There are signs that things are getting better for the Boston College football team.
Go beyond the temporary euphoria created by Saturday’s 45-17 home win over the University of Massachusetts. Despite the Eagles’ 0-3 start, they were expected to beat the Minutemen, who are transitioning to the Bowl Subdivision level.
What is different this morning for coach Frank Spaziani’s team is that the Eagles did what the coaches wanted them to do against UMass.
There was no greater example than the first play of the game, on which free safety Hampton Hughes picked off a Kellen Pagel pass. No big deal, right? Perhaps. But Hughes, who was just awarded a scholarship in the spring, said he had seen the same play, the same situation, in practice Thursday.
BC is still 1-3 and hosts what traditionally has been a tough opponent in Wake Forest Saturday, and then is on the road against the current powers in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Clemson and Virginia Tech.
“The problems are still there,’’ said Spaziani. “We have to manage our way through them. The kids will keep working.’’
The key word there is “kids’’.
For a variety of reasons, BC has had to dip deep into its talent pool and use players Spaziani would have liked to have brought along more slowly.
But going 0-3 changed that. Injuries changed that. Which is why players such as defensive back Spenser Rositano (7 tackles) and linebacker Sean Duggan (7 tackles), are moving up rapidly on the depth chart. Both are true freshmen. Linebacker Steele Divitto (8 tackles) is only a sophomore.
Offensively, quarterback Chase Rettig is a sophomore, but is picking up experience quickly. Two of the three top running backs, Andre Williams (sophomore) and Tajh Kimble (redshirt freshman), are still taking baby steps in development under harsh conditions.
The other good news Saturday was that senior running back Montel Harris made an appearance. Although 27 yards on nine carries doesn’t sound like much, it was a start, which is important for Harris, who is coming off two surgical procedures on his left knee.
“I have to get myself back into game shape,’’ said Harris. “Seeing my team [in danger of falling] to 0-4 and seeing how we responded so well, it just meant a lot to me to be out with my teammates again.’’
The news was not good on offensive cocaptain Nate Richman, a senior offensive guard, who did not dress Saturday because of continuing back problems.
“It’s a major concern,’’ said Spaziani. “We can’t count on him and we have to move along like he’s not going to be around.’’
Just missed it The Big East can’t seem to do many things right these days. But when the officials miss a call on an extra-point attempt?
