After a surprising playoff run last year, the Schmegs return all but one starter in 2010 and will be considered one of the favorites in the NCAA Division. Unfortunately, Pete tore his ACL, which means we needed a new QB. Coach Nick entrusted me with finding his replacement because he knew I just had an eye for this type of thing. Talent recognizes other talent, that’s just how it works. So after hours and hours of scouting, I finally came up with the perfect guy to take the reins of our offense: Quinn. Kinda an Atlanta Falcons parallel here. Pete, our speedy, high-risk/high-reward, socially irresponsible quarterback cannot return (Mike Vick). So Dave, the polished, savvy Boston College product steps in to take his place (Matt Ryan).
Offense:
After a few sessions of training camp, the offense is starting to shape up quiet nicely. Quinn didn’t know this at the time, but he was essentially trying out for the QB position. He passed with flying colors and we’re all really excited about the direction of this team. One thing that does scare me is that he has a tendency to be a little soft. When we play basketball, he sometimes lacks the tenacity that his teammates expect of him. Reminds me of a young Drew Bledsoe in that way. Hopefully the Mods have toughened him up a little bit.
The real game changer is that we have now implemented a new system for calling plays. It basically allows us to go no-huddle all game long. I can’t really reveal exactly what the plays are, because all of Boston College reads the blog and I’m not trying to blow up our spot here. But if you’re wondering if all the teams take it this seriously, well… no they don’t.
The undeniable strength of this team is in the trenches. Brian, Will and the new guy, Nicol, are absolute beasts that I wouldn’t even want to bump into in the dining hall, let alone on the gridiron. By the way, at BC we play full-contact football at the line of scrimmage. None of this “offensive linemen aren’t allowed to touch the D-line, all they can do is stand in the way” pansy stuff like they have at Wake and other schools.
The receiving core is solid, pretty much designed for flag football and nothing else. Literally, nothing else. I have no idea how we actually manage to win games. Every single one of us is under 5’9”. It just doesn’t make sense. It’s like when an ugly girl wears red shoes and instantly becomes hot. It’s pretty much unexplainable. Same concept here. Put us on a flag football field and instantly we’re all just the sexiest motherfuckers around. Mike aka “The Diva” and Nick aka “The Nickster” are both undersized, shifty receivers that naturally belong in the slot or playing the Reggie Bush position. Josh “Wheels Dozer” and Steve Bezerkowitz are that deep threat receiver, but also have the size to play at tight end. That type of flexibility could be a read advantage for us, especially with the strength of our other linemen. And if we let J-Rod play offense, maybe he can make some plays, too. Our biggest weakness is a lack of a tall, stud wide receiver that can score in the red zone. But we’ll figure it out. We always do.
Defense:
There really are no holes on defense. Mike aka “Salvucci Island” is back for his second season. After a monster rookie campaign (including one game in which he had three pick-6’s), he has his sights set on the Defensive Player of the Year Award. This blogger has him ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in the NCAA division, and that still might be understating his value to his team. The Nickster will likely be shifted from safety to the other cornerback position. Playing cornerback is really about quickness, and that plays to his strengths. I guess that makes him the Antonio Rogers-Cromartie to my Revis, and we should expect him to father at least two kids during the season.
Then we have Quinn and J-Rod tag-teaming the safety position. Two tall, average-looking men that each bring a different element to the game. Jon has the speed and agility to cover from sideline to sideline. Although the last time Jon saw any action, he false-started 5 times in like 3 minutes. Basically the easiest way to get into Coach Nick’s doghouse. But when he fucks up, we got Quinn with the ability to make timely interceptions.
The linebacker position also boasts depth, with Wheels Dozer and Bezerkowitz holding down the fort. Both are built like true linebackers. Just rock sturdy frames with great lateral mobility. Exactly what you’re looking for in your LB’s.
And once again, the defensive line is nothing but class. First class all the way.
Prediction: There might be some stumbling points early on, but this is probably the most experienced team in the league and they should be able to put it all together in time for the playoffs. Anything less than an appearance in the Super Bowl would be a disappointment.
