Boston College Athletics
Football Prepares for Notre Dame
June 21, 1999 | Football
Nov. 1, 1998
BOSTON COLLEGE (3-5, 2-3) VS. NOTRE DAME (6-1)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 1998 Time: Noon EST Site: Chestnut Hill, MA Stadium/Capacity: Alumni Stadium (44,500) Television/Radio: CBS-TV; BC Radio Network (Sean Grande/Peter Cronan)
Boston College's Tom O'Brien is 7-12 as head coach of the Eagles and overall...A three-year starter at defensive end from 1968-70 at the U.S. Naval Academy, O'Brien was named BCs 32nd head football coach after 15 years on the staff of the University of Virginia, the last six as coordinator of UVAs record-setting offense. OBrien also was an assistant at Navy for seven years.
Bob Davie is in his second year as the head coach at Notre Dame, where he has compiled a 13-7 record. A year ago, he led the Irish to a 7-6 record and a berth in the Independence Bowl. Davie became the only first-year Notre Dame coach to lead the Irish to a bowl game. He also became the first coach since 1975 to lead Notre Dame to a winning record in his first year at the helm. Prior to being named head coach in November 1996, he served as the defensive coordinator on Lou Holtzs staff for three seasons. Davie spent nine seasons at Texas A&M before moving to Notre Dame. From 1985-88, he was the outside linebackers coach, and moved to defensive coordinator for his last five seasons with the Aggies. In 20 years as an assistant coach, Davie was involved in 15 bowl games.
Saturday's game will mark the 10th meeting between Boston College and Notre Dame, and the seventh consecutive game. The series features a matchup between the only two Catholic universities playing Division I-A football. Notre Dame leads the all-time series, 7-2, and has won the last three times the teams have played. A year ago, the Irish defeated BC 52-20 at Notre Dame Stadium. Boston Colleges last victory in the series was on Oct. 8, 1994, when the Eagles defeated the Irish 30-11 at Alumni Stadium. The Eagles other victory in the series was a 41-39 upset over the No. 1-ranked Irish on November 20, 1993, at Notre Dame. Boston College is 1-1 against Notre Dame at Alumni Stadium. Tom OBrien is 0-1 against the Irish.
Out: RB Greg Bartlett (torn ACL/MCL); DT Sean Guthrie (left ankle sprain); DB Jason Smith (left shoulder surgery); OL Matthew Desmarais (herniated disk, lower back); DB D.J. Sutton (anterior cruciate ligament, right knee). Day-to-day: DB Pedro Cirino (left shoulder burner); ILB Brian Maye (groin strain).
Statistical Comparison
BC ND
Points 26.8 28.6
Total Yards 435.6 390.7
Rushing Attempts 42.6 46.0
Rushing Yards 205.1 229.3
Yards Per Carry 4.8 5.0
Passing Attempts 28.0 19.4
Passing Yards 230.5 161.4
Yards Per Completion 13.2 15.9
Points Allowed 28.8 20.1
Total Yards Allowed 388.0 338.7
Rushing Yards Allowed 173.6 139.4
Yards Per Carry 4.1 3.5
Passing Yards Allowed 214.4 199.3
Yards Per Completion 14.4 10.6
BCs game with Notre Dame will be heard on SportsRadio WEEI (850 AM), as well as WHYN in Springfield (560 AM), WSAR in Fall River/New Bedford (1480 AM); WTAG in Worcester (580 AM); WGIR in Manchester, N.H. (610 AM), WTMN in Portsmouth, NH (1380 AM); WLPZ in Portland, Maine (1440 AM), and WNRI in Woonsocket, RI (1380 AM). BC radio broadcasts are handled by announcer Sean Grande and expert analyst Peter Cronan. The game also will be heard on BC student station WZBC (90.3 FM).
CLOUD WATCH
BC senior running back Mike Cloud may have caused some shockwaves when he told several members of the news media his goal was to reach 2,000 yards this season, but he is on course for a record-setting season. With 1,227 yards so far this season, Cloud has moved into second place on the BC all-time rushing list. He has rushed for 100+ yards in all but one game this season. Cloud stormed into the 1998 season by reeling off the second-best game of his career with 200 yards vs. Georgia Tech. Perhaps most impressively, Cloud rushed for 186 yards against a Virginia Tech defense that ranked first in the nation against the run. At 153.4 yards per game (his current average), Cloud would finish with 1,687 yards and become BCs all-time leading rusher. He has now rushed for 100 or more yard 15 times in his BC career.
Game Date Rush Yds. TDs West Virginia 9/13/97 24 211 2 Georgia Tech 9/5/98 34 200 2 Temple 9/19/98 27 196 3 Navy 10/24/98 29 186 2 Virginia Tech 10/8/98 32 186 0 Rutgers 9/20/97 35 166 3 Miami 10/18/97 19 157 1 Rutgers 9/12/98 27 156 2 Louisville 9/26/98 21 124 1 Rutgers 11/24/95 26 122 0 Pittsburgh 11/1/97 13 117 2 Syracuse 11/18/95 10 113 1 Miami 11/11/95 12 109 0 Syracuse 10/17/98 25 104 1 Rutgers 10/19/96 14 104 1
Game Rush Yds. TDs Georgia Tech 34 200 2 Rutgers 27 156 2 Temple 27 196 3 Louisville 21 124 1 Virginia Tech 32 186 0 Syracuse 25 104 1 Navy 29 186 2 Miami 20 75 0 Total 195 1,152 11
1. Troy Stradford (1982-86) 3,504 2. Mike Cloud (1995-98) 3,098 3. Mike Esposito (1972-74) 2,759 4. Keith Barnette (1973-75) 2,500 5. Omari Walker (1994-97) 2,471Other records to watch:
Rushing Touchdowns (Season) - the current BC record is 22; Cloud now has 11...Rushing Yardage (Season) - the current record is 1,387 by Chuckie Dukes (1992); Cloud has 1,227 through eight games.
Category Statistic Rank Rushing 153.4 ypg. 1st All Purpose Yds. 172.8 avg/g 1st Scoring 8.3 ppg. 5th Total Offense 153.4 ypg. 7thIndividual BIG EAST season game highs
Rushing Yards - 200 vs. Georgia Tech
Rushing Attempts - 34 vs. Georgia Tech
Rushing TDs - 3 vs. Temple
Longest Rush - 85 vs. Temple
Category Statistic Rank Rushing 153.4 ypg. 4th All-Purpose Yds. 172.8 avg/g 6th Scoring Off. 8.4 ppg. 28th
After starting the season 3-0, Boston College has dropped five straight games. BC hopes to get back into the win column Saturday against Notre Dame in the friendly confines of Alumni Stadium, the regular-season home finale. The Eagles lost to Miami, 35-17, last Saturday evening in the Orange Bowl.
A brief synopsis of BCs season to date:
Game 1 -- Boston College 41, Georgia Tech 31
In the season opener, BC racked up 491 yards total offense en route to an impressive 41-31 victory over Georgia Tech on a sweltering Saturday in Atlanta. Cloud rushed for 200 yards and two touchdowns, while Mutryn completed 16 of 26 passes for 220 yards and one TD. Mutryn also rushed for two touchdowns. Defensively, Chris Hovan had an outstanding game with 8 tackles (4 solo), including an eight-yard sack on Georgia Tech quarterback Joe Hamilton. The Eagles held the Jackets to 165 yards on the ground.
Game 2 - Boston College 41, Rutgers 14
Cloud rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns to lead BC to a 41-14 win over Rutgers in the home opener. Cloud has rushed for more than 100 yards in all four games against Rutgers in his career. Mutryn also rushed for two scores and was 17-of-30 for 218 yards passing. Hovan, making his 23rd start as an Eagle, led the defense with eight tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss as the Eagles held the Scarlet Knights to 53 net yards rushing. For his efforts, Hovan was named BIG EAST Co-Defensive Player of the Week.
Game 3 - Boston College 31, Temple 7
Mutryn completed 17 of 22 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown as BC ran its record to 3-0 with a 31-7 win over BIG EAST foe Temple at Alumni Stadium. Anthony DiCosmo was Mutryns favorite target on the day, snagging four catches (including a 46-yarder) for 94 yards and a touchdown. Cloud rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns, the third-best performance of his career. Defensively, BC held Temples vaunted option offense to its lowest output of the season (297 total net yards).
Game 4 - Louisville 52, Boston College 28
BC suffered its first setback of the season, a surprising 52-28 loss to the Louisville Cardinals. Cloud rushed for 124 yards to move into third place on the all-time BC rushing list. Mutryn completed 19 of 31 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasnt enough to overtake the Cardinals, whose quarterback, Chris Redman, passed for 362 yards and five touchdowns. Although BC amassed 465 total net yards, four turnovers spelled doom for the previously undefeated Eagles.
Game 5 - Virginia Tech 17, Boston College 0
On a rain-soaked Thursday night, Virginia Tech handed BC a 17-0 loss. Cloud rushed for 186 yards against the nations best rushing defense. BC bested the Hokies in total net yards (295-236), rushing (179-164), passing (116-72) and time of possession (35:26-24:34), but three turnovers and a missed goal-line scoring opportunity cost the Eagles dearly.
Game 6 - Syracuse 42, Boston College 25
Senior quarterback Donovan McNabb three two touchdown passes (13-of-19, 182 yards) to lead Syracuse to the 42-25 victory before 43,413 in Chestnut Hill. Syracuses Kyle McIntosh rushed for 103 yards on 15 carries. Cloud rushed for 104 yards on 25 carries with a touchdown, while Mutryn completed 11-of-20 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns for the Eagles.
Game 7 - Navy 32, Boston College 31
Despite taking a 28-10 lead into the fourth quarter, Boston College suffered a heartbreaking 32-31 loss to the Midshipmen in Chestnut Hill. Navys fourth-quarter comeback was capped when John Vereen rushed for an eight-yard touchdown with 1:41 remaining to put the Middies ahead. A 40-yard field goal attempt by Matich fell wide left as time expired. Mutryn completed 30-of-46 passes for 369 yards and two touchdowns, while Cloud rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns. BC outgained Navy 610-419 in total offense.
Game 8 - Miami 35, Boston College 17
Miami held Cloud to under 100 yards rushing (75 yards on 20 carries) for only the first time this season as the Hurricanes took a 35-17 win in the Orange Bowl. Matich connected on a 53-yard field goal, the second-longest in BC football history, in the third quarter. Running back Cedric Washington threw a touchdown completion to Dedrick Dewalt in the fourth quarter.
The Irish enter Saturdays game with a 6-1 overall record and a five-game winning streak. Notre Dames only loss of the season was at Michigan State (45-23) on September 12. Senior quarterback Jarious Jackson leads the Irish offense with an average of 156.4 yards passing and 41.1 yards rushing in seven games. He passed for 133 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 66 yards in the 27-3 victory over Baylor last Saturday. Autry Denson is the top rusher for Notre Dame, averaging 116.4 yards per game. The senior tailback has scored 10 touchdowns, rushed for 815 total yards on 156 carries in seven games. Denson rushed for a career-high 189 yards and one touchdown in the victory over Baylor. Malcolm Johnson is averaging 54.7 yards receiving per game to lead the Irish. The senior split end had two receptions for 31 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown in last Saturdays victory. Notre Dames offense is averaging 390.7 yards in total offense (229.3 rushing and 161.4 passing) and scoring 28.6 points per game. The Irish rushed for 329 yards in the win over Baylor, marking the highest total in two seasons. Notre Dames defense has allowed opponents to average 338.7 total yards (199.3 passing and 139.4 rushing) and 20.1 points in the first seven games. The Irish held Baylor to 172 total yards last Saturday, including 33 yards rushing.
Category Statistic Rank Rushing Offense 205.1 ypg. 3rd Total Offense 435.6 ypg. 4th Total Defense 388.0 ypg. 5th First Downs 180 1st 3rd Down Conv 45.0 pct. 2nd Sacks Against 9/73 2nd Penalties 41/357 3rd Field Goals 80.0% 1st Time of Possession 31:35 2nd
A total of 14 seniors will be playing their final home game at Alumni Stadium Saturday vs. Notre Dame, including starting quarterback Scott Mutryn, standout running back Mike Cloud and team co-captains Doug Brzezinski and Brian Maye.
BCs 1998 senior class:
86 - TE Bryan Arndt
74 - OL Doug Brzezinski
21 - RB Mike Cloud
73 - OL Dan Collins
11 - WR Anthony DiCosmo
93 - SNP Kyle Geiselman
18 - WR Dennis Harding
78 - OL Ben Lockhart
43 - P Jason Malecki
46 - LB Brian Maye
12 - QB Scott Mutryn
16 - TE Rob Tardio
1 - WR Jermaine Walker
13 - DE Willie Wright
A look at this weeks BC two-deep reveals that a young bunch of Eagles will take the field Saturday to battle a veteran Notre Dame team. While nine of the BC starting 11 on offense are either juniors or seniors, a look elsewhere reveals a decided lack of experience:
*Of the 44 players on the BC two-deep (offense/defense), exactly half are either true freshmen, redshirt freshmen or sophomores. *55% (12-22) of BCs two-deep defense are either true freshmen, redshirt freshmen or sophomores. *45% of BCs defensive starters (5-11) are either true freshmen, redshirt freshmen or sophomores.
BCs red zone statistics (inside the 20-yard-line) 25-of-29 (19 TDs, 6 FGs).
BCs 35-17 loss to Miami on Halloween brought the Eagles two-year October record to 0-8. The Eagles were 0-4 in 1997 and 1998 during the month of October. Over the course of the past four seasons (1995-96-97-98), BC is 3-13 during the month of October.
A look at the Eagles defensive stats sheet reveals a major difference between this edition of the BC defense and last years. The Eagles are led in tackles by front-line players Brian Maye (61 tackles, 35 solo), Chris Hovan (54 tackles, 29 solo), and Mike Willetts (54 tackles, 29 solo). Last season, safety Pedro Cirino led the Eagles in tackles.
Its no coincidence that BC is second in the BIG EAST in the category Sacks Against, allowing only five in seven games. At an average of 6-4 1/2, 307 pounds, BCs starting offensive line of center Damien Woody (6-4, 312), guards Doug Brzezinski (6-5, 305) and Dan Collins (6-5, 287), and tackles Paul Zukauskas (6-5, 306) and Darnell Alford (6-4, 323) is the biggest in the BIG EAST. A look at the starting five along the line at the BIG EAST football schools:
School Avg Ht. Avg Wt. Boston College 6-4 1/2 307 Miami 6-3 1/2 288 Pittsburgh 6-5 1/4 281 Rutgers 6-3 1/4 292 Syracuse 6-4 1/2 288 Temple 6-3 3/4 298 Virginia Tech 6-4 1/2 297 West Virginia 6-4 1/2 298
Keep an eye on these Eagles
Doug Brzezinski
The standout left guard is part of the reason BC has racked up 3,485 yards in total offense this season. The 1998 team co-captain (along with Brian Maye), BCs coaches call Brzezinski a prototypical BC-type lineman, a blue-collar player. His knowledge, skills, work ethic and coachability make him one of the cornerstones of BCs offensive line. Brzezinski added 10 pounds of muscle over the winter to help further his success in the trenches.
Pedro Cirino
Although he has missed the past two games due to an injured shoulder, the junior safety has once again emerged as a leader of the Eagle defense, already racking up 32 tackles. Cirino was credited with seven tackles (5 solo) vs. Louisville, seven tackles (4 solo) vs. Temple, seven tackles (3 solo) and an interception vs. Rutgers, and six tackles (4 solo) vs. Georgia Tech. Making the switch to free safety last fall, the junior made his presence felt immediately. He finished the season as the BIG EASTs second-leading tackler, making 130 tackles (73 solo) in 11 games. He added two interceptions, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. At years end, he captured All-Conference second team accolades. A talented athlete who has great range, Cirino improved his speed and increased his size in the off-season to become an anchor in the secondary.
Anthony DiCosmo
The senior established himself as BCs big-play wide receiver last year, averaging a team-high 15.1 yards per catch, and he has done nothing to diminish that reputation this season. DiCosmo is leading BC in receiving, averaging 73.3 yards per game. He won the Orrie Scarminach Award, presented annually to the MVP in the BC-Syracuse game, after catching three passes for 79 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown reception. In the Temple game, DiCosmo caught four passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. In the Georgia Tech game, he hauled in three passes for 92 yards for an average of 30.7 per catch, including a 66-yarder that nearly resulted in a touchdown. An outstanding track athlete as well, DiCosmo finished sixth in the triple jump (48-feet, 9.50 inches) at the BIG EAST Outdoor Track and Field Championships in May, 1998.
Chris Hovan
The junior noseguard registered eight tackles in each of the first two games and 12 in the Temple game. Following the Rutgers game, Hovan was BIG EAST Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Hovan, who registered eight tackles for losses and 4 quarterback sacks last fall, is well on his way to surpassing those totals this year. Through eight games, Hovan has made eight TFLs and 2.5 QB sacks. With 30 career starts to his credit, the 6-3, 295-lb. Hovan brings great strength and a ferocious attitude to the front line. An All-BIG EAST and All-ECAC selection in 1997, he finished with 58 tackles, four sacks and six quarterback pressures in his 11 starts. In his true freshman season, he made 31 stops in 10 starts, becoming one of only six true freshmen to earn The Sporting News All-Rookie Team honors.
Brian Maye
Despite missing the Miami game with a groin pull, the senior co-captain leads the Eagles defensive stats sheet with 61 tackles (35 solo). Maye was outstanding in BCs win vs. Temple, leading the team with 15 tackles (8 solo). Maye made his third career interception in the Eagles win at Georgia Tech. The interception, which came in the final minute of the first half and set up a BC touchdown, was Mayes first since picking off a Rutgers pass on October 19, 1996 (his other interception came in the 1996 season opener at Hawaii). He followed that performance with seven tackles (3 solo) vs. Rutgers. Maye is a rare sixth-year senior for the Eagles. Dogged by injuries for the past three years, the NCAA granted him an extension to complete his final year of eligibility. In his first five seasons (he saw some game action in four), Maye played in two bowl games (1993 Carquest and 1994 Aloha) and been part of winning teams.
Scott Mutryn
BCs fifth-year senior quarterback has completed 131 of 212 attempts (61.8%) for 1,695 yards and eight touchdowns on the year. At his current rate of 211.9 yards per game, Mutryn could have one of the top 10 passing seasons in Boston College history. He set new career records vs. Navy with his 30-46, 369-yard, two-touchdown performance. He was BIG EAST Co-Offensive Player of the Week after he completed 17 of 22 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown vs. Temple.
George White
White has quietly edged his way to fourth on the BC tackles list (53 total, 32 solo). He was credited with eight tackles (7 solo) vs. Rutgers and six tackles (3 solo) in BCs win vs. Georgia Tech. White also is making his presence known on special (coverage) teams, where he was credited with four tackles (3 solo) in the Rutgers game. Like his fellow safety Cirino, White returned for the 1998 season with better size and speed than last fall. One of the teams better athletes, White played in all 11 games as a sophomore and finished second on the team with 91 tackles. White is also a key member of the BC track team. In 1997-98, he placed and scored points in the long jump in both the New England and BIG EAST Championship meets.
Mike Willetts
Often overshadowed by fellow lineman Chris Hovan, junior Mike Willetts quietly registered eight tackles in the Eagles home win over Rutgers, then registered eight more (5 solo) in the Temple game. His eight-game total is 54 tackles (29 solo), third among all BC defensive players.
Damien Woody
One of the nations best centers, Woody is a legitimate All-America candidate. He won the starting position as a freshman, and added 30 pounds of muscle to his body in off-season conditioning. Strong and fast, Woody is a powerful blocker and an outstanding pass protector.
Eagles in the NFL
According to the NFL, 14 former Eagles were on NFL opening-day rosters. The list:
Player (Yrs. lttrd), Pos. NFL Team Stephen Boyd (1992-94), LB Detroit Mark Chmura (1988-91), TE Green Bay Stalin Colinet (1993-96), DE Minnesota Doug Flutie (1981-84), QB Buffalo Glenn Foley (1990-93), QB New York Jets Pete Kendall (1992-95), OT Seattle Tom McManus (1989-92), LB Jacksonville Pete Mitchell (1991-94), TE Jacksonville Tim Morabito (1992-95), DL Carolina Tom Nalen (1990-93), C Denver Bill Romanowski (1984-87), LB Denver Ron Stone (1990-92), OL New York Giants Chris Sullivan (1992-95), DL New England Dave Widell (1985-87), T Atlanta
One of the highlights of BCs nationally televised game vs. Virginia Tech was a halftime ceremony to officially retire the numbers of Eagle greats Doug Flutie (22) and Mike Ruth (68).
Flutie capped off a legendary BC career by winning the 1984 Heisman Trophy. Perhaps best remembered for his last-second Hail Mary pass that led the Eagles to a 47-45 upset of defending national champion Miami in 1984, Flutie still holds six BC career passing records. Ruth, the dominating nose guard who terrorized opponent quarterbacks from 1981-85, capped off his career by winning the Outland Award in 1985 as college footballs top lineman.
At its home opener vs. Rutgers, BC retired jerseys honoring Louis Urban (1916-17, 1919-20), Charles ORourke (1938-40), Mike Holovak (1940-42) and Tony Thurman (1981-85).
Boston College limited Temple and its option attack to 151 rushing yards. The Owls entered the game ranked fourth in the nation in rushing offense (298.5 per game)...Junior inside linebacker Frank Chamberlin (6-0, 239, Mahwah, NJ) was credited with seven stops (three solo) in the season opener at Georgia Tech. But, Chamberlin also lined up in his old position as a fullback and made two carries in short-yardage situations. Last year, Chamberlin gained 18 yards on seven rushes while serving as the teams lead blocker...Senior inside linebacker Brian Maye enjoyed the biggest game of his career against Temple. Maye finished with 15 tackles (8 solo), including one tackle for a loss...True freshman DuJuan Daniels recorded his first collegiate interception in the second quarter of the Eagles home victory over Temple. Daniels is the first true freshman to record an interception since 1995...Sophomore defensive lineman Adam Grace surpassed his 1997 defensive totals with his 9 tackles against Temple... Boston College allowed Rutgers just 53 net yards on the ground, the fewest rushing yards by a BC opponent since Rutgers gained just 35 yards at Alumni Stadium on Oct. 19, 1996...BC scored 41 points in each of its first two games. Prior to this season, the Eagles had not scored 41 points or more in their first two games in 99 years of Boston College football...BCs Pedro Cirino is among 44 prospects for the 1998 Jim Thorpe Award as the nations best defensive back. The list was compiled through a survey of All-American picks and watch lists contained in pre-season publications including Athlons, Lindys, Bob Grieses, Street & Smiths, Sport, Preview Sports, The Sporting News and the Football Writers Association.
In the past 12 years, the Boston College football team has won the American Football Coaches Association (formerly CFA) Academic Achievement Award three times and finished as an honorable mention selection eight times, including 1998. BC has one of the nations highest graduation rates for all varsity athletes. That figure averaged 87 percent over the last 10 years.
Boston College is ranked among the top 40 national universities by U.S. News and World Report...There are some 120,000 living Boston College graduates, the largest alumni body of any Catholic university in the world...Boston Colleges endowment of $792 million is ranked among the 40 largest of any college or university in the world...In 1998, there were more than 16,000 applications for some 2,200 freshman seats...Noteworthy BC alumni include actor Chris ODonnell, sportswriter Mike Lupica and ABC/ESPNs Lesley Visser.
