FB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

I think that the '00, '01, & '05 comparisons simply suggest we give up too many points once the game isn't in doubt.

BC's coaching staff usually starts pulling the defensive starters once we have the ball and hold a three-touchdown lead.

In this year's games, the following were the scores when the 2nd/3rd string D was playing (note that the 1st string D pretty much played the whole game vs McD and HSC);

McDaniel, 35-36 (-1)
Shenandoah, 49-20 (+29)
Hanover, 49-21 (+28)
Hampden-Sydney, 31-24 (+7)
Guilford, 48-12 (+36)
Emory & Henry, 31-3 (+28)

Which means our point spread (playing our starters) is just over 21.

I'm not suggesting our defense is as good this year compared to past years, but simply that our final scores (mainly, the amount of points we give up) is a bit deceiving.  The eight more touchdowns that Hanover, Guilford, and E&H scored once our starters were pulled were pretty much all earned in the air by their starters.

[algernon]

If BC gets through W&L, then the conference's top spot should be locked up.

Probably.  However, this is the actual "math" of winning the championship:

If BC beats W&L, then they will go to the playoffs unless:

• they lose their last 2 games, AND
• either (a) Catholic wins their last 3 games or (b) Randolph-Macon wins their last 3 games.

If W&L beats BC, then the Generals will go to the playoffs unless:

• they lose to Emory & Henry (0-7), AND
• Bridgewater wins their final 2 games.

[Llamaguy]

Gentleman, gentleman! You are comparing final score stats and see the forest but are missing the trees.

Lets look at the ODAC scores when BC's 1's were pulled:

BC 31 HSC 24
BC 48 Guilford 12
BC 31 E&H 3

That leaves a 23.6 pt advantage to BC's starters.   Everone thinks things are getting closer but the fact is, if Coach Clark was not trying to groom younger players for the future you would be looking at things much differently. Hopefully BC's starters get to play the whole game at W&L, that way you will have a box score that matches the real team on the field.

Oh and when considering playoffs, remember there are no 3's & 4's eligible so you see a true measure of the teams ability.

[Llamaguy]

Great minds think alike Kid!

[hasanova]

I think things are definitely getting closer in ODAC football.  Bridgewater may make it through 2005 unscathed, but I bet they don't in 2006 - and that will be good for the ODAC.  No one cares when the same teams wins year after year - and, conversely, no one cares when the same team loses year after year.  BC used to be awful & they built their program - congratulations to the Eagles for their transformation.  The fact is, however, some other schools are also making a concerted effort to be both academically & athletically sound.  These things go in cycles & BC's ride will end.  This football season is certainly more interesting than I ever thought it would be & I'm enjoying it more than I have since the late '90's.  Next year should really be fun - so let the games begin!  Go Quakers!   

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

I think things are definitely getting closer in ODAC football.  Bridgewater may make it through 2005 unscathed, but I bet they don't in 2006 - and that will be good for the ODAC.  No one cares when the same teams wins year after year - and, conversely, no one cares when the same team loses year after year.  BC used to be awful & they built their program - congratulations to the Eagles for their transformation.  The fact is, however, some other schools are also making a concerted effort to be both academically & athletically sound.  These things go in cycles & BC's ride will end.  This football season is certainly more interesting than I ever thought it would be & I'm enjoying it more than I have since the late '90's.  Next year should really be fun - so let the games begin!  Go Quakers!   

You're right.  And in the words of our Coach (Mike Clark), it's easier to build a program than it is to maintain it at a championship level.  Obviously 2001's title was special for BC, but each one keeps getting better seeing it's harder to accomplish when our opponents mark our game as 'the game.'

Many think that recruiting gets easier year-after-year, when in fact it gets tougher (at least in our case).  The last couple years, we've had rosters of 150+ to start the season.  Other ODAC coaches can and have used that against us, by selling their 'vision' and saying "hey, you can go to Bridgewater and wait to play, or you can come here to _____ and make an immediate impact."

[mizzou_mafia]

Kid and Llama,

I'll agree that the final scores in the BC games is a bit deceiving, with the 4th quarter scores against the 2nd stringers.  However, I do think Algernon's comparison still holds water.  I don't believe that this is the first BC team that has put in 2nd/3rd stringers late in the game.

[bcsportswriter]

Hasanova.  You can go on and look forward to next year if you want...that is probably the best idea for you.  But for now, BC is still trying to win an ODAC Championship and make some noise in the playoffs.  So we will wait to let next year's games go on for at least another month or so

[Llamaguy]

Kid and Llama,

I'll agree that the final scores in the BC games is a bit deceiving, with the 4th quarter scores against the 2nd stringers.  However, I do think Algernon's comparison still holds water.  I don't believe that this is the first BC team that has put in 2nd/3rd stringers late in the game.

Yes but remember the 2003, 2004 teams were carried by the defenses which can't score points per say on their own. Its a good comparison tool but can be schewed prior to the playoffs due to a teams learning curve with younger players.

And actually 2 of Guilfords scores this year were a direct result of the second string QB, not the defense.

[mizzou_mafia]

Kid and Llama,

I'll agree that the final scores in the BC games is a bit deceiving, with the 4th quarter scores against the 2nd stringers.  However, I do think Algernon's comparison still holds water.  I don't believe that this is the first BC team that has put in 2nd/3rd stringers late in the game.

Yes but remember the 2003, 2004 teams were carried by the defenses which can't score points.

True, true Llama!  BUT, maybe that's why Algernon chose not to use those teams in his comparison

[hasanova]

bcsportswriter - please don't misunderstand my statements.  BC should be justifiably proud of their footfall transformation about 5 years ago.  I believe they'll win the ODAC this year and I think (and hope) they'll do the ODAC proud in the postseason.  I just don't see them being quite as dominant as they've been the past few years.  Several others teams in the ODAC are saying enough is enough and simply won't roll over and play dead any longer.  And it may be hard for BC fans to see, but that's actually good for BC, good for the ODAC and good for DIII football.  Best wishes this weekend versus W&L.  I'm sure the Generals will be ready to play.  May both teams play injury-free with skill, pride and good sportsmanship.  See you next year in Greensboro ....

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

[...]
Yes but remember the 2003, 2004 teams were carried by the defenses which can't score points.
[...]

Actually, the 2004 defense scored six touchdowns (three interception returns, two blocked kick returns, and one fumble recovery return), with the 2003 defense scoring three (two interception returns and one fumble recovery return).

Sorry, couldn't resist! 

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

You edited your post! 

I bet you knew I was going to look up and post those figures

[Matt Barnhart (kid)]

Kid and Llama,

I'll agree that the final scores in the BC games is a bit deceiving, with the 4th quarter scores against the 2nd stringers.  However, I do think Algernon's comparison still holds water.  I don't believe that this is the first BC team that has put in 2nd/3rd stringers late in the game.

Then perhaps this may suggest the 2nd/3rd stringers of '00 & '01 were better than the ones this season?

[hasanova]

kid - Coach Clark has done a tremendous job.  He's changed the face of BC football forever.  I bet you're right, however, ... I bet other schools do say "come here and you can play now .." and that's a legitimate thought.  If you're good enough, why be 2nd or 3rd string at BC when you can start somewhere else?  And that 1st championship after a dry spell is the special one ... I'd rather be in that position than at a school that's expected to win year after year.  That's just me, however and others may see it in a completely different light.  Good luck to the Eagles the rest of this season and postseason (?).