Completely Unofficial BC SMU Game Thread

[Charleston Pony]

BC is killing us with big chunk plays on 1st down. Really need a 1st down stop or a TFL. Time for the D to step up on 1st & 2nd downs or BC is going to run this down the field and win this game

[peruna81]

Okay, we have a lot to work on for next week...


Ahem...

[leopold]

WoO HOO

SMOO gonna win!!

I'll take it. Way to handle a tough BC team ponies.

[SRQPony]

Living on the edge

[Arkpony]

We really had to have that last TD! We escaped!!!

[SMU Pony Mom]

Yes!!! That was way too stressful to watch. We got very lucky to survive!!

[indianmustang]

did BC play really good or we just were meh

[peruna81]

did BC play really good or we just were meh

Solid "Meh" from the play calling side. And true to form, we made a back-up QB look like Montana.

[leopold]

JasonB, as usual, called it:

BC RUNNING AGAINST SMU DEFENSE

This is where BC has really figured things out. They have an outstanding run blocking OL. They are the ultimate Run The Damn Ball team, where they are killing teams with the OL and then suddenly will decide to pass the ball and screw things up. That all stopped last weekend after they made the QB change - they stuck with the run and pulverized Syracuse at the LOS. What is really interesting to watch is the size and athleticism of the OL group. They pull everyone and run off the edge. When they really got it going against Syracuse, there were plays where they would pull the C, RG, and RT all on a play run to the left and just manhandle Syracuse on that side of the ball. We have not played against a team who runs the ball like that.

This is where we need to watch if Roberts plays, and if he doesn't who the second string DE is going to be. Cam will start, and he does fine against the run on the edge. But if the next one up is Abiara, how does he handle the physicality in that running game?

Against a scheme like this, the two DTs and the backside DE actually become really important. When they right off the left side, for example, the DT on your right side needs to be able to dominate a 1v1 and force a double team. The DT on the left needs to either prevent the C/RG from pulling or they need to have the pursuit speed to catch the RB from the backside. Same with the backside DE - they need to actively chase from the backside. If I am BC, I am trying to pick where JHH/Roberson line up and I am running my pull play off the end to that side. I am going to test if Tank/Lockhart can make a play from the backside DT spot that I am pulling from. When BC ran a pull play against Syracuse, the guard would take out a tackle 1v1, and the OT would take out the DE, so the pulling guard could hammer the LB and create a massive running lane. The DE and DT on the side BC is running to have to win battles to force engagement from the pulling guard so that the LB is free to make the play. Otherwise it is a long day. Luckily, SMU also has a great safety group and BC isn't too much of a passing threat, so they can provide help as well.

As for the running backs, they have a good core of solid running backs who are fast enough and really physical. They churn yards. The exception to the group is the guy who played a big role for the first time last week, number 24 McDonald, who is a transfer from UCF. I don't know why he hasn't been playing, but he is a long, lanky running back that hits the hole very hard and is more explosive than the other backs. Very quick acceleration after the handoff, which doesn't give you much time to penetrate the line. He is definitely someone to keep an eye on.

Again, SMU has been great against the run all season. I'd expect it to continue. But the scheme is awesome to watch, and it could cause us some problem. This is the best OL group we have faced this year, and keep an eye on Roberts' replacement if he can't go.

BC had a lot more Time of Possession this game by keeping control of the ball and consistently converting on third and fourth and short. Credit them by keeping the ball and keeping KJ and crew chained to the sidelines, thus keeping the score closer.

You saw on the last drive what happened when they were forced to try to score quickly - things fell apart for them.

Give credit where credit is due - this is on Boston College and their old school, play-to-their-strengths approach. Heckuva game by them.

[highlander]

did BC play really good or we just were meh

I would say a little of both. They are not a bad team, as demonstrated by their record. I feel like we got kind of cocky after we moved the ball so easily on our first 3 drives, and stopped them so easily on their first 2 drives. We really missed Roberts this game.

[Smumba2009]

Keeping winning.... Get healthy

[SMUer]

Yeah their OL was impressive and still made 3 yard plays on what looked like nothing just because of their initial push. Their plan was to keep our offense off the field and they were mostly successful in that. We made some adjustment that finally gave us a decent pass rush, and that was the key to our win. Bravo to whoever made that switch.