Technician Online

Current Issue:

Technician Online Blogs

September 7th, 2007

BC awaits O’Brien return

By clark on September 7th, 2007

While State students are probably concerned most about quarterback Harrison Beck, Boston College students are just ready to get a shot at their former coach, first-year Pack head man Tom O’Brien.

BC sophomore Veronica Smith said a football player in one of her classes made the point to voice to his classmates how important the game is to the team.

“He was talking about how they’re not happy that they’re playing him,” Smith said. “And people in the stands are probably going to cat call and throw stuff at him.”

As for any hard feelings toward O’Brien, BC freshman Tyler Archer said it had to do with the coach’s leaving – not a lack of success as he won 75 games in 10 years.

“Other than that [leaving], he’s a good guy,” Archer said. “No one here ever had any problems with him.”

Archer said leaving was a good career move for O’Brien, and that much is clear walking around the campus of the private school here on the outskirts of Boston.

O’Brien left a school with facilities that pale in comparison to State’s venues. And now students at his former school are more than ready to show him why they think he made the wrong decision.

Clark Leonard
Sports Editor

Posted in Blogs from Boston | No Comments »

September 7th, 2007

Zone must tighten up

By nick on September 7th, 2007

N.C. State’s zone defense will have to be more aggressive Saturday if it wants a chance against Boston College.

Last year, the Wolfpack had a man-to-man scheme that caused 12 turnovers on the season – ranking the team last in the nation. Ironically, Boston College forced 37 turnovers – first in the country.

The move to the zone defense excited many players because of the opportunity to cause more turnovers – even at the expense of allowing big plays.

Last week the team caused zero turnovers. Yet the Pack still gave up big plays.

Luckily for State, Central Florida quarterback Kyle Israel missed many passes. He had open men throughout the game but continually couldn’t find them or was off target.

Don’t expect Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan to miss. The Pack will have to be more aggressive on the defensive side and not play the soft zone that it showed last week.

Because if it does, Ryan’s name could end up on a few Heisman lists.

Nick Jeffreys
Deputy Sports Editor