Final Thoughts & Predictions – Boston College vs Rutgers

BOSTON COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK, BABY! Tomorrow afternoon, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights journey to Chestnut Hill to face the Boston School Eagles in every crew’s opening contest of the 2022 season.

BC is working it again with a wholesome squad now that Phil Jurkovec returns because the beginning QB fully-healed from his hand harm that restricted him in 2021. Zay Flowers (and the remainder of a terrific receiving corps), Pat Garwo III, and George Takacs are able to set the ACC on hearth. The protection returns nearly all of its key items and Jeff Hafley has had the chance to teach them as much as the next degree. This Boston School crew is primed to make some severe noise within the ACC (and the nation) if issues break their means, and all of it begins week 1 in opposition to Rutgers. Caring for enterprise in opposition to a really beatable Large Ten crew is step one in proving BC belongs with the massive boys this yr. Let’s get at it and have some enjoyable alongside the best way.

What to Watch For

• Offensive line play. BC’s greatest weak point this season will seemingly be an inexperienced offensive line. Rutgers ought to have a middle-of-the-pack speeding protection and cross rush, so the OL efficiency on Saturday will inform us rather a lot about how we are able to anticipate the season to go. In the event that they’re struggling out of the gate, it might be a troublesome yr.
• Phil Jurkovec’s throwing capacity. Jurk injured his hand in 2021 and was rushed again from harm by week 9, clearly underperforming in his capacity to throw the ball. Take note of his throwing energy and accuracy early on, as we must always hopefully see dramatic enchancment from what it regarded like within the again half of 2021.
• BC’s entrance 7. Aside from the lack of Isaiah Graham-Mobley, BC is returning (and including) a whole lot of manufacturing to its DL and LB corps. Their efficiency final yr left a lot to be desired, so an enchancment to start out the 2022 season can be a great omen of issues to return.
• On the Rutgers aspect, the #1 factor to concentrate to is their QB and offensive playcalling. In the event that they trot out Noah Vedral like they did final season, I wouldn’t be too apprehensive about Boston School being favored on this sport. BC can undoubtedly deal with Vedral. But when Rutgers as an alternative is utilizing sophomore Gavin Wimsatt behind heart, there might be extra to fret about. Wimsatt makes the Rutgers offense much more dynamic and unpredictable, one thing that might be harmful in week 1. The opening sport of the yr is at all times the almost certainly to get a wacky end result as a result of groups are rusty and nonetheless determining precisely find out how to put the very best product on the sector. If Rutgers brings out a wildcard like Wimsatt and calls much more designed QB runs or rollouts, it makes an upset a bit extra seemingly. They might additionally begin sophomore Evan Simon, making issues equally unpredictable.

Tailgate Deal with of the Week

An outdated BCI weekly custom throughout soccer season was AJ Black’s Beer of the Week. As I take over these weekly sport prep articles, I’m placing my very own twist on it: Tailgate Deal with of the Week! Something from beer to meals to snacks and extra is all truthful sport.

For week 1, I’m recommending you begin your Saturday with a great old style bagel from Rosenfeld’s in Newton Centre! A 12pm kickoff means you’ll must get to an early begin in your morning tailgate. And in opposition to a crew from New Jersey? Bagels are a should. Rosenfeld’s have the finest bagels in Larger Boston and are only a quick journey down Beacon St on your gameday breakfast wants. Take pleasure in!

Prediction: Boston School 41, Rutgers 24

Boston School begins the season out proper with a lovely exhibiting from Phil Jurkovec, Zay Flowers, and the offense. The BC protection has some rising pains, letting up factors within the first half to make it 17-17 at halftime, however finds its footing by the tip of the sport whereas the BC offense lights Rutgers on hearth. And a celebration within the Mods begins.