Image courtesy of ESPN
Kickoff: The Bill O’Brien era begins with the eyes of the world watching when BC visits an angry FSU squad. After a whirlwind eight months since taking over, O’Brien finally gets to show the world the team he’s been molding together since January. The Eagles are 17-point underdogs and I would hammer it if I were you.
1st Down: This entire season rides on the arm and brain of Tommy Castellanos. If he can in fact become a better passer and decision maker with guys like Will Lawing and O’Brien in his ear, this team can be special. Although, for this particular matchups, TC’s legs will be his best weapon. I’d expect to see him running the rock quite a bit on Monday night.
2nd Down: Speaking of running the rock, this running back group should all get some action tonight. After Georgia Tech ran the ball 36 times for 190 yards, Kye Robichaux, Treshaun Ward, Datrell Jones, Turbo Richard and maybe even Jordan McDonald should all get involved tonight. Don’t be surprised if Lewis Bond or Jayden McGowan see a touch or two out of motion. BC’s best chance is to wear down the Seminoles’ D-line.
3rd Down: This defense needs to get after DJU (no chance I’m typing the full name). He threw for 193 yards and didn’t turn the ball over against the Yellow Jackets. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Neto Okpala, Cam Horsely and George Rooks need to wreak some havoc and cause a bad decision or two. Not only that, but this linebacking core needs to show that it can hold up. There’s talent with Cam Arnold, Daveon Crouch, Owen McGowan and Joey Marinaro (don’t forget about Bryce Steele too), but they’re still a bit unproven.
4th Down: The guys behind them need to show they can run with the elite of the elite too. Amari Jackson, Max Tucker, Ryan Turner, Jalen Cheek, KP Price, Khari Johnson and others all need to continue being the play makers they’ve been throughout camp if the nation is going to take BC seriously. It’s a talented, but also somewhat unproven group.
Extra Point: Unless he’s magically recovered or been stored away, Liam Connor won’t be kicking and it’ll be Luca Lombardo. While he’s got a strong leg, it wasn’t always the most accurate in times during camp, albeit the limited “live’ kicks we saw. Special teams is something to keep a close eye on tonight that could sneaky make or break this one for the Eagles.
Final drive: The new weapons Castellanos has to play with – as well as new offensive coordinator Will Lawing – should make this BC offense a lot more fun than it has been in years past. Jerand Bradley and Reed Harris could ‘wow’ some people if you haven’t seen them in action. Lewis Bond is the most confident guy you’ll ever meet and local CM star Jaedn Skeete is ready for a breakout year. Don’t forget about tight ends Jeremiah Franklin and Drake Maye’s old buddy from UNC Kamari Morales. The weapons are there, TC just needs to find them.
Prediction: BC 27, FSU 20
I think the stars are finally aligned for BC to make some real noise nationally again. This is an FSU team that was much more talented a year ago and barely escaped Alumni with a win. This new regime has put an entirely new level of confidence in these players and I think the whole world goes on notice around 11:30 p.m.