W2WF: The Holy War Vs. Notre Dame
September 14, 2017 | Football, #ForBoston Files
The rivalry returns Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Chestnut Hill
Everyone who knows me knows how proud I am of my Boston identity. I especially love the parochial nature of the region, something I talked about last season when BC played UMass. It's a spirit built by surrounding cities and towns on roads known by their colloquial names. There's an intense soul, dividing and uniting along borders founded in the 1700s.
On Saturday, Boston College and Notre Dame will transcend the typical Massachusetts tribalism. Crossing those borders, it will kick off a battle for the city's identity. All of these towns, as unique as they are, collectively form the state's predominantly Irish Catholic heritage. Instead of lining up a battle for civic pride, the Holy War represents a battle for the Commonwealth's soul.
I talked to four Boston College football alumni this week, all of whom reiterated the same feeling. When they played Notre Dame, they felt like nobody gave them a chance. Everyone talked about the Fighting Irish, and the Eagles felt slighted by the perceived disrespect. They carried a chip on their shoulder, and by the time they left Chestnut Hill, they were viewed either as equals or as the superior team.
This game doesn't meet every year anymore, but it's still special. There's the same respect for Notre Dame and its history. Everyone knows about the 11 national championships claimed by South Bend, the seven Heisman Trophy winners and a vaunted, mystical tradition built by years gone by. Like BC's wins, though, history doesn't dictate this year or this particular matchup.
"There's a buzz because it is Notre Dame," head coach Steve Addazio said this week. "We're not going to deny that there is a natural rivalry in there. We played them two years ago and it was the same way."
My high school colors are blue and gold, and my varsity letter had the same interlocking style as Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish fight song was my high school's fight song. Our athletic director was a Notre Dame graduate, and love for the Fighting Irish trickled down into the student body.
But I grew up rooting for Boston College, and nothing made me happier or prouder than wearing the Maroon and Gold on a Monday morning after the Eagles beat the Irish. The Holy War is back, and this time it returns to Chestnut Hill.
Here's what to watch for as the battle prepares for kickoff:
*****
Weekly Storylines
Laser focus, one series at a time
After losing Jon Baker for the season, Boston College heads into Saturday without four of its offseason top six offensive linemen. It's a huge loss, potentially robbing BC of huge difference makers within its offensive execution.
"Jon was the most veteran player we had up front," Addazio said. "Jon as the center runs the whole offensive line with all the calls and everything we do. And the compounding problem we had was that Shane Leonard has been out for three weeks. We lost Elijah (Johnson) in the spring for the year. He was a starter. Then Sam Schmal was out all week last week."
Facing a depleted depth chart, BC immediately began reconstructing its offensive line. True freshman Ben Petrula installed at center, and the Eagles took their first steps towards regenerating the chemistry along the unit. There were short-term growing pains, but the offensive line held its own and protected the quarterback. Despite the injuries, BC is the second most protective team in the ACC, averaging just two sacks allowed per game.
"Our depth is a little youthful, but we're so excited about a guy like Ben Petrula," Addazio said. "But on Saturday (against Wake Forest), that's a tall order. You tell a guy, 'Hey, you're going to start for the first time in your career, your first college game, and by the way, you're going to play a position you've never played before; and by the way, that's the position on the offense that has to make all the protection calls.'"
Getting through last Saturday will prove immeasurable with Notre Dame coming to town. The Irish are tied for 41st in scoring defense through the first two games, ranking 48th in total defense. The defensive line, which had three sacks all of last season, had two sacks alone against Temple and held the Owls to 85 yards rushing.
"We just got to continue to develop and grow," Addazio said. "I love (Ben's) approach. I'm really excited about the future and what they're going to bring to this thing. Now we've got to accelerate that growth as fast as we possibly can and hope we can also get Shane Leonard back as well because our depth is depleted."
Anthony Brown, QB1
The quarterback conversation, which dominated so much of training camp, started rearing its head again after Darius Wade subbed in for Anthony Brown against Wake Forest. Steve Addazio put any talk of it emphatically to bed, however, by reiterating Brown is his team's first string quarterback. It was just the confidence boost the redshirt freshman needed.
"It means so much to me that a coach that's been around in this program has so much trust in me," Brown said. "Now I just have to trust in him and trust in my teammates and keep going."
Brown entered the season as a raw talent needing refinement and growth. The veteran option, Wade pushed the discussion with physical maturity, solid skills, a high football IQ and his experience in the system. He's constantly ready for any opportunity coming his way. But Brown, the youngster, enters the third week with the confidence of an entire team ready to support him.
"He's our quarterback and (we're) looking forward for him to get going," Addazio said. "You go back and watch the film, and Anthony went to the right place with that ball a lot. He's a young guy, and we've got to help him a little bit. I really liked a lot of the things I saw in the film. (We) had to give him a chance to take a deep breath, press the pause button there for one minute. And we did that. He's got a great mindset and he's off and running to a great week of preparation. We got a great future with Anthony. I couldn't be more fired up about him."
He'll face a Notre Dame defense that was downright solid against Georgia last week. Jake Fromm went 16-for-29 passing for only 141 yards, throwing a pick in addition to his touchdown. If not for their 185 yards on the ground, the Bulldogs would've left Notre Dame Stadium with a loss instead of their second victory.
D-(Fence Emoji)
In a 49-16 season-opening win over Temple, Brandon Wimbush only threw for 184 yards, but he carved the Owls defense on the ground with 106 yards, one of three Irish rushers to go over the century mark. Josh Adams ran for 161 yards and Dexter Williams rushed for 124 as ND bulldozed their opponent with 422 yards rushing combined and five touchdowns.
So it probably didn't hurt that Wimbush added two passing touchdowns as the Irish vaulted into the national rankings with their blowout win.
If Temple was Dr. Jekyll, though, then Georgia was Mr. Hyde. The Irish averaged only 1.5 yards on the ground; Adams led the way with 53 yards on 19 carries. Wimbush scored a touchdown, but he finished with one yard on 16 carries. And while his passing yardage went up to 211 yards, his completion percentage dipped under 50% at 19-for-39.
For head coach Brian Kelly, that meant a lot of the same things that BC stressed after Wake Forest. Like the Eagles, the Irish are emphasizing similar points to a quarterback with only two career starts.
"You have your teaching and you go through it during the week, then it happens in the game," Kelly said. "Just trust what you see and go with it. Don't be indecisive. I think that's probably the biggest learning curve for all young quarterbacks, that at times they think a little bit too much instead of just trust it and going with it. I think he learned a lot from that (Georgia) game. I think it will be a springboard for him."
In BC, Wimbush will face a defense playing exceptionally well through two games. BC ranks in the top half of the nation in passing defense and in the top 50 in passing efficiency. Opponents only convert a quarter of third down situations, demonstrating an affinity for situational dominance.
"They were an outstanding defense last year," Kelly said. "They bring a lot of players back. Very gritty, tough-minded group. Speed on the back end. Experience at the safety position. Love to play man-to-man. Again, an aggressive group that likes to take the ball away."
Don't Sleep on Special Teams
Before the season, special teams coordinator Ricky Brown told me his views about his unit. An "injection of energy," Brown loved how BC's specialists are a bunch of football players who simply love playing football. Built on heart and desire, they stand as the kind of athlete who can embrace their development through special teams.
Entering Saturday, the Eagles are currently among the country's best in returning and covering kicks. Their kickoff returns average 25.22 yards per runback, fifth best in the league and No. 30 in the country. The kick return defense, led by Max Shulze-Geisthovel's boot, is allowing 16 yards per runback, good enough for No. 18 in the nation.
As for Colton Lichtenberg? He's 4-for-4 on field goals this season, adding to his season total last week with a 30-yard field goal against the Demon Deacons.
That means BC now control field position better. Though they're not ready to crown themselves, it's a positive development in the coaching room.
"Max is a beautiful guy to be around," Addazio said. "He's a great kid, very competitive. I really like him a lot, really happy that Colton has come along, and Mike (Knoll) just embraced the punting piece really well. But it's a week to week deal. You feel good about that today and hope you feel good about that (after) Saturday."
*****
Meteorology 101
Remember that amazing fall weather the last week? Remember that perfect slight chill at night, the gorgeous sleeping weather and the temperatures dipping into the 50s?
Summer isn't ready to leave yet.
Temperatures on Saturday are expected into the mid-70s, but humidity will be high. Forecasts are calling for some clouds, but there shouldn't be any rain. So that's a plus.
*****
Scoreboard Watching
Notre Dame is the first in a gauntlet of games over the next month. Next week, BC heads to the road to play Clemson. The defending national champions snuck by Auburn last week and travel to Louisville this week (also a future road game on this stretch) for the national game of the week.
With Pitt hosting Oklahoma State and Duke hosting Baylor, the ACC will get a great taste of tempo football when it plays against the Big 12.
Central Michigan and Connecticut, both future opponents of the Eagles, will head to Syracuse and Virginia, respectively. UConn-UVa is first at 12 PM with CMU at the Carrier Dome at 3:30 PM.
Out in Greenville, North Carolina, Virginia Tech kicks off against East Carolina, also at 3:30. After the Pirates beat the Hokies in 2014 and 2015, Virginia Tech returned the favor with a blowout win last year.
Elsewhere, Wake Forest hosts Utah State and North Carolina hosts Old Dominion. NC State is also in action, playing Furman. Georgia Tech and Central Florida's game in Orlando was cancelled in light of Hurricane Irma.
*****
Bottom Line/Pregame Theme Song
The Standells - Dirty Water
I love this matchup and not just because it's Notre Dame. I think the Fighting Irish are a developing team just like BC, which means this will be a good proving ground for both programs. At this stage, an identity is forming. The Eagles are a tempo team capable of pushing the envelope. They have areas for growth and they know how to improve. Each week boils down to executing whatever comes next.
Notre Dame is the same way. So whoever can grab the first ring obtains an instant advantage, and I'm sure both teams prefer making that statement earlier rather than later. So I expect a tough, hard-fought game from the beginning, an intense 60 minutes from the opening kick.
On the field, for that reason, this is just another highly-competitive football game. On the field, in practice and in film study, BC needs to approach this game like any other. While it's exciting to recognize the opponent and soak in the atmosphere, it's important to remain level-headed.
But this is still the Holy War. It's unique. It's the battle for Boston. A win in this game collects the torch from the past. It commands respect and honor. That should be enough to get anyone excited.
Â
Â
On Saturday, Boston College and Notre Dame will transcend the typical Massachusetts tribalism. Crossing those borders, it will kick off a battle for the city's identity. All of these towns, as unique as they are, collectively form the state's predominantly Irish Catholic heritage. Instead of lining up a battle for civic pride, the Holy War represents a battle for the Commonwealth's soul.
I talked to four Boston College football alumni this week, all of whom reiterated the same feeling. When they played Notre Dame, they felt like nobody gave them a chance. Everyone talked about the Fighting Irish, and the Eagles felt slighted by the perceived disrespect. They carried a chip on their shoulder, and by the time they left Chestnut Hill, they were viewed either as equals or as the superior team.
This game doesn't meet every year anymore, but it's still special. There's the same respect for Notre Dame and its history. Everyone knows about the 11 national championships claimed by South Bend, the seven Heisman Trophy winners and a vaunted, mystical tradition built by years gone by. Like BC's wins, though, history doesn't dictate this year or this particular matchup.
"There's a buzz because it is Notre Dame," head coach Steve Addazio said this week. "We're not going to deny that there is a natural rivalry in there. We played them two years ago and it was the same way."
My high school colors are blue and gold, and my varsity letter had the same interlocking style as Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish fight song was my high school's fight song. Our athletic director was a Notre Dame graduate, and love for the Fighting Irish trickled down into the student body.
But I grew up rooting for Boston College, and nothing made me happier or prouder than wearing the Maroon and Gold on a Monday morning after the Eagles beat the Irish. The Holy War is back, and this time it returns to Chestnut Hill.
Here's what to watch for as the battle prepares for kickoff:
*****
Weekly Storylines
Laser focus, one series at a time
After losing Jon Baker for the season, Boston College heads into Saturday without four of its offseason top six offensive linemen. It's a huge loss, potentially robbing BC of huge difference makers within its offensive execution.
"Jon was the most veteran player we had up front," Addazio said. "Jon as the center runs the whole offensive line with all the calls and everything we do. And the compounding problem we had was that Shane Leonard has been out for three weeks. We lost Elijah (Johnson) in the spring for the year. He was a starter. Then Sam Schmal was out all week last week."
Facing a depleted depth chart, BC immediately began reconstructing its offensive line. True freshman Ben Petrula installed at center, and the Eagles took their first steps towards regenerating the chemistry along the unit. There were short-term growing pains, but the offensive line held its own and protected the quarterback. Despite the injuries, BC is the second most protective team in the ACC, averaging just two sacks allowed per game.
"Our depth is a little youthful, but we're so excited about a guy like Ben Petrula," Addazio said. "But on Saturday (against Wake Forest), that's a tall order. You tell a guy, 'Hey, you're going to start for the first time in your career, your first college game, and by the way, you're going to play a position you've never played before; and by the way, that's the position on the offense that has to make all the protection calls.'"
Getting through last Saturday will prove immeasurable with Notre Dame coming to town. The Irish are tied for 41st in scoring defense through the first two games, ranking 48th in total defense. The defensive line, which had three sacks all of last season, had two sacks alone against Temple and held the Owls to 85 yards rushing.
"We just got to continue to develop and grow," Addazio said. "I love (Ben's) approach. I'm really excited about the future and what they're going to bring to this thing. Now we've got to accelerate that growth as fast as we possibly can and hope we can also get Shane Leonard back as well because our depth is depleted."
Anthony Brown, QB1
The quarterback conversation, which dominated so much of training camp, started rearing its head again after Darius Wade subbed in for Anthony Brown against Wake Forest. Steve Addazio put any talk of it emphatically to bed, however, by reiterating Brown is his team's first string quarterback. It was just the confidence boost the redshirt freshman needed.
"It means so much to me that a coach that's been around in this program has so much trust in me," Brown said. "Now I just have to trust in him and trust in my teammates and keep going."
Brown entered the season as a raw talent needing refinement and growth. The veteran option, Wade pushed the discussion with physical maturity, solid skills, a high football IQ and his experience in the system. He's constantly ready for any opportunity coming his way. But Brown, the youngster, enters the third week with the confidence of an entire team ready to support him.
"He's our quarterback and (we're) looking forward for him to get going," Addazio said. "You go back and watch the film, and Anthony went to the right place with that ball a lot. He's a young guy, and we've got to help him a little bit. I really liked a lot of the things I saw in the film. (We) had to give him a chance to take a deep breath, press the pause button there for one minute. And we did that. He's got a great mindset and he's off and running to a great week of preparation. We got a great future with Anthony. I couldn't be more fired up about him."
He'll face a Notre Dame defense that was downright solid against Georgia last week. Jake Fromm went 16-for-29 passing for only 141 yards, throwing a pick in addition to his touchdown. If not for their 185 yards on the ground, the Bulldogs would've left Notre Dame Stadium with a loss instead of their second victory.
D-(Fence Emoji)
In a 49-16 season-opening win over Temple, Brandon Wimbush only threw for 184 yards, but he carved the Owls defense on the ground with 106 yards, one of three Irish rushers to go over the century mark. Josh Adams ran for 161 yards and Dexter Williams rushed for 124 as ND bulldozed their opponent with 422 yards rushing combined and five touchdowns.
So it probably didn't hurt that Wimbush added two passing touchdowns as the Irish vaulted into the national rankings with their blowout win.
If Temple was Dr. Jekyll, though, then Georgia was Mr. Hyde. The Irish averaged only 1.5 yards on the ground; Adams led the way with 53 yards on 19 carries. Wimbush scored a touchdown, but he finished with one yard on 16 carries. And while his passing yardage went up to 211 yards, his completion percentage dipped under 50% at 19-for-39.
For head coach Brian Kelly, that meant a lot of the same things that BC stressed after Wake Forest. Like the Eagles, the Irish are emphasizing similar points to a quarterback with only two career starts.
"You have your teaching and you go through it during the week, then it happens in the game," Kelly said. "Just trust what you see and go with it. Don't be indecisive. I think that's probably the biggest learning curve for all young quarterbacks, that at times they think a little bit too much instead of just trust it and going with it. I think he learned a lot from that (Georgia) game. I think it will be a springboard for him."
In BC, Wimbush will face a defense playing exceptionally well through two games. BC ranks in the top half of the nation in passing defense and in the top 50 in passing efficiency. Opponents only convert a quarter of third down situations, demonstrating an affinity for situational dominance.
"They were an outstanding defense last year," Kelly said. "They bring a lot of players back. Very gritty, tough-minded group. Speed on the back end. Experience at the safety position. Love to play man-to-man. Again, an aggressive group that likes to take the ball away."
Don't Sleep on Special Teams
Before the season, special teams coordinator Ricky Brown told me his views about his unit. An "injection of energy," Brown loved how BC's specialists are a bunch of football players who simply love playing football. Built on heart and desire, they stand as the kind of athlete who can embrace their development through special teams.
Entering Saturday, the Eagles are currently among the country's best in returning and covering kicks. Their kickoff returns average 25.22 yards per runback, fifth best in the league and No. 30 in the country. The kick return defense, led by Max Shulze-Geisthovel's boot, is allowing 16 yards per runback, good enough for No. 18 in the nation.
As for Colton Lichtenberg? He's 4-for-4 on field goals this season, adding to his season total last week with a 30-yard field goal against the Demon Deacons.
That means BC now control field position better. Though they're not ready to crown themselves, it's a positive development in the coaching room.
"Max is a beautiful guy to be around," Addazio said. "He's a great kid, very competitive. I really like him a lot, really happy that Colton has come along, and Mike (Knoll) just embraced the punting piece really well. But it's a week to week deal. You feel good about that today and hope you feel good about that (after) Saturday."
*****
Meteorology 101
Remember that amazing fall weather the last week? Remember that perfect slight chill at night, the gorgeous sleeping weather and the temperatures dipping into the 50s?
Summer isn't ready to leave yet.
Temperatures on Saturday are expected into the mid-70s, but humidity will be high. Forecasts are calling for some clouds, but there shouldn't be any rain. So that's a plus.
*****
Scoreboard Watching
Notre Dame is the first in a gauntlet of games over the next month. Next week, BC heads to the road to play Clemson. The defending national champions snuck by Auburn last week and travel to Louisville this week (also a future road game on this stretch) for the national game of the week.
With Pitt hosting Oklahoma State and Duke hosting Baylor, the ACC will get a great taste of tempo football when it plays against the Big 12.
Central Michigan and Connecticut, both future opponents of the Eagles, will head to Syracuse and Virginia, respectively. UConn-UVa is first at 12 PM with CMU at the Carrier Dome at 3:30 PM.
Out in Greenville, North Carolina, Virginia Tech kicks off against East Carolina, also at 3:30. After the Pirates beat the Hokies in 2014 and 2015, Virginia Tech returned the favor with a blowout win last year.
Elsewhere, Wake Forest hosts Utah State and North Carolina hosts Old Dominion. NC State is also in action, playing Furman. Georgia Tech and Central Florida's game in Orlando was cancelled in light of Hurricane Irma.
*****
Bottom Line/Pregame Theme Song
The Standells - Dirty Water
I love this matchup and not just because it's Notre Dame. I think the Fighting Irish are a developing team just like BC, which means this will be a good proving ground for both programs. At this stage, an identity is forming. The Eagles are a tempo team capable of pushing the envelope. They have areas for growth and they know how to improve. Each week boils down to executing whatever comes next.
Notre Dame is the same way. So whoever can grab the first ring obtains an instant advantage, and I'm sure both teams prefer making that statement earlier rather than later. So I expect a tough, hard-fought game from the beginning, an intense 60 minutes from the opening kick.
On the field, for that reason, this is just another highly-competitive football game. On the field, in practice and in film study, BC needs to approach this game like any other. While it's exciting to recognize the opponent and soak in the atmosphere, it's important to remain level-headed.
But this is still the Holy War. It's unique. It's the battle for Boston. A win in this game collects the torch from the past. It commands respect and honor. That should be enough to get anyone excited.
Â
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Players Mentioned
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