With stud running back Montel Harris on the shelf for the forseeable future thanks to arthroscopic knee surgery this week, Boston College fans could be forgiven for their concern heading into todays game against former Big East Conference rival Syracuse.
Eagles fans, meet Andre Williams.
The true freshman Williams toted the ball 42 times for 185 yards and a score to help the Eagles to their 5th straight win in their final regular season game, 16-7. The Eagles finish the season 7-5 and and can expect an invite to the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl on January 9th in San Francisco against an opponent from the WAC. True freshman QB Chase Rettig continued to show flashes of the type of player he can be, completing 11/19 for 110 yards. Rettig did have an INT, but that also followed a sure TD that was dropped by WR Alex Amidon.
What To Like
The Defense
The bread and butter for Boston College, as always, continues to be the defense though, and led by senior Mark Herzlich, that was again the case today. Herzlich picked off his 4th pass of the season in the 4th quarter to seal it, while the nations leading tackler, Luke Kuechly, racked up his 18th consecutive 10+ tackle game. The Eagles front 7 stymied the Orange's vaunted running attack including leading rusher Delone Carter by holding them to a combined 91 yards on 27 carries. DT Damik Scafe, in particular, continued to flash his talent as he repeatedly found himself in the back field chasing QB Ryan Nassib or stuffing the run.
The Playcalling
As maligned as OC Gary Tranquill has been this season (rightfully so), he called a very strong game today. They mixed the run and the pass very well, particularly on 1st and 2nd down. Tranq showed a surprising amount of faith in Rettig to take some chances and take some shots down the field. In particular his call in the 2nd quarter that resulted in WR Bobby Swigert taking an end around and throwing to the end zone was brilliantly executed, sans the drop by Pantale at the goal line. The final drive was very well drawn up with Andre Williams pounding away at the tiring Syracuse defense from different angles to utilize his different skill set. Mixing things up in the run game allowed Williams to get to the outside and flash his speed, which is something that has not been seen often enough with Montel Harris.
Andre Williams
Williams, who prior to today had carried the ball just 34 times this season displayed a startling amount and speed and power as he consistently fell forward on every run, picked up extra yards after contact, and left more than a few Syracuse defenders wishing they hadn't tried to tackle him. His presence on the field provided the Eagles the lift they needed to keep their ground oriented, ball control attack in full swing by moving the chains and securing the football. This of course is going to beg the question though, why hasn't this guy been getting at least a few carries every game in relief of Montel Harris?
By the Numbers
11/18
The Eagles were statistically the worst 3rd down team in the ACC coming into this game, but converted 11 of 18 3rd down opportunities. This can be attributed to the less predictable play calling that kept 3rd downs much more manageable than in recent weeks. 3rd and 2 is much easier to pick up than 3rd and 8.
1
Being penalized just 1 time for 5 yards is another good way to keep yourself in the game. With a boatload of true and redshirt freshman playing key snaps, the composure of the team today on the road and in a fairly hostile environment was important.
5
At 2-5 this season, and following a 5 game losing streak, thing could easily have turned REALLY ugly for Frank Spaziani in his 2nd year. But, give Spaz and the captains credit, the team didn't quit and began finding ways to win games by simplifing the gameplan and limiting mistakes. Yes, the competition level dropped percipitously in the final 5 weeks, but winning 3 games on the road down the stretch and 5 straight overall is very difficult, especially when winning games anywhere was a major problem for awhile.
What's Next?
The Eagles have clinched their 12th consecutive winning season by finishing 7-5. They'll go for their 8th consecutive 8+ win season in a bowl that has yet to be determined. The most likely scenario is that BC will be shipped to San Francisco for the 2nd straight year to participate in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. Awaiting them would be a WAC opponent, potentially the Broncos of Boise State. Other possible bowl destinations for BC include: The Military Bowl in Washington, DC or the Advocare Independence Bowl in Shreeveport, LA.
