So, after skipping two weeks, I finally return with another edition of Thursday Evening Ramblings. Did you miss me? I bet you did! Well, if you didn’t, just play along…
TER Top 10 List: BC over Penn State
Note: I have done absolutely no research in preparing this list. Most of my reasons are based more on personal biases than actual facts. And this list in no way represents the opinions of, well, anyone else. Nonetheless, Boston College 31, Penn State 27.
10. William Blackmon found a cure for his fumbilitis this week.
I mean, it isn’t too much to ask for the stud kick returner to catch the punts, is it? Well, he should have overcome his stage fright and will make up for his sins this weekend in Happy Valley. In fact, I expect big things from WB this week. Look for either a TD or a couple of big returns from BC’s best athlete.
9. Horace Dodd will make Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions miss him.
Alright, Penn State had a 2000-yard back last year and I am sure that their running backs are more than capable this season. So, it is probably a slight stretch to say that Dodd will make his old team miss him. Especially since he hasn’t exactly torn things up in his season and a game wearing the maroon and gold. But I fully expect Dodd to have his best game as an Eagle this week. His numbers might not turn any heads, but 30-40 yards and a couple of big plays spelling Derrick Knight would be an excellent game for Horace Dodd.
8. The linebackers will not miss another bump coverage assignment.
After last week’s costly miss, Ray Henderson and Brian Flores will not miss another bump assignment. In fact, I would expect one of them to “pancake” an unsuspecting wide receiver if presented with a similar situation.
7. Grant Adams might actually see some passes thrown his way.
BC’s clear-cut number one receiver caught one pass for eight yards. Yes, that’s eight yards. This is the same player who caught five passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the Motor City Bowl. Hopefully Dana Bible realized that he needs to call more plays for #5 and we see a strong game from Adams. We all know that if he is called on, he will deliver.
6. Jason Lilly we announce his name on the national stage.
His leaping catch on fourth-and-long as Boston College was driving to retake the lead late in the game was one of the best clutch plays I have seen in recent years of Eagle football. Add in the fact that he emerged as Porter’s go-to receiver in his first collegiate game, and Lilly appears to have all of the makings of a future star. With 85% national coverage on ABC’s noon game, expect Lilly to make some new fans.
5. Quinton Porter hopefully played some Madden 2004 “Swat Ball” drills this week.
Though not the only reason BC lost last week, Quinton Porter’s unfortunate decision to catch his batted pass killed a possible game-winning drive and clinched the victory for Wake Forest. I know I have attempted many Swat Ball drills in Madden Training Camp; I wonder if he got his hands on it too. On a more serious note, we all know that Porter has recognized his mental blunder and will look to rebound with a crisp performance this week.
4. With Division I game experience and another week of practice, Porter and Peterson will be ready for this week.
Although he looked timid much of the game, Porter appeared to be settling down a bit in the second half, prior to his costly mistake at the end of the game. And, despite his trouble rolling left, Paul Peterson was effective in his first Division I-A appearance. With more experience and practice, I fully expect both to more efficiently run the offense this week when given the change.
3. EagleInsider.com part-time writer Joe DiSalvo will be in attendance.
Even though he hasn’t written an article since, well, I can’t remember, Joe “Diggs” will be in the house at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. What more of a good luck charm can the Eagles ask for?
2. The defensive line will learn that invisibility is a good power only for Superman.
Last week, the unit that was discussed as possibly the best in the Big East was quite possibly the least effective of any that I have seen at Boston College in recent years. Other than an impressive stance with WFU backed against its goal line, the defensive line practically allowed Cory Randolph to nap in the backfield before making huge play after big play throughout the second half. This 9-deep unit must pick up its intensity and level of play in a hostile environment this weekend. I believe that they will.
1. The Eagles can’t possibly commit 14 penalties and 3 turnovers again this week, can they?
Well, let’s hope not…
Boston College recognized among elite for graduation rates:
According to data released by the NCAA and featured in the USA Today/NCAA Academic Achievement Awards, Boston College’s graduation rate for student-athletes ranked sixth in the nation. Of its athletes entering the university as freshmen in 1996, 86% earned a degree from BC within six years.
Boston College placed behind only Notre Dame (92%), Tulsa (89%), Duke (88%), Wisconsin (88%), and Northwestern (87%).
Guy Melamed named to Hermann Trophy Watch List:
On Tuesday, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America announced that junior backer Guy Melamed was named to the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy Watch List. Fifteen players were placed on the list for men’s collegiate soccer’s top honor.
Well, there you have it for another edition of Thursday Evening Ramblings. I apologize for the sabbatical and will see you next week.
Aaron Rose is a staff writer for EagleInsider.com. He can be reached at InsideTheEagles@yahoo.com.