Things are not good. We just went through back-to-back games as favorites and blew double-digit leads. The schedule is only going to get tougher from here. My belief that we would manage the schedule and season well is gone. But I don’t want to see the team rollover. If anything momentum and pride is all we get from here on out. I don’t know what to expect, but I would feel a lot better about everything if Billy O gets a win this week.
What’s on my mind (not totally related to this game)
I wonder what Father Butler thinks about the season so far. I thougth of him when I caught a glimpse of the new chaplain on the sidelines of the last game. Father Jack has so much institutional knowledge of BC Football, I think Billy O could use him right now as a calming presence and for some perspective. It also must be frustrating for Butler to watch the team he has been a part of for so long struggle when he’s gone. Plus the success of BC Football has an impact on the new job he is about to take over.
Three Simple Keys
1. Turnovers at the goal line. Three losses all include three turnovers right when we are about to score. I would love to blame bad luck, but it has been bad decisions. That needs to end this week.
2. Don’t force the run. Narduzzi is going to be aggressive and try to make us one dimensional. We need to dictate pace and play our type of game, so let’s throw it early.
3. Get pressure from the front four. It has been bad. We need to try different guys or add some more stunts and twists because these guys haven’t made enough plays.
Gambling notes
— Pitt leads the all time series 18-16
— BC is 1-3 at Acrisure Stadium
— Narduzzi is 2-3 vs BC
The current line is BC+6.5
Factoid
Since Bcknell, BC coaches are 5-1 on their first trip to Pitt. Hafley is the only one who lost on his first time playing in Pittsburgh.
Scoreboard watching
Florida State-Miami. Miami needs to hang on to keep the ACC relevant. It will also be interesting to see how Castellanos bounces back from the UVA loss.
BC is in trouble if…Lonergan throws more picks. It might not be fair to put it all on him, but if he makes mistakes, I think this game will get away from us.
I hope to see…the same Oline combo as last week. It was a nice improvement.
What ChatGPT Thinks: “If I had to pick: Pitt wins, likely by a 1–2 touchdown margin.”
Bottom line
While I am frustrated with where we are and how Billy O has managed the games, I am not giving up. I still think we can score on these guys. If we are going to win, it has to be through the air. I think we light it up and snap the losing streak.
Final Score: 35-24