Now it’s on to Georgia Tech

Wednesday morning, the Boston College football team played its final formal intrasquad scrimmage of preseason camp. The next time the Eagles line up on a football field with officials, it'll be Saturday, Sept. 3, when the team opens the 2016 season in Dublin against Georgia Tech (7:30 a.m. | ESPN2).

The international trip hasn't really affected the Eagles' preparations for the season opener as you may expect. Even though the team is traveling on Tuesday – rather than Friday as it traditionally does – head coach Steve Addazio doesn't see a great impact.

"It doesn't (impact preparation) other than the fact that you're traveling," he said. "Traditionally in camp you give them a day, then you give them the weekend (off). That's why we're starting on Georgia Tech tomorrow. We have been working on Georgia Tech defense the whole time, but in camp just periods, not all day."

Ah, Georgia Tech and its triple-option offense.

Like they did for parts of the first two scrimmages, the Eagles spent some time Wednesday morning working the defense against the unique look the Yellow Jackets will present.

"Now we're going into Georgia Tech," Addazio said. "This was kind of a run through on operation to get ready for Georgia Tech.

"Our guys have hit their wall, physically and mentally, which is what (training camp) is supposed to be. We've gone straight through at camp, so we had to try and push through mentally today. Some guys did a good job at it, others didn't. So now it's about getting back from that and to get ready for Georgia Tech."

Graduate quarterback Patrick Towles noted that BC is just ready to face opponents who aren't wearing maroon and gold.

"We're ready," he said. "We're ready to play someone different. We will start Georgia Tech preparation tomorrow and go through the weekend and then we are on a plane Tuesday. It's crunch time."

Senior defensive back John Johnson, who has seen a lot of what Georgia Tech can throw at an opponent so far this camp, agrees.

"I think we are attacking the game plan well and we are covering a lot of ground," Johnson said. "It was good that we had the whole summer to get started on it so I think we are in a good position."

Nevertheless, BC also will use the next 10 days to solidify its offense and special teams, as well. This weekend's break will allow those carrying slight knocks to rest up for the final drive to the start.

Addazio noted the injury absences were noticeable today.

"We were banged up and we got some (other) guys in," he said. "I think we were missing four guys on the offensive line and it got to the point where we weren't getting anything done. It's nothing serious, though, on the injuries. They are completely at the wall now; completely maxed out physically. We looked like we were playing at slow motion right now, which is all part of the course when you get to the last days of camp."

The weekend's break will come at the perfect time.

"Now it's about shifting to Georgia Tech and letting the players get their legs back. It's going to choke down a little bit, give them a chance to re-bite."

Players Mentioned

John Johnson

Patrick Towles

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