The time has finally come.
After many late nights, countless hours reading articles and stat searching on the web, staring at depth charts, listening to TONS of 80s music (more in a minute) and about 40,000 John Kerry flip flops, I've come up with my preseason Top 25.
We're going to run with one a day (Monday-Friday) so we have something to look forward to every day. Posting your thoughts in the comments section is encouraged.
After some words about each team, I've provided a player to watch, a game to watch and a theme song. Now, all of the theme songs are from the 80s for a specific reason: this is the last incoming freshman class born in the 80s decade (scary, right?). So, feast on the songs you rocked to 20 years ago and feel free to chime in with themes of your own.
Let's make miracles.
25. Boston College
The Eagles follow an extremely successful campaign by returning most of the guys who were instrumental in a 10-win campaign. However, when you take a look at the schedule and remember that coach Tom O’Brien is now in Raleigh with the Wolfpack, a repeat performance will be anything but easy.
Key parts missing this year are center Josh Beekman and tackle James Marten, but the Eagles have long turned out great offensive linemen, so there shouldn't be much of a lapse in production. Quarterback Matt Ryan is a name you should get used to. The senior is a heck of a leader and is as tough as nails. Couple him with a great combination of running backs in L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender and you have the recipe for good things when BC has the ball.
The defense is returning nearly everyone, and for a unit that finished 34th overall last year, you have to like their chances in big games. Just a quick stat, last year Boston College’s three losses were by a combined 12 points and eight of the Eagles’ games were decided by a touchdown or less.
Lastly, I have a quick question for everyone out there: Why did Brian Toal start just six games last year? He played in all 13. I asked my Boston College guy and he had no clue, so I ask you for answers. He’s coming off shoulder surgery and his health and presence are essential this fall.
Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Brian Toal
80s theme song: "We're Not Gonna Take It" - Twisted Sister (1984) ... No way the Eagles will stand for O'Brien leaving them in the dust.
Save the date: September 8 vs. NC State (Tom O'Brien's homecoming didn't take long)
Comments (2)
I heard Brian Toal was going to redshirt this season because of his shoulder injury. Just a rumor, of course.
Regardless, I'm pretty sure that was why he didn't start much last year. He's such a big-play guy, especially on defense and at the goalline, it seems silly to have him out there starting and then be unable to use him when it really counts.
In reality, he probably shouldn't have played as much as he did with that kind of injury.
Brian Toal was hurt all year last year but he toughed it out and played in every game even though he only started in 6.