Boston College Athletics
Boston College Football Picked Second In Big East Preseason Poll
July 29, 2004 | Football
July 29, 2004
Boston College was chosen to finish second in the 2004 Big East Football Conference Preseason Media Poll. The poll was released at the annual Big East Media Day held at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Wednesday, July 28.
Boston College matched its highest predicted finish since league play began. The Eagles were also predicted to finish second in 1995. West Virginia received 25 of 28 first-place votes with the Eagles collecting the other three. Pittsburgh is projected to finish third.
Coach Tom O'Brien, leading the Eagles for his eighth season, traveled to Giants Stadium with senior wide receiver Grant Adams, senior defensive tackle Tim Bulman and senior tight end David Kashetta to meet with members of the media.
With 11 starters (5 offensive, 6 defensive) and 31 letterwinners returning, Boston College looks to make its sixth straight bowl appearance. The Eagles begin conference play on September 17 when they host Big East newcomer Connecticut.
The Eagles open the season on September 2 when they travel to face Mid-American Conference foe Ball State. Boston College begins play at Alumni Stadium on September 11 against Penn State in a game televised by ABC with an 8 p.m. kickoff.
Big East Preseason Media Poll
1) West Virginia (25)
2) Boston College (3)
3) Pittsburgh
4) Syracuse
5) Connecticut
6) Rutgers
7) Temple
David Kashetta, a senior tight end, spoke to the media Wednesday:
On the goals for the upcoming season: "Our goals are set high. The Big East is wide open this year and the league is always tough, but our goal is to get into that BCS game at the end of the year."
On the spring and summer workouts: "Everything went real well. The team really came together. People have been questioning our offensive line, but Jeremy (Trueblood), Pat (Ross) and Gosder (Cherilus) have looked good and the young guys look ready to step up."
On the schedule: "We have some tough teams to play and anyone can beat anyone. We have to focus on each team and not overlook anyone."
Grant Adams, a senior wide receiver, spoke to the media Wednesday:
On the goals for the upcoming season: "We want to win the Big East this year and we know how tough the league is going to be. We're going to have to prove ourselves each week but we look forward to the challenge."
On the progression of the younger players: "We were very young going into the spring and summer because we lost a lot of seniors from last year's team. Even though we have a lot of youth and have to go through some growing pains, people stepped up and showed they want to play. We have a good group of seniors this year to provide some leadership and at this point, we're just ready to go. We can't wait to get into the season and we're looking forward to our first game against Ball State."
Tim Bulman, a senior defensive tackle, spoke to the media Wednesday:
On this year's defense: "The defense this year has a good core of players. Every position seems to be more balanced this year, from the d-line to the linebackers to the secondary. There is a nice mix of experienced veterans who are ready to lead and some younger guys that want to step in and play well."
On the expectations for the season: "We are hungry and you can see it in our workouts. In the past everyone was always excited to go home over the summer but this year a lot of guys just can't wait. People are really ready to get going next week. Right now the goal is to win the Big East but we know how tough that is going to be so we just have to stay focused. Personally, I just want to stay healthy, have the season I've been dreaming about and help this team win the Big East."
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The 2004 Football Media Guide is now available through the Boston College Media Relations office for $15. Checks may be made payable to "BCAA". Cash or check may be delivered in person or requests may be sent (checks only) to:
BC Media Relations
321 Conte Forum
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
