Recapping the first game week practice on Tuesday
It felt like fall again on Tuesday as BC kicked off its first game week practice outside Fish Field House.
It was a rather light practice compared to anything we saw during camp – with good reason – as BC did a good job making sure guys are healthy when it matters. There were a few early injury scares, but the Eagles seem ready to go.
This wasn’t a two-pages of notes day, but there were a few takeaways:
Early observations
High energy early on, especially during stretch. There was mist certainly a ‘it’s finally here’ kind of feel, with Jude Bowry being the most vocal guy out there. There’s a reason he was voted as one of the eight captains.
Going back to the health, good to see Turbo Richard back and everyone else that we had talked about the last couple weeks also looking just fine. You all know I’ve been high on the depth of this team, but that only helps in the regular season. Starting off on the right foot for now.
Lots of scout team work
Obviously, with a real opponent to prepare for this week, Tuesday’s practice consisted of a lot of scout team work for the offense and defense. It’s interesting to see just how much BC can ‘prepare’ for against an FCS opponent that looks different both roster wise and schematically. It also shouldn’t matter, as this is the definition of an ‘all about us’ game where BC should run away with it no matter what the Rams try to throw at them.
Punting game is going to please people
Whether it’s Shamus Florio or Andy Quinn punting or a rotation, I’ll repeatedly say it’s night and day. Every once in a while you’ll see one off the side of a foot, but they’re college kids, that’s bound to happen. They were both good on Tuesday. Overall it’s been much, much better and Bill O’Brien even said as much in his post-practice press conference too. You all know I’m very high on the returners they have at their disposal too, hopefully it’s a real weapon this season.
QB deep balls look much better
It’s been an issue at times for both guys this camp, but Dylan Lonergan and Grayson James wer eboth dropping dimes on Tuesday. Both Jaedn Skeete (still the Eagles’ best receiver in camp) and Reed Harris were the beneficiaries of a few nicely thrown deep TDs in various team or 7-on-7 periods. Lewis Bond and Luke McLaughlin both had good days too, particularly McLaughlin who was getting open often over the middle.
Rest of the week
BC is back at it both Wednesday and Thursday morning before we hit game weekend. Can’t wait to officially get Year 6 started. I’ll be strolling through the tailgates to get a sense of the atmosphere around noon, looking forward to seeing everyone out there!
