As much as we’d all like to nitpick about the season’s first two games, all we really need to understand is what coach Frank Spaziani said after last weekend’s win over Kent State:
“A lot of teams would like to be 2-0,” he said.
Amen to that, coach.
Because the Boston College Eagles, warts and all, weren’t victimized by what happened to other programs throughout the country – and especially to Virginia Tech, their next opponent. They didn’t lose to someone they should have beaten.
Neither the Weber State nor Kent State wins were particularly inspiring, but they were wins. And you move on.
A few thoughts as we await the Hokies’ visit to Alumni Stadium:
A longtime observer of the program said this before the Weber State game: “We’ll be as good as Dave Shinskie. If he’s good, we’ll be good. If he’s not, we won’t.”
Oversimplification? Maybe. But he might be right. Shinskie has to be more than a game manager, because Boston College’s offensive talent is decent, not great. Shinskie taking chances is a scary thought. But with a solid run game, reliable right ends and receivers who have shown promise in Colin Larmond Jr.’s absence, Shinskie should be able to make this work.
The most positive sign for the defense this season to date, aside from Mark Herzlich’s return, was Alex Albright’s dominant day against Kent State. The weakness of the defense since BJ Raji and Ron Brace graduated has been pass rush. Same here. The linebackers are solid. The secondary is solid. But they can’t sustain zero pass rush. Albright provides some hope.
Nate Freese sure looks like a reliable kicker. He hasn’t made one in a pressure situation, nor on the road, but, hey, he hasn’t missed. And Ryan Quigley is a field position friendly punter.
Attendance is up. Last year’s first two games, Northeastern and Kent State, drew 33,000 and 25,000. BC has drawn 34,000 for Weber and 35,000 for Kent thus far. A good sign. The place should be full the rest of the way.
If nothing else, the ACC’s problems this far indicate the league is wide open. Boston College can win it.
