could do this, and marched his team 70 yards for the winning score at Wake Forest.
He repeated the feat in his first start against Maryland last Saturday. The Eagles had to win to get into the ACC championship game. And they did.
Davis gained confidence with his first win. He gained coach Jeff Jagodzinski’s respect, too. Coach Jags said this week that he felt Davis’ preparation for the Wake Forest game was not good. Somewhat understandable for a young kid who didn’t think he was going to play. But as every backup quarterback knows, you’re only one play away.
Davis redeemed himself in the coach’s eyes. And he has handled himself with a fair amount of poise all week, preparing for his second career start, which just happens to be for the ACC championship against Virginia Tech.
No pressure, kid.
“I’ve thought about that,” said Davis before practice this week. “Your second start and it’s for a championship.”
He speaks in short, clipped sentences. He falls back on the old reliable clichés that most young college athletes lean on. But with a big game looming, he is as careful with his words as he will be with his passes (though he did acknowledge that he felt BC’s defense is better than Virginia Tech’s. No great bombshell there.)
No mistakes from the redshirt freshman. Otherwise, there will be no ACC championship for Boston College.
The picks
No. 18 Boston College (9-3) vs. No. 25 Virginia Tech (8-4), 1 p.m. ET
The ACC championship will be decided by defense. Advantage, Eagles, who have scored a non-offensive touchdown in seven straight games (two pick-sixes from ACC Defensive POY Mark Herzlech). Who would've thought BC would go to the Orange Bowl the year after Matt Ryan graduated?
Pick: Boston College
No. 23 Pittsburgh (8-3) at Connecticut (7-4), noon
Two of the nation’s most exciting runners are in this matchup: Pitt’s LeSean McCoy and UConn’s Donald Brown. The Huskies are 2-4 in their last six games, a disappointing stumble to the finish after starting out 5-0. This may be the last home game for UConn coach Randy Edsall, given all those Syracuse rumors.
Pick: Pitt
No. 1 Alabama (12-0) at No. 4 Florida (11-1), 4 p.m.
Forget the SEC championship. The winner gets a spot in the BCS title game (unless, of course, the BCS system finds a way to screw that up). Something about those Gators.
Pick: Florida
No. 20 Missouri (9-3) at No. 2 Oklahoma (11-1), 8 p.m.
So, let me get this straight: The Sooners are No. 2 in the BCS rankings, ahead of Texas (also 11-1), even though they lost to the Horns earlier this season. That makes about as much sense as a Jessica Simpson English essay.
Pick: Oklahoma
New Hampshire (10-2) at Northern Iowa (11-2), 7 p.m.
A great playoff matchup between two of the highest-scoring teams in FCS (811 points scored between both of them). I’ll take the ‘Cats on the road.
Pick: UNH
|
-
Back in the summer, when talk of bringing back Junior Seau was a hot rumor, you just figured it would happen. He wants one more shot at a ring. The Patriots had the best shot at winning it. Of course, Tom Brady tore up knee ligaments/Super Bowl hope in Week 1. That kind of put a damper on things.
And the rapid development of rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo made Bill Belichick hold off on making that phone call to San Diego to coax Seau off his surfboard and out of retirement.
But with Adalius Thomas done for the season, and the defense in need of a little extra muscle, Belichick made that call. The 39-year-old Seau has rejoined the Patriots and will suit up Sunday in Seattle.
"He went from the surfboard back to the football field," Belichick said Friday. "He can probably makes that transition better than any player that's ever played."
He did it before, coming out of retirement in 2006 to join the Patriots for two seasons.
He returns to a team, however, that is far from a sure shot to return to the Super Bowl.
At 7-5, the Patriots find themselves one game behind the Jets for first place in the AFC East, and the Ravens and Colts for the two wild-card spots. With four games to play, the simple equation is “win and you’re in.” Ah, but if only it were that simple. Winning out won’t guarantee the Patriots a playoff spot, unless the Jets, Colts or Ravens slip. Looking at the schedules, my bet is on Baltimore.
Remaining schedules
Patriots (7-5)
12/7: at Seattle (2-10)
12/14: at Oakland (3-10)
12/21: vs. Arizona (7-5)
12/28: at Buffalo (6-6)
Jets (8-4)
12/7: at San Francisco (4-8)
12/14: Buffalo (6-6)
12/21: at Seattle (2-10)
12/28: Miami (7-5)
Colts (8-4)
12/7: Cincinnati (1-10-1)
12/14: Detroit (0-12)
12/21: at Jacksonville (4-8)
12/28: Tennessee (11-1)
Ravens (8-4)
12/7: Washington (7-5)
12/14: Pittsburgh (9-3)
12/21: at Dallas (8-4)
12/28: Jacksonville (4-8)
Analysis: First blush, I’ll say the Ravens finishes 2-2 despite one nasty defense. Maybe they can swing the Steelers at home, but I doubt it. The Colts, Jets and Pats all look like 3-1 teams, at least, thanks to their favorable schedules. And that’s not even considering the Dolphins, who are tied with New England.
The Patriots really need to win out, since picking up just a game to tie the Ravens won’t help (Baltimore wins the divisional record tiebreaker). Same goes for the Colts (Indy takes the tiebreaker, courtesy of that 18-15 win over the Pats). My guess is that the Jets win the East while the Colts and Patriots sneak into the wild-card spots while Baltimore stumbles.
Week 14 picks
Patriots (7-5) at Seahawks (2-10), 4:05 p.m.
After that disaster against Pittsburgh, this is a nice get-back-on-track game, kind of like a pitcher throwing a get-me-over strike just to find the zone.
Pick: Patriots
Jaguars (4-8) at Bears (6-6), 1 p.m.
Matt Forte will pick up his fourth 100-yard game of the season against a Jags defense that’s giving up 115 per game on the ground.
Pick: Bears
Vikings (7-5) at Lions (0-12), 1 p.m.
New rule: Picking against the Lions should no longer count.
Pick: Vikings
Texans (5-7) at Packers (5-7), 1 p.m.
Hey, remember when we all laughed at the Texans for drafting Mario Williams ahead of Reggie Bush and Vince Young? Yeah, well, the joke’s on us.
Pick: Texans
Browns (4-8) at Titans (11-1), 1 p.m.
Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel says Brady Quinn will be the starting quarterback next season. But nobody’s saying Crennel is going to be the coach. Uh oh, dead man walking.
Pick: Titans
Bengals (1-10-1) at Colts (8-4) 1 p.m.
Please.
Pick: Colts
Falcons (8-4) at Saints (6-6), 1 p.m.
I love Matt Ryan, but I’ll take New Orleans at home, where they’ve only lost once.
Pick: Saints
Eagles (6-5-1) at Giants (11-1), 1 p.m.
Is it possible that the Giants are better without Plaxico Burress?
Pick: Giants
Chiefs (2-10) at Broncos (7-5), 4:05 p.m.
What, just because they have one more win than the Bengals means we can let Kansas City off the hook? This is the worst team in football. Aside from the Lions.
Pick: Broncos
Dolphins (7-5) at Bills (6-6), 4:05 p.m.
Not sure what’s more sickening to the fine folks of Buffalo: this game being played in Toronto or the Bills' free fall from first?
Pick: Dolphins
Jets (8-4) at 49ers (4-8), 4:05 p.m.
Am I crazy if I think that San Francisco with a good quarterback (say, oh I don’t know ... Matt Cassel?) would be a good team?
Pick: Jets
Rams (2-10) at Cardinals (7-5), 4:05 p.m.
Is this not a dog of a week for NFL games? Nine of the matchups feature a betting line of a touchdown or more. Including this one, for those of you a little slow on the uptake.
Pick: Cardinals.
Cowboys (8-4) at Steelers (9-3), 4:15 p.m.
Old school. Like the Steelers' defense.
Pick: Steelers
Redskins (7-5) at Ravens (8-4), 8:15 p.m.
Skins may need this one more, but I’ll take B’more.
Pick: Ravens
Buccaneers (9-3) at Panthers (9-3), 8:30 p.m.
Finally, a good Monday night game that doesn’t involve the Browns (they’ve won two … who knew?). Carolina hasn’t lost at home this year. While that usually means they’re due, I’ll pass this time around.
Pick: Panthers.
Scoreboard
Last Week: 8-5
Season: 119-66
|
-
You really have to feel for Boston College quarterback Chris Crane. The Eagles senior finally gets his chance to start this year, finally starts to play some consistent football, and – bam – a fractured collarbone ends his season.
Oh, by the way, the Eagles are one win away from punching a return ticket to the ACC Championship game.
Man, what did Crane do to anger the football gods? All the kid did was bust his tail, step up as a leader in the huddle, and take talk of replacing Matt Ryan in stride. He’s a good kid. Didn’t deserve this.
Redshirt freshman Dominique Davis makes his first start in Boston College’s biggest game of the season this Saturday against Maryland. Expect a steady dose of the Eagles running game to ease the burden on Davis, who will surely make his mistakes.
But it’s not all bad for BC. Their defense just may be the toughest in college football, after holding Wake Forest to 191 total yards in last week’s win. Linebacker Mark Herzlich has picked up for Brian Toal (lost to injury earlier in the season) with a pair of interceptions against the Demon Deacons, adding to BC’s nation-leading 23 picks.
The Picks
Maryland (7-4) at No. 21 Boston College (8-3), 3:30 PM
Maryland is 4-0 against Top 25 teams. But if you think Boston College’s offense will sputter with Davis at QB, you haven’t seen the Terps try to move the ball. They’ve been held under 20 points in six games this year, and QB Chris Turner hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in his last two games. The Eagles' D has to be licking it’s chops.
Pick: Boston College
New Hampshire (9-2) at Southern Illinois (9-2), 2:00 PM
This will be a good test for UNH and it’s high octane offense. I think they’ll pass it.
Pick: UNH
Maine (8-4) at Northern Iowa (10-2), 5:05 PM
Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears had the makings of a strong season, after six straight midseason wins, but finishing up against UNH and Northern Iowa is a tough draw.
Pick: Northern Iowa
No. 1 Alabama (11-0) at Auburn (5-6), 3:30 PM
Not even a rivalry game will stop Nick Saban’s Tide from rolling into the BCS Title Game as the top ranked team.
Pick: Alabama
No. 3 Oklahoma (10-1) at No. 12 Oklahoma State (9-2), 8:00 PM
Dangerous game for the Sooners, who are back in the BCS picture. Still, after thrashing Texas Tech, they’ll get this done.
Pick: Oklahoma
No. 4 Florida (10-1) at No. 20 Florida State (8-3), 3:30 PM
Love this game. Could Florida get back into the National Title picture?
Pick: Florida
Notre Dame (6-5) at No. 5 USC (9-1), 8:00 PM
Charlie Weis, your playbook, please?
Pick: USC
|
-
Happy Thanksgiving, folks. Hope everyone enjoyed a few rounds of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. And more turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
This week’s edition of NFL picks won’t include the slate of three games from Thanksgiving for two reasons:
(1) It is tradition to run with the family in the Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving morning, and grinding it through the 4.7 mile course (don’t ask about my time, please) left me unable to move until… well, until now.
(2) It’s not even fun to try and pick winners when it involves the Lions (0-11) and Seahawks (how have they managed to win two games?).
Fortunately, we planned accordingly in my in-laws household and ate after the Lions game, because watching Detroit try and grasp the concept of winning football is enough to make you sick to your stomach.
Forget banning them from their traditional Turkey Day time slot; if ever there was a cause to bring up contraction at the next NFL owners meeting, the Lions would be Exhibit A. That’s some bad football, friends.
The Picks
Steelers (8-3) at Patriots (7-4), 4:15 PM
The Steelers 8-3 record isn’t exactly a thing of beauty; they continue to play between-the-tackles blue collar football, and continue to succeed doing it. They’re not pretty, but try telling that to diehards waving their Terrible Towels. Matt Cassel will face is toughest test yet. The Steelers are the top ranking defense in the NFL, so if Cassel throws another 400 yard game you can start polishing that bronze bust for Canton.
Pick: Patriots
49’ers (3-8) at Bills (6-5), 1:00 PM
Could San Francisco be a potential suitor for Cassel this offseason?
Pick: Bills
Ravens (7-4) at Bengals (1-9-1), 1:00 PM
These two are rivals, much like the Globetrotters and the Generals were.
Pick: Ravens
Colts (7-4) at Browns (4-7), 1:00 PM
Do you think Braylon Edwards was permitted to help clean dishes after his family’s Thanksgiving dinner? I doubt his mom would want those sure hands (NFL leading 17 drops) handling the good china.
Pick: Colts
Panthers (8-3) at Packers (5-6), 1:00 PM
Think the Panthers would make a play for Matt Cassel?
Pick: Packers
Dolphins (6-5) at Rams (2-9), 1:00 PM
Miami needs this game to stay in the knock-down, drag-out AFC East playoff race. Jim Haslett needs this game if he wants to remove the interim label from his head coach title, though something tells me the horse has already left that barn.
Pick: Dolphins
Saints (6-5) at Buccaneers (8-3), 1:00 PM
Drew Brees just may be in the midst of the greatest passing season in NFL history. If he played anywhere but New Orleans (say, New York, Foxborough, Chicago?) it would be the story every week.
Pick: Saints
Giants (10-1) at Redskins (7-4), 1:00 PM
Still not sure about Jason Campbell at quarterback for Washington, but let’s be clear about one thing: Eli is no longer the “other” Manning.
Pick: Giants
Falcons (7-4) at Chargers (4-7), 4:05 PM
Let’s be clear about one more thing: Chargers head coach Norv Turner is/was an excellent offensive coordinator.
Pick: Falcons
Broncos (6-5) at Jets (8-3), 4:15 PM
Oh, so this is what the Jets had in mind when they traded for Brett Favre. Super Bowl contender? I still just can’t see it.
Pick: Jets
Chiefs (1-10) at Raiders (3-8), 4:15 PM
Hey, look at the bright side. At least this wasn’t one of the Thanksgiving Day games.
Pick: Raiders
Bears (6-5) at Vikings (6-5), 8:15 PM
Could this be the Matt Cassel Bowl? Both teams could use an upgrade at the quarterback position this year, and that’s putting it kindly.
Pick: Vikings
Jaguars (4-7) at Texans (4-7), 8:30 PM, Monday
If you asked me to pick a game on the schedule that I had absolutely zero interest in at the beginning of the season, this Monday Night Football matchup might’ve been it.
Pick: Texans
Scoreboard
Last Week: 11-4
Season: 111-61
|
-
The Game will kick off at noon this Saturday in Cambridge.
And Columbus.
Confused? Allow me …
Sure, it seems that college football needs to brush up on it’s grammar. Saying The Game implies that there is only one when, in fact, there are two going by that same moniker.
But in Columbus, Ohio, and Cambridge, Mass., there is only one game that matters. And as former Ohio State head coach Earl Bruce once told me, winning every other one on the schedule doesn't matter if you lose The Game.
"Never, never, never lose to Michigan," said Bruce, who learned about the OSU-Michigan rivalry coaching under Woody Hayes.
At Harvard, the sentiment is the same. Never, never, never lose to Yale. It may not carry the same big game feel that the Big Ten's signature showdown, but don't try pushing that line on Ivy League alums.
"The Harvard-Yale game is what your legacy is defined by," says Harvard senior quarterback Chris Pizzotti. "All the alums, when they come back, ask you how you did. Any random person on the street will say, 'How was your season?' The second question is, 'Did you beat Yale?' "
Pizzotti answered yes to that question, beating Yale in spectacular fashion last November. As a senior, thrust into the starting role by an injury to Liam O’Hagan, Pizzotti passed for 316 yards and four touchdowns on the Bulldogs' defense. The Crimson spoiled Yale's chance at an unbeaten season, beating them 37-6 at the Yale Bowl.
"They've had to live with that for 12 months," says Harvard coach Tim Murphy. "The alumni, the coaching staff, getting that shoved down your throat at all times. They're going to be hungry."
On Saturday, Harvard and Yale will meet for the 125th time as rivals on the gridiron. It will be the 25th time this game decides the Ivy League title.
Here are the scenarios:
If Harvard wins and Brown loses … Harvard clinches the outright Ivy League championship (fourth of the decade).
If Harvard wins and Brown wins … Harvard and Brown share the Ivy League title.
If Harvard loses and Brown wins … Brown clinches the outright Ivy League title.
If Harvard loses, Brown loses, and Penn defeats Cornell … It’s a four-way tie for the Ivy League title.
By the way, how ridiculous is it that the Ivy League doesn't participate in NCAA FCS playoffs? Harvard has a Top 20 team, a quarterback considered tops in his league, and could do some serious damage in the postseason. Honestly, wouldn't a national banner look good next to an Ivy League champs banner?
The picks
Yale (6-3) at Harvard (8-1), noon ET
Yale's defense is stout. How stout? The Bulldogs led the FCS in scoring defense (10.6 ppg) for the second year in a row. They have allowed three points in two games. But they'll face their toughest test in Chris Pizzotti, who got the best of them last year. By the way, Harvard has won six of the last seven editions of The Game.
Pick: Harvard
Columbia (2-7) at Brown (6-3), 12:30 p.m.
Sorry, Harvard, but there will be no outright Ivy title this year. Brown doesn't lose a must-win game at home to 2-7 Columbia.
Pick: Brown
Boston College (7-3) at Wake Forest (6-4), 3:30 p.m.
A big one for the Eagles, who will find themselves back in the ACC championship game if they win out. BC and Chris Crane are starting to find their flow.
Pick: Boston College
UConn (7-3) at South Florida (6-4), 8:15 p.m.
Both these programs started out 5-0. But the Bulls have lost three straight while the Huskies have starting quarterback Tyler Lorenzen back in the lineup. He may not even remind anyone of Kentucky’s offensive-tackle-of-a-QB Jared Lorenzen, but don’t underestimate how important he is to UConn's offense.
Pick: UConn
New Hampshire (8-2) at Maine (8-3), Noon
Alfond Stadium in Orono will be the site of a good one. The 'Cats R.J. Toman has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards more than the Bears' two quarterbacks -- combined. While Jack Cosgrove’s team can play a little D, they'll have trouble keeping the high-powered Wildcats under control.
Pick: UNH
Michigan (3-8) at No. 10 Ohio State (9-2), noon
No way Jim Tressel lets his Buckeyes overlook these Wolverines. Not in Columbus. And not with Rich Rodriguez coaching across the field.
Pick: Ohio State
No. 2 Texas Tech (10-0) at No. 5 Oklahoma (9-1), 8 p.m.
This has the makings of a classic. Texas Tech scores more than Matt Leinart at a USC frat party. Oklahoma could get back into BCS title contention with a win. This will be must-see TV, friends.
Pick: Texas Tech
|
-
The last time the Patriots and Dolphins met, it felt like the apocalypse at Gillette Stadium. Ronnie Brown ran wild out of the Wildcat formation. Joey Porter just plain ran his mouth, dumping on the poor play of backup Matt Cassel. Fans booed the Pats at halftime, for crying out loud!
Miami used New England as a coming-out party, and they have been pretty steady since, matching up at a dead-even 6-4 with the Patriots on Sunday. It's a crucial AFC East matchup, and if any of you pointed to this game and called it such before the season began, you're lying.
The Dolphins? Who knew?
They don't exactly win pretty (see: Dolphins 17, Raiders 15), but under the guidance of coach Tony Sparano (see: Bill Parcells), they have developed an identity. At quarterback, Jets castoff Chad Pennington has found new life. He is a favorite of Bill Belichick’s, always earning praise from the Pats' coach for the way he protects the football and manages the game.
Heck, he's even found a way to use Ted Ginn.
Yes, under the Tuna's watch, these Miami Dolphins kind of have the look of a nagging winter cold. They're hard to shake.
The picks
Steelers 27, Bengals 10
Wait -- that actually happened? Swear to God, I had no idea.
Patriots (6-4) at Dolphins (6-4), 1 p.m. ET
Look, I watched the game earlier in the season. I saw the damage Ronnie Brown inflicted on the Patriots' dumbfounded defense out of the Wildcat formation. But let me put it this way: If Brown does it again, I'll wear a Dolphins jersey for a week. No way, no how does a Bill Belichick defense get outsmarted twice. Outplayed? Well, that may be a different story, considering the Pats are getting awfully thin on that side of the ball.
Pick: Patriots
Texans (4-6) at Browns (4-6), 1 p.m.
After dropping an F-bomb in an angry e-mail to a fan, Browns general manager Phil Savage will celebrate a win by giving Houston's sideline the finger. Keep your children away from Cleveland's foul-mouthed front office guru.
Pick: Browns
49ers (3-7) at Cowboys (6-4), 1 p.m.
Tony Romo’s back. Now, what about Terrell Owens (one touchdown in last five games)?
Pick: Cowboys
Buccaneers (7-3) at Lions (0-10), 1 p.m.
Nope, not this week.
Pick: Bucs
Jets (7-3) at Titans (10-0), 1 p.m.
Yup. This week.
Pick: Jets
Bills (5-5) at Chiefs (1-9), 1 p.m.
I must've missed that press release the Bills sent out about re-signing kicker Scott Norwood before the MNF loss to the Browns. Wide right? You don't say ...
Pick: Bills
Bears (5-5) at Rams (2-8), 1 p.m.
You've heard of a get-me-over pitch in baseball? This game is a get-me-over one for Bears quarterback Kyle Orton, who should use the Rams' defense to get himself back in a groove.
Pick: Bears
Vikings (5-5) at Jaguars (4-6), 1 p.m.
Talk about two of the NFL's more disappointing teams. I thought the Jags were better than this. The Vikings? Gotta have a quarterback, folks.
Pick: Jaguars
Eagles (5-4-1) at Ravens (6-4), 1 p.m.
Hey, Donovan McNabb? Nah, too easy.
Pick: Ravens
Raiders (2-8) at Broncos (6-4), 4:05 p.m.
The Broncos embarrassed the Raiders in the season opener, so you have to think about payback here. Then again, we are talking about the Raiders.
Pick: Broncos
Panthers (8-2) at Falcons (6-4), 4:15 p.m.
People, it's okay to admit you have a man crush on Matt Ryan. All of Atlanta already does.
Pick: Falcons
Giants (9-1) at Cardinals (7-3), 4:15 p.m.
This matchup hasn't been this good since 1988 when Neil Lomax and the 6-4 Cards knocked off Phil Simms and the 7-3 Giants. This time around, Kurt Warner is having himself an MVP season. Just not this week.
Pick: Giants
Redskins (6-4) at Seahawks (2-8), 4:15 p.m.
Following the lines of that age-old question, "If a tree falls in the forest …": Seattle has two wins this season, but I can't seem to remember either of them.
Pick: Redskins
Colts (6-4) at Chargers (4-6), 8:15 p.m.
Hey, remember when we all wrote off Indy earlier in the season? Yeah, about that …
Pick: Colts
Packers (5-5) at Saints (5-5), 8:30 p.m., Monday
Expect a show from Drew Brees and the Saints' offense. But expect the Packers to win.
Pick: Packers
The scoreboard
Last Week: 10-6 (counting that ridiculous tie as a loss)
Season: 100-57
|
-
Shortly after trading Coco Crisp to the Red Sox in 2006, Indians GM Mark Shapiro told me he believed Crisp could develop into an All Star center fielder in Boston.
So why would Cleveland part with such potential? One name: Grady Sizemore. The Tribe's top prospect blocked Crisp's path to a starting spot in center there.
Here, it was déjà vu for Crisp. The name was Jacoby Ellsbury.
The Red Sox and Royals have worked a deal that sends Crisp to K.C. in exchange for right-handed reliever Ramon Ramirez.
There's no denying Crisp has talent. Shapiro had a tough time parting with him in Cleveland because of his outstanding glove and occasional pop in his bat.
Although he fit as a fourth outfielder, there was simply no room for Crisp in Boston. He wanted to play every day. But whose spot was he going to take in the Red Sox outfield? Ellsbury's? Jason Bay's? J.D. Drew's?
The team clearly sees Ellsbury as the future in center, a player with a skill set similar to Crisp's, only with a far higher ceiling.
Crisp deserves credit for keeping his mouth shut this past season, when opening it had to be tempting, particularly as Ellsbury struggled at the plate.
To be fair, Coco arrived at Fenway Park in a tough spot. He was Johnny Damon's replacement, the centerpiece to that Indians deal that now looks like a wash for both teams (third-base prospect Andy Marte never amounted to much, though catcher Kelly Shoppach still has potential). Injuries prevented Crisp from a fast start, and seemed to nag him over his three seasons in Boston.
In Kansas City, he'll get to play every day. He won't have to fight off a Grady Sizemore or Jacoby Ellsbury.
As for the Red Sox, here's a look at what they get:
Ramon Ramirez, RP
Age: 27
Throws: Righty
2008: 2.64 ERA, 71 games, 70 K's, 1.23 WHIP
The good: A mid-90s fastball, aggressive, filthy curveball
The bad: Was prone to the more-than-occasional homer until last season (two home runs in 71 2/3 innings)
Analysis: This was a deal the Red Sox had to make, and every other GM in baseball knew it. They had no room for Crisp, who wasn't into a career as a fourth outfielder. Ramirez is a solid middle reliever coming off a good year with the Royals. Makes you wonder if this means the Sox see Justin Masterson as a starter?
|
-
Friday night on "SportsDesk" at 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., NESN’s college basketball preview week concludes in Cambridge, where Harvard is eying its first Ivy League title and skeptics are eying the Crimson’s coach.
Tommy Amaker has his skeptics.
They followed him from Michigan to Harvard, where the former Duke standout has the Crimson men's basketball program entertaining thoughts of winning its first Ivy League championship.
He also has them fending off criticism -- and accusations -- of questionable recruiting tactics.
Back in March, a report in The New York Times accused Amaker and his staff of "skirting" NCAA recruiting rules on at least two separate occasions. For what it's worth, the Ivy League cleared the program of any violations in September.
Still, it is hard ignore the changing landscape of Harvard's program. This year's freshmen rank among the nation's 25 best recruiting classes. At Harvard?
Yes, at Harvard, where the Crimson last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 1946.
The two prized recruits from this class are Keith Wright and Max Kenyi, both of whom bring remarkable athletic ability to the Crimson roster.
Just watch for No. 23 in this YouTube clip from Gonzaga High School in the Washington D.C. area.
As team captain Andrew Pusar notes: "They're college ready, in terms of athletically. Before practice, some guy will throw it up off the backboard and windmill it and you'll go, 'Whoa, I didn’t see that coming.' "
Most might not see Harvard coming on strong this year. But winning is now in the Crimson's immediate plans with five returning starters, and a class of freshmen that Amaker says will see significant minutes.
Of course, the knock on this class of incoming freshmen is in the classroom. Harvard is being accused of loosening its academic standards to allow better recruits for men's basketball. But while that scenario is an undeniable one for the university, it is also fair to note that this class of recruits still meets minimum academic requirements for the Ivy League.
In other words, these kids still have academic records that would make most other Division I basketball players blush.
Bottom line? Yeah, Harvard wants to start winning. Remind me, again, why that's a bad thing?
At a glance
Best player: Guard Jeremy Lin is a talent (second team All-Ivy last year)
Biggest obstacle: Health. Freshmen aren't ready yet, so the five returning starters can't afford to miss much time. And already, some are banged up.
Key games: Nov. 22 at Colorado, Dec. 3 vs. Boston University, Dec. 10 vs. Northeastern, Dec. 13 at George Washington, Jan. 7 at Boston College
Prediction: The talent is there, but the banner won't be. Yet.
|
-
Fresh off exposing Jimmy Clausen and Notre Dame for the overrated program that it has become (sorry, Charlie, but it's true), Boston College now turns its attention to putting together back-to-back wins. All they have to do is beat No. 19 Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee to do it.
Good luck with that, you say.
But before you go writing off the Eagles' chances on Saturday night, consider that they've played well of late against ranked opponents.
Boston College has won seven of its last nine games against ranked opponents, including an October win over then-No.17 Virginia.
The Eagles will have to do this with defense, which could mean one of two things. They'll either completely shut down the Seminoles, or they'll completely self-destruct against them.
BC's defense used four interceptions and a stout rushing defense to snuff out the Irish last Saturday. But the Eagles managed to surrender 72 points in their previous two losses.
Go figure.
The picks
Boston College (6-3) at Florida State (7-2), 8:15 p.m. ET
It's hard to run on BC, who boasts the stingiest rush defense in the ACC. Something tells me Chris Crane will have to make a play for the Eagles to win this game. Do you see that happening? Me neither.
Pick: Florida State
UConn (6-3) at Syracuse (2-7), 7 p.m.
Just call this the Randy Edsall Bowl. The Huskies coach is a 'Cuse alum, and reportedly on their short list to take over head coaching duties next year. That's when the Orange get around to axing Greg Robinson.
Pick: UConn
Harvard (7-1) at Penn (5-3), noon
The Crimson face Yale next week, but this game is no tune-up. Harvard and Penn are each 4-1, in a three-way tie atop the Ivy League with Brown. This is a bigger game, in reality, than Yale.
Pick: Harvard
UMass (6-4) at New Hampshire (7-2), noon
A good CAA showdown, though UMass has had something of a disappointing season. Remember, though, that one of the Minutemen losses was to current No. 2 Texas Tech. That said, the Wildcats look pretty impressive, despite losing at Villanova.
Pick: UNH
Around the Top 25, with No. 1 Alabama playing a gimmie like Mississippi State among the "exciting" matchups, it's a perfect Saturday to give into your wife's demands and go shopping at the mall. You can thank me later.
|
|
|
