UMass Downs Northeastern; BC Prepares for Virginia Tech

The #11 Minutemen scored last in a back and forth contest to beat the Huskies 28-24 to improve to 4-2 and 2-1 in the conference. UMass earned the victory largely due to the running of Tony Nelson, who carried the ball a Herculean 37 times for 175 yards, including one touchdown. Chris Zardas carried the ball twice for three yards, but both were touchdown runs. Liam Coen added the final touchdown, also on the ground.  In addition to his 19 rushing yards, he had a good day passing as well, throwing for 265 on a 20-30 effort.  He did throw one interception against no touchdowns.  Victor Cruz caught 10 balls accounting for 139 yards to lead the corps in both categories. UMass’ defense still raises questions as they allowed 233 yards on the ground and 423 total, but they also collected two fumbles. The Minutemen return home next weekend to host conference foe Richmond. The Spiders are 4-3 (2-2), but lost on a last second punt return 38-31 to #1 James Madison today.

BC Outlook

The Eagles (4-1, 1-1) had their second and final bye of the season this week to prepare for the #18 Hokies (5-1, 2-0), a team that historically causes BC problems, dating back to their Big East days.  Virginia Tech opened the season with a shocking loss to East Carolina, who looks worse and worse by the week as they continue to lose. Virginia Tech tried to move to redshirt quarterback Tyrod Taylor, but after the opening week loss, Coach Frank Beamer tossed that idea (and Sean Glennon) aside and put him back at the helm. Taylor gives the Hokies more options at the position with his ability to use his legs, but defensively, BC should be up to the test. Since the reinstatement, the Hokies are undefeated and have won two games in their division, giving them the inside track to another conference championship game appearance. The reasons that I picked Virginia Tech to win are their defense and special teams play, which should result in a lower scoring, closer game. Inexperience should be a factor as Beamer will give Chris Crane and/or Dominique Davis a lot of different looks, mix in pressure, and cover well.  BC always has a special teams problem in this series and this game should be no different.

ACC Rewind

• Clemson’s offense is still missing as they lost to #21 Wake Forest and demoted Cullen Harper
• #22 North Carolina had to come from behind to beat Notre Dame
• Miami squeaked by Central Florida
• Virginia earned first FBS win of the season over tailspinning ECU
• Georgia Tech dodged a huge upset scare from FBS Gardner-Webb

ACC Fast Forward

Conference play gets into full swing next week as every team is in action in a league game:

• Florida State should get back on track over apparent league doormat NC State
• Georgia Tech should keep Clemson’s losing streak alive
• Wake Forest will need some more offense against Maryland, but look good for the win
• North Carolina can continue to figure into the divisional race with a victory over Virginia
• Miami averts a disasterous season with a win over Duke

Projected Top 10

1. Texas: upset #1 Oklahoma; Missouri’s loss paved the way to the top spot
2. Alabama: idle
3. Penn State: plenty of offense against Wisconsin for the class of the Big Ten
4. Texas Tech: needed overtime to beat Nebraska as offense came down to earth
5. Oklahoma: lost Red River Rivalry to #5 Texas
6. USC: shut out Arizona State now that annual conference loss is out of the way
7. Missouri: lost to #17 Oklahoma State as the teams combined for fewer points than their averages
8. BYU: looked average against New Mexico, but remained undefeated
9. Georgia: beat offensively challenged Tennessee despite weak second-half
10. Florida: Tim Tebow showcased double-threat self against #4 LSU defense

Tags: Boston College, Northeastern University, UMass

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