Our writers break it down
Curtis: Now that was an exciting game! What were your big takeaways on a night where it seemed like anything could happen?For me, I continued to be impressed by how much BC can dominate in the trenches. There were long stretches of the game when the BC OL was opening up big holes for runners and the BC DL was stuffing the run and getting to the quarterback. Even if some other things could definitely use some polishing (we’ll get to that), the line play raises BC’s ceiling enough to stay competitive in a game like this one.
Kieran: I’m with you Curtis. BC just beat a Big 10 team at their own game. That was a physically impressive win by the Eagles. I’m very excited by the grit and energy that Billy B’s squad plays with every game. Michigan State is much improved compared to last year, so it’s not like BC just beat a bad team. In some truly bad conditions, the Eagles managed to everything just slightly better than the Spartans and I’m very impressed.
Niraj: What a show. Hats off to the bend don’t break output from the defense. You can’t ask for much more after getting those takeaways and holding Mich St to field goals multiple times (also can people stop nailing 50+ yard kicks against us?!). That two minute stretch, 10 point swing to start the second half was electric. Tough not to get 7 right away but the resolve of this team was on full display Saturday night. What’s the biggest improvement you guys are looking for?
Kieran: I think it’s hard to ask for more from a team that I didn’t expect to be 3-1, but it would sure be nice if they could protect Castellanos a bit better and find more consistency in the pass game.
Curtis: Agreed, I think this offense could be even greater if they can find more consistency. We’ve seen a lot of 3 & outs this year already for a multitude of reasons, but it’s usually because of passing plays that break down and create 3rd & long situations. What also really struck me on Saturday night was how often Castellanos put the offense in a hole while trying to make something happen with his legs. He needs to get better at throwing the ball away when he’s under pressure, and not always try to make something out of nothing.
Niraj: I guess I turned ‘negative’ too quick, but I agree. It’s a live and die by his ability to extend plays. He definitely does like to play hero ball at times a bit more than he needs to. I think even Lewis Bond called it out after the game how TC has improved in trusting his teammates to make plays, but still think we could do more. Need to create a few more layups in the offense – only three guys caught passes (edited)
Curran: I’m with you guys on this, however I also want to point out the wide receivers’ role in the “issues” we’ve seen with the passing game so far. The offensive line has given TC time to throw — I think he ranks in the top 5-10 of QB time to throw, meaning he’s holding on to the ball a lot. Some of that is definitely a bit of hero ball, but it does seem like I see TC drop back to pass, hang in the pocket, not have anyone open and then scramble. This means that either our WRs are just not getting open or the playcalling is not scheming our guys open enough. O’Brien did say he was having words with OC (and playcaller) Will Lawing during the game to get Bond the ball more, because he was consistently open. Outside of Bond, however, no one else on the team has more than 7 catches or 149 yards. I’d like to see some easier completions for TC. With that said, to play in those conditions and not play our best ball and still walk away with a dub against a B1G team is just awesome. We haven’t even seen this team at their best, and everyone seems to be aligned and on the same page. The fan support has been unreal, and I just can’t wait to see where we go from here.
Curtis: I think maybe I’m underplaying the rainy conditions on this one a bit. We could all tell that the players were having a tough time controlling the ball, and we should be really happy that TC didn’t have any interceptions all night. Winning the turnover battle in that wet dogfight was huge. And I totally agree about the team’s momentum and position moving forward. They are still working out the kinks under a brand new coaching staff. From what we’ve seen so far, I think things are only going to get better.
Curran: Agreed. TC and the staff both deserve tremendous credit for how well they’ve been taking care of the ball, and the offensive line (and the entire team to be honest) has been extremely disciplined. Bill O’Brien spent all offseason laying out a template for success at BC, and so far (to be fair only four games) he has found success exactly like he said he would.