2024 Boston College Football

[Ale Xander]

Who would’ve thought that the BC job is better than the UCLA one? I kid (kind of) but AD Jarmond (former BC AD who actually hired Hafley) has been trying to raise money to buy out Kelley and seems to be maybe a fraud.

BC actually has a chance to win the ACC eventually. UCLA no longer has a chance to win their conference.

UCLA became a non-premium job after they killed the PAC-10/12 with USC. They also killed the tradition of their conference going to the best bowl in history which happens to be their home field. Unless they can build a stadium on/next to campus, (doubtful withRE prices and lack of open land there) the enthusiasm (whatever is left) for football will be gone.

It’s basically Duke now (men’s basketball school) but with more Olympic sports excellence and less recent success at MBB. (And Duke FB also has a coach problem perhaps but they like Bc eventually will have a chance to win their conference unless they sell out (in the moving to B1G sense) like UCLA. But at least they have a football stadium on campus.

but I’m not sure that BC is a better job than UCLa. It’s just that a football lifer prefers a job at tOSU over UCLA. Kelly didn’t leave UCLA for BC.

 

[Dave Stapleton]

BC actually has a chance to win the ACC eventually. UCLA no longer has a chance to win their conference.

UCLA became a non-premium job after they killed the PAC-10/12 with USC. They also killed the tradition of their conference going to the best bowl in history which happens to be their home field. Unless they can build a stadium on/next to campus, (doubtful withRE prices and lack of open land there) the enthusiasm (whatever is left) for football will be gone.

It’s basically Duke now (men’s basketball school) but with more Olympic sports excellence and less recent success at MBB. (And Duke FB also has a coach problem perhaps but they like Bc eventually will have a chance to win their conference unless they sell out (in the moving to B1G sense) like UCLA. But at least they have a football stadium on campus.

but I’m not sure that BC is a better job than UCLa. It’s just that a football lifer prefers a job at tOSU over UCLA. Kelly didn’t leave UCLA for BC.

I was mostly joking since Chip Kelley left the HC job to replace BCs new coach. It may or may not work out but this is a significant commitment from the admin which really hasn’t been seen. Word is contract is around $5 million with lots of incentives.

Interesting tidbit. Doug Marrone’s wife was BOB’s wife’s roommate at BC. Could see him pop up on the staff.

 

[Humphrey]

First BC head coach with local roots since 1935.

 

[Awesome Fossum]

Sources: Boston College is working to hire New England Patriots tight end coach Will Lawing as the offensive coordinator. He’s a veteran coach who has worked with Bill O’Brien in New England, Alabama and Houston, where he was TE coach in 2019 and 2020.

View: https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1757224872999088442

 

[Dave Stapleton]

BC also hired Craig Fitzgerald as its Strength coach away from Florida (just hired two months ago). Guy has a stellar rep and a relationship with BOB. Fantastic hire and Gator fans seem to be apoplectic.

 

[Awesome Fossum]

Sources: Boston College is working toward hiring Tim Lewis as the school's new defensive coordinator. He's a longtime NFL assistant coach who has worked for six different franchises, including defensive coordinator for the Steelers (2000-03) and Giants (2004-06).

View: https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1757523716592787838

 

[Ale Xander]

These are all pretty incredible hires. Much better than I expected.

 

[Eagle3]

Will BOB have the same responsibilities as Hafley, or are they gonna hire a "GM"?

 

[Dave Stapleton]

View: https://twitter.com/bcfootball/status/1757837363202449561?s=46

 

[RorschachsMask]

Wow

View: https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1760662247423037665

 

[Buck Showalter]

Wow

View: https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1760662247423037665

BoB made a great hire here.

BN is the best of the best.

 

[Dave Stapleton]

BoB made a great hire here.

BN is the best of the best.

Beyond the quality of the hire, we are seeing BC invest in the program at levels not see previously. This all bodes well. Hafley leaving on his own was an enormous benefit to the program.

 

[Eagle3]

So what exactly are the Chief of Staff's responsibilities?

 

[Dave Stapleton]

So what exactly are the Chief of Staff's responsibilities?

I am not sure it matters but BOB said he was going to hire two admin related coaches one for general day to day and one to assist in recruiting. This seems like the former. I think this is just more support for hiring somone with extensive HC experience and someone who knows how to run a staff and program. In his recent press conference, Hafley couldn't have made more clear how he was not willing (and likely able) to funtion in a way that is required for a CFB coach in today's world.

 

[SoxJox]

Gosh, even I am becoming excited about BC football. Bring it on!

 

[Return of the Dewey]

Beyond the quality of the hire, we are seeing BC invest in the program at levels not see previously. This all bodes well. Hafley leaving on his own was an enormous benefit to the program.

Yeah, when I went there ('94) was last time I remember anything close to this type of investment. In that way, the BOB hire is a lot like what happened when Coughlin was hired.

 

[RedOctober3829]

I am not sure it matters but BOB said he was going to hire two admin related coaches one for general day to day and one to assist in recruiting. This seems like the former. I think this is just more support for hiring somone with extensive HC experience and someone who knows how to run a staff and program. In his recent press conference, Hafley couldn't have made more clear how he was not willing (and likely able) to funtion in a way that is required for a CFB coach in today's world.

Yeah Berj will organize the day to day operations of how the program runs. Travel, meals, liason to support staff areas, handle BOB's media stuff, budget. They'll probably also hire a director of player personnel who will head up the recruiting efforts and streamline recruit lists for each position coach. He'll organize things like junior days, camps, NFL scout visits, watch film with those guys, make sure guys are going to class, etc.

 

[Dave Stapleton]

Yeah, when I went there ('94) was last time I remember anything close to this type of investment. In that way, the BOB hire is a lot like what happened when Coughlin was hired.

With the added benefit that if he is to be believe (and all objective information seems to point in this direction) he isn't going anywhere given local ties and stage of his career.

I remember that well. My senior year was Coughlin's first. Coughlin knew the program and wouldn't take the job without the committment on the stadium and willingness to look at Prop 48 kids.

 

[Awesome Fossum]

@PeteThamel
Sources: Boston College is hiring former NFL head coach Doug Marrone as the program’s new Senior Analyst for Football Strategy/Research. He’s the former head coach of the Bills and Jaguars and also at Syracuse. His most recent jobs were at the Saints and Bama as the OL coach.

View: https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1766581658323390728

 

[Humphrey]

I don't know what they're paying O'Brien versus Hafley; but the assistants/staff budget must be doubled. Maybe BC's serious this time about competing. Of course, that also means they better gin up enough money for a decent NIL/payroll.

 

[Eagle3]

I don't know what they're paying O'Brien versus Hafley; but the assistants/staff budget must be doubled. Maybe BC's serious this time about competing. Of course, that also means they better gin up enough money for a decent NIL/payroll.

What's the theory on their apparent change in philosophy? Did they finally see the light after Hafley's exit interview? Or maybe O'Brien made it contingent on accepting the job?

 

[Dave Stapleton]

What's the theory on their apparent change in philosophy? Did they finally see the light after Hafley's exit interview? Or maybe O'Brien made it contingent on accepting the job?

Late to respond but it looks like there may be a few things. First, Hadley did them a huge favor by leaving so there was no buyout. I also think they saw some ability to have continuity which BC has always overvalued. It’s hard to know if any big time alumni (Fish) stepped up since they are so secretive.

Not sure if anyone has been following their spring practices but there’s definitely a different feeling and process here. We know this because BOB has had open practices with lots of local high school presence. Also Ernie Adams was there yesterday and word is Scarnechia has also made an appearance or two.

Hadley actually did a nice job in the portal before leaving so there’s some talent on the offensive side of the ball, particularly at WR and RB.

 

[Dave Stapleton]

View: https://twitter.com/bcfootball/status/1773111052722455028?s=46

 

[yeahlunchbox]

I haven't been to a game since the USC game and haven't needed parking and the shuttle since 2007. Is it really at least $40 to park for a game? Granted it was a long time ago, but I seem to remember parking for free in an office park and getting a shuttle in to the game. $40 to park without the ability to tailgate and needing a shuttle is crazy.

 

[Humphrey]

Has it changed in the last 4-5 years? I parked at the Law School and took a shuttle. Didn't cost me anything.

 

[RorschachsMask]

Man, there is zero buzz about this season lol.

 

[FelixMantilla]

Man, there is zero buzz about this season lol.

https://247sports.com/college/boston-college/

 

[vadertime]

Really impressive showing so far. We may have something with BOB. But are we for real or was/is FSU just overhyped?

 

[RorschachsMask]

Their combination of speed, size, and strength is pretty interesting. FSU was clearly overrated, but this was an eye opening win.

I’m excited to see what BOB can do.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

Hell yes, what a win. Honestly might be the best I’ve felt about a BC game in 15 years or so.

 

[Ale Xander]

Loving the BOB era thus far

 

[Dave Stapleton]

My favorite thing about tonight. One penalty and zero turnovers.

 

[BigSoxFan]

This is why you go the extra mile for a guy like BoB. One coaching hire can change everything.

At some point Castellanos will have to throw, likely in Missouri, and that is when we’ll see what kind of ceiling this team has.

But it’s a great first step. Now smoke Duquesne and then the season really begins.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Rocco lives?

https://x.com/barstoolsports/status/1829983755810824391?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1829983755810824391|twgr^|twcon^s1_&ref_url=

 

[luckiestman]

Hell yes, what a win. Honestly might be the best I’ve felt about a BC game in 15 years or so.

Matty Ice, right? Good win for BC.

 

[ifmanis5]

Rocco lives?

https://x.com/barstoolsports/status/1829983755810824391?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1829983755810824391|twgr^|twcon^s1_&ref_url=

He deleted his account.
https://awfulannouncing.com/twitter/seminoles-fan-quits-x-dog-poop-solo-cup-lose-bc-spoon.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

FSU might be overrated but BC did run it down their throat in convincing fashion. Statement game, they're back on the map.

 

[BigSoxFan]

He deleted his account.
https://awfulannouncing.com/twitter/seminoles-fan-quits-x-dog-poop-solo-cup-lose-bc-spoon.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

FSU might be overrated but BC did run it down their throat in convincing fashion. Statement game, they're back on the map.

Yup. DJ will be the story but the real story to me is that BC, despite its pretty one-dimensional offense, was able to get TDs whenever it needed to in the run game. That was the most surprising part to me.

 

[Dave Stapleton]

Yup. DJ will be the story but the real story to me is that BC, despite its pretty one-dimensional offense, was able to get TDs whenever it needed to in the run game. That was the most surprising part to me.

I know one game and all but another positive seems to be Hafley actually could recruit and his work in the portal was solid. Ward was a great get it seems.

 

[Jimbodandy]

The OL and DL were a pleasant surprise yesterday. Both dominant, and against a team who is going to send some people to the NFL eventually (i.e., not UNH-North Conway). No idea whether the skill positions on either side are actual plus or not (secondary was leaving guys wide open most of the second half), but this seems like a team with a 6-win floor with those lines.

It was nice being the lead story on ESPN for a few minutes. Couldn't ask for a better start to the next era.

 

[Dave Stapleton]

The OL and DL were a pleasant surprise yesterday. Both dominant, and against a team who is going to send some people to the NFL eventually (i.e., not UNH-North Conway). No idea whether the skill positions on either side are actual plus or not (secondary was leaving guys wide open most of the second half), but this seems like a team with a 6-win floor with those lines.

It was nice being the lead story on ESPN for a few minutes. Couldn't ask for a better start to the next era.

On the DB side I think the question will be depth. Jackson and Max are legit but you could see the drop off when Jackson came out of the game. I was really pleased with how BC was able to get pressure (even if not sacks) with 4/5 guys.

 

[Jimbodandy]

On the DB side I think the question will be depth. Jackson and Max are legit but you could see the drop off when Jackson came out of the game. I was really pleased with how BC was able to get pressure (even if not sacks) with 4/5 guys.

Yeah they were getting pressure with 4 guys pretty regularly. That's not nothing. Even against what seems to be a pretty bad FSU team by their standards, it's not like we were playing some D2 team.

And with the OL creating holes like they were and with some creative coaching (clearly), this team should be able to move the ball even absent a big passing threat.

 

[jsinger121]

You know there is interest in Boston College when zolak and Bertrand are going to talk about them in the first hour.

 

[BigSoxFan]

You know there is interest in Boston College when zolak and Bertrand are going to talk about them in the first hour.

And you have another high profile road game coming against Missouri in 2 weeks followed by Michigan State at home the following week. Very fun September schedule.

 

[mauf]

And you have another high profile road game coming against Missouri in 2 weeks followed by Michigan State at home the following week. Very fun September schedule.

Michigan State is expected to be bad this season.

https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/rankings/big-ten-football-rankings-2024-preseason-media-poll

Which makes that game a good barometer — BC will handle Duquesne easily and will probably lose to Mizzou, but if they’re as good as we’re hoping, they should beat the Spartans.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Michigan State is expected to be bad this season.

https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/rankings/big-ten-football-rankings-2024-preseason-media-poll

Which makes that game a good barometer — BC will handle Duquesne easily and will probably lose to Mizzou, but if they’re as good as we’re hoping, they should beat the Spartans.

Ah, even better. A “name” that we should be able to handle at home. Agree that they likely lose to Missouri but I admittedly know very little about the Mizzou other than their ranking. Feels like a team that will be hard to beat but isn’t unbeatable. Perfect challenge for this team.

 

[RorschachsMask]

Who is that just outside of the AP top 25

 

[scottyno]

Nice to see BC doing what they're supposed to be doing this week and absolutely slaughtering Duquesne. 42-0 nearing halftime and Castellanos is 9/10 with 4 tds.

 

[RorschachsMask]

Castellanos is 9-10 with 234 passing yards and 4 TD’s….at halftime lol. It’s 42-0 ATM

GT lost, so there’s a real chance BC will be ranked for the first time since 2018

 

[Dave Stapleton]

Best thing was BOB calling a timeout after D let’s up a first down on two straight runs and proceeds the lay into the defense. Beautiful to see.

 

[Ale Xander]

went easy in the second half. Looking forward to the next 2 games, not lying. The ACC is pretty wide open.