Jason Haskins's Blog, page 14

First-round quarterbacks from 2018 NFL draft: Season six halfway point

 

Five quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. This continuing series has followed them since week one of their rookie season until now, through week nine of season six.

Sour play has intermixed with solid results the last five weeks for the majority of the three first-round quarterbacks from the 2018 NFL draft class. This has more so been reflected in the win-loss column than stats. Amid the struggles have been miscues at inopportune times, contributing to a change at top of this post's list.

The fast start for two of three franchises has disappeared. For Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, they can't seem to overcome their own hype. One week, they are on top of the world. The next, a turnover factory forced to comeback, falling just short.

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield has somewhat fallen back down to Earth. After an excellent start, the Bucs faced a recent tough stretch. And Mayfield, without a strong running game, has stumbled a step or two.

Only Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are playing up to par, winning games with strong play in all three aspects of the game.

Lamar Jackson

Jackson and the Ravens (7-2) are tied for the best record in the AFC, and tops in a competitive AFC North, where all four teams are above .500.

Baltimore is riding a four-game winning streak and can find a bit of separation in the coming weeks with division rivals on the agenda.

Jackson has the offense clicking, even if he's not the one doing the overwhelming. During the winning streak, the Ravens are scoring 32.5 points per game and the defense has allowed only 33 points in the last three games. (Oddly enough, 24 of those were to an Arizona Cardinals team searching for an identity.)

While scoring touchdowns on the ground this season has belonged mostly to Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, Jackson remains a major factor. There is a nice balance, with Edwards leading the team with 478 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Jackson checks in not far behind, with 440 and five touchdowns, though his yards per carry is down to 5.2 and would be his lowest since 4.7 his rookie season.

Jackson's passing, however, has taken a step forward, if not more methodical. 

He has more games under 200 yards passing (4) than over 300 (1) this season, totaling 1954 thus far. But Jackson is completing a career-best 71.2 percent and has only 20 incompletions in Baltimore's last three games.

Aside from some fumbling issues, Jackson is not turning the ball over. He has thrown none in the last three games and only three all season. Touchdown numbers are low, throwing only nine, but if the Ravens are winning, there shouldn't be much concern in this regard.

Jackson's best game during this recent winning streak was a 38-6 victory over the Detroit Lions. Jackson was 21-27 for 357 yards and three touchdowns, adding another 36 yards and a score on the ground.

Baltimore would be nearly unstoppable if Jackson put up these numbers every game. But as long as his efficiency continues, and the Ravens can stay healthy on both sides of the ball, Baltimore will be a tough foe to defeat.

Weeks 10 - 13: vs CLE (11/12), vs CIN (11/16), @ LAC (11/26), BYE

Josh Allen

Straight up, Allen has the best stats among these quarterbacks in many categories. He has thrown for 2423 yards and 18 touchdowns. Allen is even completing 71.3 percent of his passes while only getting sacked four times in the last five games.

It's too bad those pesky interceptions and turnovers keep getting in the way of the Bills (5-4) winning more games.

Allen has thrown nine this season, tossing an interception in seven of Buffalo's nine games. Some arrive because of Allen being relied on so much. Others, well, are inexplicable for a player in their sixth season.

Listening to commentators and announcers, much of the blame for Buffalo's inconsistency is a lack of running game (outside of Allen). I think it's partially because the Bills want to showcase Allen too much and they give up on a running game too early. For years now, you'll see running backs for Buffalo have, for example, 10 carries for 60 yards. To me, that's pretty solid, and one could take more advantage of that and put less pressure on Allen.

James Cook averages 4.7 yards per carry with 506 yards to his credit. Maybe more carries might be helpful (I say the same thing about the Kansas City Chiefs, too. Passing highlights are fun but so is winning games. Though the Chiefs are 7-2.)

Allen has 233 rushing yards and six touchdowns to his credit this season, scoring a rushing touchdown in three straight games.

Buffalo's offense and Allen were at their finest in a 24-18 win over Tampa Bay. It was a game they tried to give away but if Buffalo is clicking on offense like they were, they'll reach Baltimore and Kansas City's level. Until then, they'll remain a tier behind.

Weeks 10 - 13: vs DEN (11/13), vs NYJ (11/19), @ PHI (11/26), BYE

Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay (3-5) and Mayfield are the owners of four straight losses. Competitiveness has not been a problem, with the last three by a combined 11 points.

The trouble is getting the team to play four quarters of football.

Mayfield hasn't been horrible. And, for a team truly with a running game problem, some of what he's doing on the field has been impressive. In week eight, Tampa Bay ran the ball only 17 times against the Bills. And last week, they managed 31 carries for only 81 yards.

At least they tried their hand at running in the 39-37 loss to the Houston Texans.

Mayfield has been taking care of the ball (four interceptions) and had a 21-30 game for 265 yards and two scores against the Texans. He's thrown five touchdowns in the last three games and no picks in doing his best to keep the games close.

The same troubles of batted balls, drops, and bad reads have stalled the Tampa Bay offense, too. But overall, Mayfield has 1865 yards and 12 touchdown passes in eight games. He's also added 122 yards on the ground.

Thankfully for Mayfield and the Bucs, the NFC South remains wide open. Another tough stretch awaits the team but if they can recapture some of that early season grit, bouncing back could be on the agenda the next four weeks.

Weeks 10 - 13: vs TEN (11/12), @ SF (11/19), @ IND (11/26), vs CAR (12/3)

Sam Darnold

Darnold almost had a chance to start in week eight, only to have starter Brock Purdy clear concussion protocol just in time. 

Perhaps the San Francisco 49ers could have used a change, if only for one game. After averaging over 33 points per game in a 5-0 start, San Francisco has lost three straight games, scoring 17 in each loss. 

Darnold did see action in a 42-10 win over Dallas, going 1-1 for 1 yard. 

Tough to see Purdy losing the job, outside of injury, but it is the NFL, so you can never tell. San Francisco does have three tough road games on the agenda and it's entirely possible a 2-2 stretch is in their future.

Weeks 10 - 13: @ JAX (11/12), vs TB (11/19), @ SEA (11/23), @ PHI (12/3)

Josh Rosen

Teams, whether due to injuries or inadequate play, have turned to free agents to salvage their season. The most recent is Carson Wentz, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a backup to Matthew Stafford, who continues to deal with a thumb injury.

Rosen is still out there, perhaps waiting, perhaps not. Maybe that chance to resurrect a career will be given to him at some point but wherever he is, I hope he is happy.

Check back in on this series after week 13 to see where the quarterbacks are headed, and what they're about to do.

photo credit: Flickr

Season six preview

Season six thru week four

Boston College Eagles soaring with 4-game winning streak

 

October brought more pep in the steps and growing swagger for the players on the Boston College Eagles football team. Understandable, considering the team is riding the waves of a four-game winning streak.

Boston College (5-3, 2-2) victories haven't always been pretty. Far from it. Three of their five wins have come by a combined nine points. But the Eagles have found ways to hunker down when the game is on the line. They are finishing off opponents with an Earth-moving ground attack on defense (often bent, hardly breaking) and are coming up with opportune plays on defense when the game is on the line.

The Eagles are one win from becoming bowl eligible, with the final four games of the season providing a true test. Boston College is two wins away from a guaranteed winning season and three wins away from their first eight-victory season since going 9-5 in the 2009 season. Four more wins and...well, let's settle on taking it one game at a time and let a punishing ground game do the talking.

Run, run, and run the rock

The 2023 season for the Boston College Eagles has seen the revival of a storied rushing attack. Through eight games, the ground game has accounted for over 1700 yards and 17 touchdowns. This is the same program that struggled to gain even three yards a carry (2.1, to be exact) in 2022. 

This success starts up front, where a steady and healthy offensive line has done serious damage. Their collective play has paved the way for Boston College to rush for 214.5 yards per game, tops in the ACC and 10th-best in the country.

The unit has also allowed only eight sacks and they have mostly figured out the penalties that hampered the Eagles during their 1-3 start.

Boston College has used a balanced effort in the backfield, with the depth of the running back room coming into play often through eight games.

Rising up the depth chart has been transfer Kye Robichaux. Robichaux was thrust into action early, with injuries to Patrick Garwo III and Alex Broome. After a quiet spell at the beginning of this winning streak, Robichaux has risen mightily in the last two games.

Both these games were 100+ yard efforts for the junior, totaling 277 yards on 44 carries, with four touchdowns to his credit.

Overall, Robichaux leads the running backs with 495 yards and six touchdowns, averaging five yards per carry.

Garwo has been in and out of the lineup, appearing in five games. When he's been healthy, Garwo is seeing the success seen two years ago. The graduate has 270 yards and a touchdown this season.

Broome is also coming along in recent weeks and has 204 yards rushing, coming off an 80-yard effort against the Connecticut Huskies.

The running backs have been great but the player with the most rushing yards is quarterback Thomas Castellanos. Castellanos jumped in during week one and hasn't relinquished the starting position yet. He's put the Eagles on his back at times and leads the team with 673 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

Castellanos has provided an added dimension to this offense, allowing the passing game to thrive in moments, with adequate room to improve. 

Boston College's passing game

The Eagles have a true dual threat with Castellanos and helped Boston College to be much improved on offense in '23. The sophomore quarterback continues to grow as a passer and displayed improved pocket presence (out of necessity) in the second half against the Huskies.

A completion percentage of 58.5 can be better, with Castellanos missing on a couple throws each game. But there have been plenty of dropped passes by his teammates, helping contribute to frustration, especially at times when the team is driving and ultimately stalls out.

Castellanos has passed for 1549 yards and 11 touchdowns, along with seven interceptions.

Castellanos has found opportunities to spread the ball around, too. Lewis Bond has slowed in recent weeks, with only eight catches over the last three games. On the season, he leads the team with 31 catches, 437 yards, and five touchdowns.

More opportunities for others have been part of Bond's dip but so, too, has the neck injury to Ryan O'Keefe. With O'Keefe out, opponents have placed more focus on stopping Bond.

O'Keefe was injured on September 30 in a victory over Virginia. The transfer had just begun to find a rhythm with the Eagles and has 23 catches for 235 yards and a touchdown.

Joe Griffin has been steady in '23 with 21 receptions, 261 yards, and a score, while Jaden Williams has been the deep threat for the Eagles. Though Williams has only nine receptions, the speedy junior is averaging nearly 20 yards per catch.

In the victory over Georgia Tech, Castellanos and the Eagles made a concerted effort to get tight ends George Takacs and Jeremiah Franklin involved. That took a backseat against UConn with Takacs missing the game. Combined, the two have only 11 catches so far this season.

Plenty of receivers have been seeing action but the next big thing could be ready to breakout in freshman Jaedn Skeete. Skeete played in his second game of the season against the Huskies, hauling in four passes for 61 yards. It will be interesting to see if Skeete's appearances end at four games, keeping his freshman status in check, or if he plays out the season and brings to the table another talented player to add to the passing game mix.

Powered by the rushing attack, Boston College's offense is doing enough to win games and is buoyed by defense finding the right time to make huge stops.

Veteran players bringing leadership

By no means spectacular or excellent, the defense has been better during the four-game winning streak than unsteady performances during the 1-3 start.

Defense against the rush could be better, and there is still a propensity for giving up the big play, but Boston College has buckled down when needed. 

And improving. Constantly improving.

The Eagles give up 28.4 points per game (a number skewed from allowing 56 against Louisville). Opponents rush for 164.5 yards per game and pass for 199.8. The total yards allowed per game currently ranks 58th in the FBS.

One of the reasons for success for the Eagles is holding opponents to 39.6 percent on third-down conversions. Ten sacks and nine turnovers leave a little something to be desired but when Boston College does get a notch in one of these categories, it's perfect timing to end a game or something great happens.

A top line of defensive players is led by four veterans of the unit. Defensive back Elijah Jones has three of the team's four interceptions. Jones is a constant presence in the secondary and is among the best in the nation in pass breakups. 

Vinny DePalma leads the team in tackles with 58 and fellow linebacker Kam Arnold is third with 38. Toss in Donovan Ezeiruaku (34 tackles, two sacks) and the Eagles have a veteran presence in each area on the defensive side of the ball.

Ezeiruaku has plenty of help up front, including Neto Okpala and Shitta Sillah. Both have two sacks and Okpala has four quarterback hits and a forced fumble to his credit.

John Pupel has also been a welcome addition to the top tier of the defense, checking in with 50 tackles and three tackles for loss. Amari Jackson, after a solid close to 2022, has built upon that and is growing closer to being a star with each game.

Tightening things up is a must for this already steady defense. Signs are already there and now it's simply about playing four good quarters each game for the next four weeks.

Final four games

Rarely is anything a given in college football games. Yes, there are matchups easier to determine than others, but even then, games find ways to surprise.

Boston College has a road ahead in which they could go 4-0 or 0-4 or anywhere in-between. Hopes are they can (and should) go at least 2-2 to finish the regular season with a 7-5 record.

First up is a game at Syracuse (4-4, 0-4), who enters the game on a four-game losing streak. The Orange scored only 34 points during this slump. Two of their opponents have been ranked, however, with their last three opponents carrying a combined 18-6 record. This includes a 41-3 thrashing at the hands of Florida State.

A home game with Virginia Tech is on November 11, followed by a Thursday trip to Pittsburgh. The Panthers have struggled to a 2-6 record but they do own a 38-21 victory over Louisville. After a 1-4 start, Pittsburgh benched former Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec.

The Eagles wrap up the regular season hosting the Miami Hurricanes on 11/24. The Hurricanes currently sit at 6-2, with a loss to Georgia Tech earlier this year.

No easy stretch but as seen this season, Boston College has found ways to win those close games they've almost become accustomed to losing the last few years. In 2023, things are bouncing more Boston College's way. And with a powerful running game and veteran defensive players, a winning season could very well be in the cards.

Image credit: Flickr

Boise State Broncos women's basketball set to make noise in 2023-24

 

Is 2023-24 the season the Boise State Broncos women's basketball team returns to the top of the Mountain West Conference? All signs are trending in the right direction for this experienced squad.

After a four-title stretch ending in March of 2020 that began in the 2016-17 season, the Broncos have faced their struggles in recent years. Difficulties were to be expected, with an almost complete turnover of players after that last championship season.

The ebb and flow of watching a young team grow the last couple of seasons finally morphed into a cohesive unit towards the end of 2022-23, winning 8 of their final 11 games. It was a tenacious squad that excelled in close games and nearly made a late-season run.

Boise State looks to carry momentum into '23-24, where the Broncos return 14 players from a team that went 17-16 (11-7) as season ago. They won an opening-round game in the conference tournament, before falling 59-52 in the quarterfinals to the Colorado State Rams.

The Broncos were selected fourth in the preseason poll, where the UNLV Lady Rebels gained the first-place nod. UNLV is coming off a 31-3 season and looking to win the Mountain West for the third straight time.

Led by a player who will go down as an all-time Bronco great, and others looking to etch their name in Boise State lore, the Broncos are on track to return to glory this season.

Talent, experience on Boise State roster

Depth will be the name of the game for Boise State in '23-24. All five starters return, which is a plus for any team carrying an eye towards locking up a title. With the Broncos, they have an entire second unit (and then some) that will contribute this season.

It's a nice mix of upper and lower classmen, led by senior forward Abby Muse.

Muse, the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in '22-23, was selected to the preseason 1st team this season. She cleaned the key like no other, protecting the rim to the tune of 93 blocked shots as a junior (a single-season record). Muse also tops the list in career blocks, with 171.

Defense is not Muse's only attribute, finishing second on the team in points (9.1) and first in rebounds (8.7). Muse's 630 career rebounds currently place her 12th on the all-time list.

Muse finished with 50.6 shooting percentage from the field, a mark only bettered by her frontcourt mate, senior Elodie Lalotte.

Lalotte was the team's leading scorer at 9.9 points per game, shooting 51.1 percent. Lolotte averaged 6.8 rebounds, and both she and Muse were all-conference honorable mention selections last season.

The frontcourt will be one of the best in the conference and it will be balanced with one of the deepest backcourts in the Mountain West.

Directing the traffic is senior Mary Kay Naro. Naro had 106 assists last season and averaged 5.2 points per game. Their three-point shooting could use some improvement (28 percent) but Naro has a knack for making timely threes, even if the percentage is low. 

Naro's 331 career assists are the sixth best in program history. With a season similar to her first three years, Naro might find herself cracking the top-three.

Surrounding these three seniors will be four sophomores, all who saw the court plenty in the inaugural season of their careers. 

Mya Hansen (9.0 ppg), Natalie Pasco (8.2 ppg), and Dani Bayes (8.0 ppg) all have the ability to knock down the three. Bayes and Pasco combined to make 96 last season, while Hansen connected on 41.3 percent of her attempts. 

Hansen was also a deft passer, finishing with 69 assists in 26 games.

The fourth of these sophomores, Tatum Thompson, progressed as the season went along and continually earned more minutes. Thompson can stretch the floor, adding another option from deep when needed.

These seven players will likely see the chunk of minutes but by no means is this where the rotation ends. Among others, Trista Hull (31 games) and Allie Hueckman (24) add to the depth of this Boise State roster and should see plenty of opportunity to contribute. 

One player missing from last year's team is Anna Ostlie, who chose to return home and transferred to Grand Canyon University.

Still, the guard position has a lot of depth, stretching even further with players who have contributed than those mentioned here. It's not out of the realm of possibility to see the entire roster, if healthy, see minutes each game, at least in non-conference action and perhaps even in the early days of conference play.

Eyeballing the schedule

One of the marquee match-ups for the Broncos on the non-conference slate is meeting in Provo on December 9 with the BYU Cougars. Boise State lost 76-67 to BYU in Boise last season, so the Broncos will be looking to exact a little revenge. A victory might be even sweeter since the Cougars are playing their first season in the Big 12.

It will be a nice match-up for Muse and Boise State's frontcourt, going up against Lauren Gustin, who averaged 16.1 points and 16.7 rebounds per game last season.

The non-conference slate does appear a little light on premier games but the Broncos do play Santa Clara and Rutgers over Thanksgiving in Las Vegas.

Non-conference games will hopefully allow the Broncos to shine bright and be in a good spot heading into conference play. Boise State will get a good test right out of the gate in the Mountain West, with a game in Laramie against Wyoming on December 30.

Other notable dates to look out for: home games vs Nevada (1/3/24), San Diego State (1/13/24) and UNLV (1/24/24), with another early road match-up against New Mexico (1/6/24). The good news is Boise State only faces Colorado State once this season. The bad is it's a road game to close the regular season, part of a three-game swing where the Broncos face UNLV, Air Force, and the Rams, with only the Air Force game at home.

It's a tough close to the season but if this group stays healthy and plays to their potential, a lot more than simply a tournament seeding will be on the line those final weeks. It will be a regular season title the Broncos are playing for, and dreams of dancing will come true once again.

Fantasy novels and a Christmas story: The books of Jason Haskins

 

The phrase "Once upon a time" begins many stories, and will begin this one, too.

Once upon a time, the Journey of Now blog housed all my creative output, writing updates, and general life musings. In the last five years or so, much of the information regarding my writing has been done over on the Jason Haskins website. There is where monthly updates are given and information on novels, plays, theater work, and more resides.

Figuring it almost being Halloween and all, now would be a perfect time to cross the streams and provide information on the four books I've written in the last nine years.

Magic of Crieo book 2: The Dragon Slayer

Release date: December 23, 2022

Availability: Hardcover, paperback, download

The second and final book of the two part Magic of Crieo series, The Dragon Slayer picks up the action immediately after the events taking place in The Blue Gem.

Sullen and defeated, the company that had set out on the expedition to destroy the Blue Gem was scattered. One master Druid was lost, and the other possibly the same at the base of The Dam of Bones, Rukh and the survivors were desperate to find safety. Needed, too, were answers regarding the two talismans.

Across the lands, allies in Crieo, Thurston, and Silist were under attack, with the armies of Alar threatening to disrupt peace. The evil Druid and his cohorts were in dogged pursuit of the Blue Gem and even greater magic in Crieo, willing to stop at nothing to obtain their goals.

Fighting powerful allies, elements of a harsh winter, and the strangeness of unknown lands, the survivors must band together to finish what Stelart started. They must figure out the true magic of the Dragon Slayer and the Blue Gem or risk evil gaining a stranglehold over the world never seen before.

Of Snow Forts and Santa

Release date: November 21, 2019

Availability: Paperback, download

This Christmas novel is the story closest to my heart. Of Snow Forts and Santa is intended for young adults, perfect for readers ages ten and older, but is one enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

One week before Christmas, 11-year-old Lee is in full countdown mode. Snow has started to fall, the decorations are ready to be put up, and she's even prepping for her part in the school's Christmas program. Even as her three siblings attempt to distract her from truly enjoying the Christmas season, Lee maintains a happy disposition as the big day approaches, dreaming of the purple ten-speed bike that tops her Christmas list. Alongside her best friend Stacy, Lee aims to make this the best Christmas yet.

Lee's goals for a perfect last week before Christmas slowly start to fall apart, whether it's dealing with her family, the return of her former best friend, challenging the queen of the fifth grade, or attempting to identify with the pain of Stacy and her family, who have recently suffered a loss.

With Christmas Day fast approaching, Lee's faith and holiday spirit are put to the test. Can she remain on her best behavior? Is there a way to help Stacy? Will there be enough snow to build the grandest snow fort ever created? In her attempt to do all of this and more, with her faith in the season and mankind waning, Lee must re-discover her joy or risk watching another December pass her by.

Magic of Crieo book 1: The Blue Gem

Release date: March 16, 2018

Availability: Paperback, download

In The Blue Gem (book one in the Magic of Crieo series), action picks up 30 years after the events of The Dragon Princess. Old characters mix with new as a group of heroes set out on a new journey to save the lands.

A time of peace across the lands. A Council of Races – led by Druid Stelart and King Rion of Thurston – has helped return a sense of normalcy to the nations. Safe trade routes have been restored and Stelart, along with Belark and Nikkon, has begun the initial stages of training new Druids.

An unexpected attack on a Druid leads Stelart back to one piece of unfinished business surrounding the War of the Lands: the destroying of the Blue Gem, the magical gem imprisoning the Demons.

Along with a young Elvin Druid, Rion’s son, and a collection of others, Stelart leads an expedition to the City in the Clouds to retrieve the hidden Blue Gem before it falls into the hands of an unknown force eager to wipe out the Druids once and for all.

The Dragon Princess

Release date: July 15, 2014

Availability: Paperback, download

It's hard to believe we are coming up on the ten-year anniversary of this book's release in the summer of 2024. The origin of The Dragon Princess dates back to my youth, where the early makings of this story and accompanying fantasy world begin. 

To that end, I am still not done with this story. I am currently working on revisions and edits, and will have a second edition of sorts published in July 2024.

Centuries have passed since the Druids helped the Council of Races to broker peace amongst the lands. Fractures had occurred over time, but it was not until the rise of Druid Kayman that this peace finally broke.

Kayman and his cohorts rose to power and annihilated all but a few of the White Magic Druids, disbanding the Council in the process.  Kayman joined forces with Queen Leron and her minions, the Demons, and the creatures that held the key to all the future power of the lands: the Dragons.

Stopping the Black Magic Druids and their allies rested on an old prophecy derived from ancient times that tells of a child who is born of Dragon's blood. Led by Druid Lemen, finding ways to enlist the help of Prince Rion, his sister Riyana, and a young Druid called Stelart, Lemen moves to meet the Druid Kayman head on.

Untested in battle and in life, it will be up to this trio of young adults to end the evil that looms and once again bring peace and safety to all the lands.

Boise State Broncos men's basketball aiming high in 2023-24

 

Written on the chalkboard in the minds of fans of the Boise State Broncos men's basketball team is four simple words: This is our year.

Words that fade some seasons, grow larger in others. In 2023-24, those four words are written in bold. And, much like when Eddie Adams imagines the name Dirk Diggler in neon lights in Boogie Nights, so, too, does the idea of the Broncos winning an NCAA tournament game flash bright.

This is our year.

The upcoming season for Boise State brings the highest expectations and most hype yet of the Broncos finally picking up that elusive NCAA tournament win. Four times they have made appearances under head coach Leon Rice, the most recent as a 10-seed and quick exit to the Northwestern Wildcats, 75-67.

Picked to finish second in the Mountain West, a solid non-conference special and a mix of solid returning players and fantastic newcomers has the Broncos on track to finally secure that victory.

Boise State Broncos: Glance at the schedule

Fresh off a 24-10 campaign last season, Boise State hopes to build even better in '23-24, starting with a non-conference schedule built to make the Broncos better and stronger. It's a schedule meant to maximize competition and provide opportunities for key wins to help build a resume for March.

Two home games set the season off right for Boise State, November 7 against Vanguard and November 12 against the San Francisco Dons. The Dons have made a return to prominence in recent seasons, reaching the NCAA tournament in 2021-22. They faced some struggles last season but were selected to finish third in the WCC preseason poll.

The talk of the WCC preseason is that the Gonzaga Bulldogs were not selected to win the conference. That honor belongs to the Saint Mary's Gaels, who just so happen to being facing Boise State in a neutral site game (in Idaho Falls) on December 1. The Gaels enter the season with an AP preseason ranking of no. 23.

Prior to this meeting, the Broncos have a road test in the ACC, taking on the Clemson Tigers. This leads into the ESPN Events Invitational November 23 - 26, where Boise State has the potential to face another team with a preseason top-25 ranking. The Broncos open with Virginia Tech, then face either the VCU Rams or Iowa State Cyclones. 

It is the third game of that tournament where Boise State might face Texas A&M or Florida Atlantic, both who are currently ranked and on the top half of the tournament bracket.

Washington State and North Texas are among the other non-conference games on Boise State's agenda.

Things won't get easier in conference play, where the national runners-up from last season are predicted to again win the Mountain West Conference.

The San Diego Aztecs saw their special NCAA tournament run end fall just short last spring and enter this season ranked no. 17 in the AP preseason poll. (Fans will have to wait until January 20 for the Broncos to meet the Aztecs in Boise.)

The New Mexico Lobos, UNLV Runnin' Rebels, Colorado State Rams, and Nevada Wolf Pack are also teams vying to usurp the Aztecs and Broncos this season. (If all goes right, I can see the conference receiving four or five bids to the NCAA tourney next spring.)

Navigating this schedule will surely have ups-and-downs but if anything, Boise State's roster is built to weather the storm.

Key returners for Broncos

A trio of starters, all who were major contributors to last season's Boise State run, will again help lead the way in '23-24.

Tyson Degenhart, Max Rice, and Chibuzo Agbo all bring plenty of experience, talent, and leadership to form the core of the Boise State lineup. 

Degenhart, despite seeing added focus from opponents and carrying more of the burden for the Broncos, led the team in scoring at 14.1 points per game. Degenhart played in all 34 games and shot 53.7 percent from the field. Three-point shooting was down to 32.7 (from 42.5 as a freshmen), some of which can be attributed to opponents throwing more at him.

The junior is the team's top returning rebounder, pulling down 5.3 per game last season.

Not far behind Degenhart in many of the stat categories is Max Rice. Rice has been almost invaluable on occasions throughout his Boise State career and everything seemed to come together for the guard in '22-23. Rice averaged 14 points per game and pulled down 4.6 rebounds. He, too, played in every game and connected on 74 three-pointers, shooting 40.9 percent.

Another sharpshooter will also take the court again for Boise State this season. Agbo made 66 threes, shooting 40.3 percent. The senior averaged 11.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Agbo averaged just under 30 minutes per game last season, partially due to finding foul trouble now and again. Both Rice and Degenhart averaged over 34 minutes a game last season, a number I'd like to see go down slightly, especially with Rice. Both are valuable, of course, but a deeper bench can help offset some of those minutes, keeping the legs fresh come March.

A deep bench is a huge possibility this season. Not only do the Broncos have players like Jace Whiting, Kobe Young, Mohamed Sylla, and a healthy RJ Keene ready to contribute, but a slew of newcomers is ready to run the court.

Newcomers set to shine bright

Upperclassmen highlight the top of Boise State's roster but there are plenty of transfers and lower classmen set to contribute.

Replacing big men Naje Smith and Lukas Milner will be no easy feat but coach Rice went out and found some great possibilities in the transfer portal. Junior O'Mar Stanley arrives from St. John's, where he made 18 starts last season.

The real x-factor might be senior Cam Martin. Martin redshirted the last two seasons while at Kansas. Though he only played four games for the Jayhawks, Martin arrives with a highly-decorated resume from his years at Missouri Southern State.

There, Martin played 86 games, averaging 23.7 points.

Toss in freshman Andrew Meadow, who already boasts an outstanding highlight reel and a flair that has won over fans, and the Broncos seem primed to be set in the frontcourt.

The backcourt, too, needs some help with the departure of Marcus Shaver Jr. Shaver was a stalwart during his time at Boise State. In addition to the returnees, a couple of new faces will help fill the void at guard.

Roddie Anderson III arrives from UC San Diego, where Anderson led all Big West freshman in scoring at 15.8 points per game. Anderson's scoring is a plus but his defensive pressure will be key and he's also an excellent rebounder from the guard position.

Freshman Chris Lockett Jr. arrives as the Louisiana State Gatorade Player of Year. It will be interesting to see where Lockett fits in this season. There seems to be a strong chance he will contribute but I wonder if coach Rice gives Lockett a redshirt season to prep for the future.

Depth will be needed if the Boise State Broncos are to succeed in finally securing that first NCAA tournament victory. This is not to stay 10-11 players should average between 10-25 minutes per game. But it is a team that can easily go 10 deep, with all contributing in a variety of ways. No matter how it does play out, a healthy Boise State season will mean a lot come March. And that may mean, finally, the four words on the chalkboard can take on an entirely different meaning in the future.

Boston College Eagles: Emphatic performance in third-straight victory

 

Celebrate. Rejoice. Keep calm and carry on. These are among the options in recognizing the Boston College Eagles are now owners of a three-game winning streak.

A balanced effort, powered by a fourth quarter rushing attack of utter dominance, helped Boston College collar a 38-23 road victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday.

Over 1000 yards of total offense were shared between the two teams in this much-anticipated matchup between two teams with strong rushing attacks. It was Boston College (4-3, 2-2), who ran for over 300 yards for the second game in a row, that found the extra stops on defense to secure the victory.

Finding ways, too, in holding Georgia Tech (3-4, 2-2) to field goals rather than touchdowns also helped pave the way for a Boston College victory. An offense that kept Georgia Tech guessing also allowed the strength of the Eagles to shine exactly when they needed it most.

Flying with the ground game

The 38 points scored by Boston College was a team-high for the 2023 season, and the first time the program scored 35+ since scoring 38 against Maine in game three of 2022. They even left points off the board, missing a 47-yard field goal and throwing an interception in the end zone, both in the third quarter.

The interception by Thomas Castellanos was devastating and could have turned the entire game around. Boston College was driving with ease to open the second half before the pick. And of course, Georgia Tech took advantage minutes later on a 71-yard touchdown run by quarterback Hayes King. This turned what could have been a two-score Eagles lead into a tie game.

A tough third quarter saw the Eagles lose the lead but fourth quarter resolve paved the way for victory.

Boston College ran with authority in the first half but the play calling went away from it far too much in effort to get the pass game going. And that wasn't too pretty, especially in the first quarter, with dropped passes and bad misfires. Castellanos was only 3-8 that quarter but thanks to a great reception of 45 yards by Kye Robichaux, had 70 yards passing.

The young quarterback improved with each quarter and finished 17-29 for 255 yards.

It was in the ground game where Castellanos did major damage as the Eagles wore out the Yellow Jackets defense. After 79 yards rushing in the first half, Boston College nearly double that total in the third quarter. And they nearly did again in the fourth, cranking out 153 rushing yards in the final quarter, including eight straight runs to close out the game.

Castellanos ended with 128 yards on 13 carries, scoring two times. But it was the Robichaux who topped the charts once again for the Eagles.

Robichaux, getting the start in place of an injured Pat Garwo, showed off his talent. While his role had lessened since Garwo's return from early season injury, Robichaux stayed focused and stepped up, rushing for 165 yards on 21 carries, scoring two touchdowns. He also added three receptions for 54 yards and proved to be integral part of the victory.

Robichaux was one of eight players to have a reception for Boston College. Topping the list was once again Lewis Bond, who had five catches for 72 yards. One of the things I loved to see was the attempt early to get the tight ends involved. George Takacs and Jeremiah Franklin were targeted a combined four times in the first quarter. Takacs had a drop but Franklin caught both of his targets, including a 30-yard reception on a 2nd down and 22.

Takacs had a huge 27-yard reception in the fourth quarter on the drive where the Eagles took the lead for good. He and Franklin finished with a combined three catches (on five targets) for 62 yards.

While the offense managed to score three touchdowns in the final quarter, they were buoyed by a defense that dug in deep to help secure the victory.

Boston College Eagles defense creates opportunities

Amari Jackson and Elijah Jones had been so close to making game-changing plays in 2023. 

On Saturday, both delivered with serious might.

Jones was a huge factor in the fourth quarter, hauling in two interceptions during the game's final nine minutes. The first was followed by a Robichaux touchdown, providing the game's final score. And the second essentially sealed the victory for Boston College, as the Eagles were able to run out the final 5:42 of the game.

Jackson's interception in the first quarter provided Boston College's first touchdown on the day, and could easily be a top-10 highlight of the week.

Jackson added four tackles and Jones finished with three PBUs to his credit.

While the forced turnovers were game changes, Boston College failed to tally a sack. That's not to say the defensive line didn't have a good game. And sure, the Yellow Jackets ran for 248 yards and averaged over seven yards a carry but lineman were in on a lot of tackles, with Shitta Sillah (4), Donovan Ezeiruaku (3), George Rooks (3), and Cam Horsley (3) all major contributors on the day.

John Pupel led the team with eight tackles. Six were solo and Pupel had one tackle for loss.

Boston College was also able to hold Georgia Tech to 3-11 on third down conversions, locking in when needed.

In season's past, and even in their 1-3 start in '23, this had all the makings of a game Boston College might lose. Hang around, having an early lead but faltering late (or hurting themselves) seemed to be a blueprint in recent seasons for Boston College. Today may have provided further proof the trend is changing. The Eagles gain more confidence with each victory, especially as they keep happening on the road. Do it again at home next week against the Connecticut Huskies and Boston College will be one step closer to the thing that seemed out of reach after a 1-3 start: becoming bowl eligible. 

photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Payton Pritchard set for a sky-high 2023-24 for Boston Celtics

 

The Payton Pritchard relaunch tour is set to take place for the Boston Celtics in 2023-24.

Pritchard as a prized sharpshooter off the bench is a main focus for the Celtics as they look to get back to the NBA Finals. His rise to elite in the shooting department was supposed to happen in the guard's third season. Unfortunately, that never materialized and Pritchard saw less minutes, leading to the lowest numbers of his career.

A crowded backcourt and bench kept Pritchard's minutes down.  Those obstacles were cleared with the trades of Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon. And while Derrick White and newcomer Jrue Holiday will see the majority of backcourt minutes, Pritchard will have plenty of chances to seize the opportunity for more playing time.

Glancing in the rearview

After increased contributions and value in his first two seasons, Pritchard was poised for a true breakout in 2022-23. The aim was simple: fill a role the Celtics desperately needed in recent seasons and provide them with a knockdown three-point shooter off the bench. Not to say Boston hasn't been a decent three-point shooting team in the last five season but no one particularly stood out as a player who scares opponents any time the shot is launched from deep.

Best hopes were quickly dashed and fans were treated to a Pritchard sighting only once or twice a week in the early going last season. Pritchard appeared in only three games during the team's first six, playing a grand total of 16 minutes in October.

It was really until the calendar flipped to 2023 in which Pritchard played more consistent minutes. The output wasn't consistent, however. Pritchard would delight by hitting three or four 3's in a game, with a high percentage, followed by four-and-five game stretches of going 4-18 from deep (or thereabouts).

All told, Pritchard's third season saw him post career lows in games (48), points per game (5.6) field goal percentage (41.2) and three-point percentage (36.4), among other categories. 

Pritchard finished the regular season with a flourish, scoring 52 points in Boston's last two games. He was 13-24 from three-point range and had a triple-double (30 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists) in the regular season finale against the Atlanta Hawks.

Yes, playoff spots were secured, and starters were being rested but it's efforts like that for Pritchard that prove he is capable of being a regular, high-volume contributor on the Celtics.

Pritchard: 2023-24 outlook

Pritchard got his offseason started off right when he was named to the 2023 USA Basketball Men's Select Team. This allowed Pritchard to train and practice with the men's national team as they prepared for the 2023 World Cup.

Keeping consistent with that high-level of an offseason has carried over to the preseason for Pritchard. Through four games, Pritchard is averaging nearly 19 points, with one game left on the agenda (in-progress as of this writing) before regular season play opens for Boston on October 25 in New York against the Knicks.

In more indication that Pritchard is an important part of the future for the Celtics, he was signed to a 4-year, 30-million dollar extension earlier in October. 

All signs are pointing to Pritchard's fourth season being his best yet. A good, healthy season would mean Pritchard seeing 20+ minutes per game and contributing 8-10 points. It's entirely doable, especially as Pritchard adds a pesky defense when called upon. Add a few more assists each game, and Pritchard is well on his way to being a valuable contributor to this franchise for years to come.

photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Music of a lifetime, lyrics and beats for the soul

 

Music has the ability to transcend the mundane and the difficult, the standard fun and the day-to-day grind of life. Music can bring people together, divide them, and help launch 1000 ships. Okay, that last one is Helen of Troy. But the fact remains the music of life can soothe the soul and bring together shared experiences like no other (simply look at the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, if convincing needs to be made).

Good music and good songs can take a sad mood to a happy one and vice versa.  The sounds and rhythm can jack up the energy or mellow one out.  And no doubt songs and albums can transport you across memories, especially when so specifically tied to events in one's life. (Perhaps, too, the band No Doubt carries that ability, if it suits the soul.)

Song or album, artist or band, these might not even be related to the first time in hearing the piece of music, though those occurrences are special, too.  Memories of music can range from all sorts of events; from a concert with friends to late-night parties, heartbreak and love, and as far (and simple) as the days driving around in a car, jostling loose hidden memories from youth.

A catchy song may stick with you for days or years, whether they are good, annoying, campy, or anywhere in between.  There's a reason jingles stick with a person like an annoying itch in the middle of the back that can't be bothered to be scratched. Or lyrics can randomly pop into the head, out of nowhere and years removed from popularity or familiarity.

Music, the fantastic, brilliant and beyond, finds ways to stand the test of time.  Songs often played over and over again, day or night. Albums on repeat, giving over to the story telling of 10-15 songs to sway to and learn from.  Above all else, sending the listener back in time to memories attached to the soul, forever linked between the bars.

* To be clear, the discussion below is not intended to be a complete journey of my music tastes. The idea is to bring forth a handful of songs/musicians/etc. that evoke something in me to this day, and hopefully bring to you a recognition of songs personal to you that may affect you in some way.

Rock on

Rock and Pop music span a vast genre, with a multitude of subgenres layered to elicit emotional responses. Was I child who rocked out with exponential delight? Probably not, unless running into a room whenever The Muppet Show theme played counts.

There are artists and bands I was raised on I still love/like/dislike to this very day. Naturally, memories span decades, whether rocking to the Huey Lewis and the News album Sports on a road trip with my dad to softball tournament or singing "We Didn't Start the Fire" on the same trip.

And it can be as simple as the vinyl albums of Cat Stevens, The Beatles, and Simon and Garfunkel played by mom in the family living room.

Of course, too, there are oddities mixed in, like when hearing "Bad Medicine" by Jon Bon Jovi or "Born to be Wild" by Steppenwolf. Both take me back to Friday and Saturday nights in the high school gym, where the Elko High School Pep band blasted both as I watched my dad coach high school basketball games (and being able to follow the team out of the locker room, even at an early age, was something that gave me chills).

Somewhere around this time is when (as memory serves) I received my first actual grown-up cassette tape, when Michael Jackson's Bad appeared in my Christmas stock. It must have been around the same era in which I possessed Whitesnake's self-titled album, with such hits as "Still of the Night", "Is This Love" and "Here I Go Again" (a song that I've always joked haunts me, because after losses in my life, love or otherwise, I tend to hear this song randomly after going years without hearing it).

Songs off the Dead Presidents soundtrack (artists include Isaac Hayes, Aretha Franklin, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Marvin Gaye, and James Brown, to name a few) take me back to later high school years, listening to the CD on repeat. And Brown's songs, these days, remind me of the chance in getting to see him live in concert, close friends by my side.

I truly began to really appreciate music in college. And college is where many music memories tie to. To this day, hearing "Piano Man" draws me back in to those parties where friends would close the night in a circle, drunk and swaying to the soulful sounds of Billy Joel.

Of course, there are also memories I wish I could forget. Like the former boss who decided to sing "follow the wiener down" in the song "Seeing Red" by Unwritten Law (rather than the correct "follow the leader down").

Rock and Pop, with all its offshoots and branches, collectively could fill up an entire book of my life, especially as it bleeds over into the next category in this post. 

Love & Heartbreak

Love songs, sad songs. Ballads to make you cry, swoon, and dance to; to reminisce on and reflect upon in so many ways.

In this regard, even with a widespread range of emotions, I am not only speaking of relationships involving romantic love, loss, and heartbreak, but those dealing with family and friends as well. (The good times, the bad times, and so on.)

A little of this was discussed in a post about Ben Folds a few months back. And Folds has many songs spanning his albums that are tied to specific memories of my life.

The ache of a love song hit me at an early age, involving a song I'd forgotten about for upwards of 12 years. It wasn't until the great Lochlyn Munro sang the song "At This Moment" by Billy Vera in the film Duets in which I was reminded of being in the second or third grade and hearing this song and being sad for some reason. Was it very youthful heartache? A dream of finding a great love? I cannot tell you.

(To venture on a side journey, in writing this post, I learned that the song was featured heavily in the sitcom Family Ties. So, maybe I heard it back in the day more often that I remember).

Elliott Smith contributes much more to my music aesthetic than simply belonging in this category but there is a certain sadness tied to heartache. Smith first caught me when hitting the mainstream with the Good Will Hunting soundtrack. Then, my love for him grew. The first album I bought of his was XO, at a now defunct record store in Boise, Idaho (a record store I cannot remember the name of, as I was new to the city, but remember walking downstairs to get to it, in downtown Boise). Most times I play this CD, I think back to that day and that store.

Smith also contributed to Sad Sunday mixes over the years, in which time was reflected on lost loves, lost opportunities, and potential partners. Music that also included the stylings of Tom Waits, another favorite who sits with me in a variety of ways.

To top it off, American Hi-Fi, Sheryl Crow, Mazzy Star, the Avett Brothers, Daft Punk, Ben Harper, Joshua Radin, Third Eye Blind, and Band of Horses are among the plethora of musicians and bands who have provided the backdrop for love and heartbreak over the years.

Music in this category tends to lean to the sad side of things but is tied to happy memories. And there's always the next category to balance things out, if needed.

Shout out to the Rap Gods

Once mentioned in an earlier post regarding Dr. Dre and the Detox album, I really began to dig into Rap music in the ninth grade. Prior, the top hits of Vanilla Ice, Kriss Kross, and MC Hammer filled my brain, owning the cassettes of each. And the Beastie Boys fighting for their right to party kept me alert. And there was point in the late elementary school where I was introduced to 2 Live Crew and the song "One and One" during a winter afternoon outing with friends.

But to this day, when I hear Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice", I am transported back to hearing that song in the bleachers while waiting for a basketball game to start. Thus, beginning my true love of rap music.

Taste in the genre grew, digging into its origins and style (which was still somewhat fresh at the time, Hip-Hop even now celebrating only its 50th anniversary). The poetry and lyrics by these stars of the 1990s could lift me out of a sad mood, mostly in part because listening got me to rap along. The energy and enthusiasm helped brighten my mood, if only temporarily.

The multitude of Rap and Hip-Hop artists enjoyed over the years means the memories run deep. There's 2pac's "Changes", bringing forth the time a good friend and I listened to this song on repeat in my car while a party we were attending raged on in a nearby house. We sat there on the cold night, discussing the storytelling and impact of the song; a memory I look back on with fondness.

The same can be said, too, about the song "Slump" by Outkast and its accompanying album Aquemini. Music that stands the test of time and takes me back to a night in the late 90s, home on college break and a good evening spent with friends from my high school days.

Eminem burst onto the scene when I was in college, so there is an attachment to whenever I hear "My Name Is", taking me back to a dorm room, watching the music video at all times of day. And, to a lesser extent, the memory of buying The Slim Shady LP at the local Circuit City. (There is also something intriguing and nostalgic about tying memories to establishments that no longer have retail stores).

Many of Eminem's albums, when listened to in the present day, have my mind drifting to specific instances where his music filled my ears. Long drives, playing The Eminem Show on repeat. And The Marshall Mathers LP 2, once blasting in my car on my way to work overnight shifts at Toys "R" Us.

The list of Hip-Hop and Rap music tied to specific instances in my life is a long one. While I remain stuck in the past in many ways with this genre, I do venture into the newer artists on occasion. But there is comfort in the music of yesteryear, as it were, especially when it comes to the likes of Jay Z, Biggie, the Wu-Tang Clan, and many, many more.

The intricacies of music and memories are woven together, fine-tuned and played on repeat. Though personal to me, I hope this post has you digging into your own music personal history. What musicians and/or songs evoke specific memories for you? Feel free to comment, whether those artists and bands, songs and albums are mainstream or not. Because who knows, sharing music not known to some may eventually provide a memory for others. A memory to be absorbed for a lifetime.

Boise State Broncos football: Ebbs and flows of 2023 season

 

Like Bruce Springsteen wailing about sitting around talking about old times, so, too, do many fans reminiscing about the glory days of the Boise State Broncos football team.

Perhaps it's a generation gathered at a diner, talking of a Division 1-AA championship and the years of being competitive in that subdivision. Or it's a generation conversing about the struggles and early years of rejuvenation in the late 1990s. And it's even perhaps a generation shouting behind a keyboard, raised on a nearly unrepeatable stretch when Boise State was the darling and giant slayer of college football. (For the record, I am part of that middle generation onward.)

A 3-3 start to the 2023 season for the Broncos has many looking back to the golden years, of which I'm referring to 2006-2014, for the sake of this post. An era with Fiesta Bowl victories galore. Undefeated seasons. Rose Bowl dreams (oh so close). NFL draft picks and the all-time leader in wins with quarterback Kellen Moore.

High hopes of kicking off a new era in recapturing those glory days, has been dashed in 2023, in terms of a big bowl game or playoff crasher. A good football team resides in the Boise State locker room, with players and coaches that maybe took the first steps in the second half against San Jose State in leaving their mark and identity on this program.

Coaching and expectations

Andy Avalos is only the third head coach for the Boise State Broncos since 2006, which is pretty solid to think about. Avalos hasn't enjoyed quite the rosy start his two predecessors did but there is also a heavy transfer portal, NIL deals, and tougher non-conference schedules to consider.

Now in year three, another slow start did little to stem those ready to move on. Living up to a higher standard for the "little school that could" comes with the position. Yes, there is disappointment the titles simply aren't rolling in like they used to. But, unless a coach is winless in their first two seasons, or can't crack .500 in three, or they lose control of a program, then they should get at least four years to make things work. That's how long it can take for their recruits to really take hold in some cases.

With the resources of the Boise State athletic department and football program, titles and higher win percentages are of course expected to be maintained. One thing to be considered is the quality of play in non-conference (and even conference) opponents has improved over the years, making it that much harder to gather those 10-win seasons consistently.

That is not to say that's all a team should strive for but the fact that the Broncos keep putting together winning seasons should be commended.

Granted, Boise State entered this season with grand hopes of navigating this difficult gauntlet with a perfect record intact. There was an energy swirling in camp, especially after the fantastic close to the 2022 season. 

It was never going to be easy, and the three non-conference losses proved exactly that. A loss to a top-ten ranked Washington Huskies team, who boasts the top offense in the nation. Close losses to UCF, who is also 3-3 (0-3 in their first Big 12 conference games), and a Memphis team whose only loss was to the 5-1 Missouri Tigers.

Both winnable games and very tough losses; games in which season-long struggles were on display.

Boise State Broncos defense struggles

Halfway through the 2023 season, the major problem on this side of the ball, for all eyes to see, has been the secondary (and accompanying schemes). Against Washington (5-0), I gave them a pass the high-flying, magical ways of Heisman frontrunner Michael Penix Jr. (1999 passing yards, 16 TD, 2 INT).

But since, quarterbacks, both good and bad, have found ways to scorch the Boise State defense.

Replacing NFL selections JL Skinner, Tyreque Jones, and Caleb Biggers in the secondary was always going to be a tall task. But there was plenty of field experience coming back, notably with players who had contributed the last two seasons.

Hopefully, we'll see more of that second half passion and talent that was on display with the comeback against the Spartans last Saturday. 

Of course, this isn't the first time it seemed like the defense had things figured out. A bend-but-don't break effort, with a handful of interceptions as well, helped keep Boise State in the game against UCF. And the first half effort (most of it) against Memphis made it seem like that game was about to be a lock.

Up front on the line and the linebacker corps, production has been steady. In the back half of the season, stepping up one more notch would go a long way in keeping some of the pressure off an improving offense.

Offense: Boise State mixing things up

The Boise State Broncos on offense, even with uncertainty and inconsistency, has actually been putting up points. After only scoring 35 points in their first two games, has averaged 35.8 in their last four. 

They aren't doing this with the thundering ground game envisioned back in August. George Holani hasn't played since the season-opener thanks to an injury, forcing Ashton Jeanty to carry the load.

Not that Jeanty hasn't risen to the occasion.

Fumbles aside, the sophomore has had an outstanding season, rushing for 656 yards and eight touchdowns. He also has 354 receiving yards and four touchdowns through the air.

Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan may have leaned a little too much into the passing game in those early losses but has found a better balance since. I never thought Hamdan and Avalos, even with the return of Holani, Jeanty, and quarterback Taylen Green, would stick with the run-heavy attack Dirk Koetter implemented last season. I think they had to adjust due to Holani's injury and may have initially overcompensated with too many pass plays.

That's getting figured out now, with the team trying to make a two-quarterback system work. One game in and it seemed to do the trick, with freshman Maddux Madsen doing outstanding things in earning his playing time.

And while there has been some disappointment among the receivers, Eric McAlister is not. He showed brief flashes last season and all he's done through six games is lead the Broncos in receptions and receiving yards.

Despite the sad fact of sitting at .500 through six games, the Boise State Broncos have a lot bubbling in terms of good things. The next step is at Colorado State on Saturday evening. Building off that momentum from last week's game against San Jose State is a must. Capture that style, energy, and productivity, and the Broncos will be well on their way. And hopefully, into the future, a generation will point to that half as the moment the career of Avalos really took off and a new era was ushered in.

photo credit: Flickr

Boston College Eagles: Da do run run (to victory)

 

Wacky weather and the Boston College Eagles are becoming fast friends in the 2023 season.

On Saturday in a road game against Army, it was a storm-filled, rain-soaked affair.  Powered by a crushing offensive line and bruising ground game, the Eagles prevailed in the final seconds for a 27-24 victory.

Two of Boston College's three wins so far this season have been in bad weather situations. The first was against Holy Cross, in which lightning delayed the game.

Of course, weather aside, these are two games Boston College were fully capable of winning. Both were closer than desired, especially against Army after such a dominant first half. The Eagles allowed the Army Black Knights (2-3) to come back and take the lead, bringing about frustration. But Boston College again showed their determination, led by a quarterback who brought some rainy-day magic.

Castellanos and company collaborate

The passing game took a backseat for Boston College on Saturday. For good reason, as the rushing attack pounded out 299 yards with an array of style and substance.

Inclement weather factored into the added emphasis, yes. But quarterback Thomas Castellanos kept his legs churning all game and the running back crew alongside him only got better with each quarter. This helped make the decision to focus on a run-heavy attack all the easier of head coach Jeff Hafley and the Eagles.

Castellanos managed to attempt only nine passes against the Black Knights, completing four for 73 yards. An interception was mixed in and the best connection on the day was a 57-yard completion to Jaden Williams.

Mostly abandoning the passing in favor of running proved to be smart. To the tune of 31 carries, Castellanos racked up 142 yards and four touchdowns, capped with the game-winner with only 25 seconds remaining.

Castellanos grinded things out for short gains and busted out with fluid long runs. This plan of attack was repeated at will, with running backs contributing in big doses.

Patrick Garwo III had his finest game of the season, notching 14 carries for 111 yards, highlighted by a 50-yard gallop. Alex Broome, despite some missteps, also found daylight on occasion. Plus, Kye Robichaux had hard-earned fourth quarter yards and even the receivers got in on the action, with Nate Johnson busting out an 18-yard scamper.

Ball control was important, as the defense followed a solid first half with an effort that had trouble containing Army after halftime.

Boston College Eagles defense improving

The Black Knights scored 21 of their 24 points after the break. A total that might have been more, and effected the outcome of this game, if not for an overturned touchdown on an illegal forward pass call.

Before the final 30 minutes, Boston College's defense impressed. The Eagles were containing Army's bread and butter rushing attack and it actually looked like the team might win in easy fashion.

Army got things rolling in the second half, finishing with 161 yards on the ground. Though they allowed 4.9 yards per carry, the Eagles did hold Army to nearly 45 yards under their season average.

Trouble slowing the Army passing game, for what it was, also nearly did the Eagles in. Boston College allowed Army quarterback Bryson Daily to throw 10-13 for 105 yards and a score. Daily also led the Black Knights with 99 yards on the ground.

Boston College had no sacks and only three tackles for loss but they did enough to keep control. Please, just put more effort like in the first half and things will be dandy.

The Eagles did force three fumbles, the biggest of which they recovered on Army's final drive. It was defensive back John Pupel again in on the action. Pupel is having quite the season, and added six more tackles to his total.

Jalen Cheek also had six tackles, while linebacker Vinny DePalma was again top the leaderboard with nine. 

Boston College has clawed their way back with a couple of "dig down deep" victories. They have a bye week before heading to Georgia Tech on Oct. 21, where the Eagles have a chance to go above .500 for the first time since 2021. They were 6-4 late in the season and that was also the last time the Eagles won back-to-back games.

Perhaps, after all this time, Boston College can finally say: the times, they are a changin'. 

photo credit: Wikimedia Commons