James Guillory/USAToday sports
Behind enemy lines: Five questions for BC Maven A.J. Black
SI Wolfpack Maven: What does Dennis Grosel bring to the table as a quarterback?
SI BC Maven: Grosel is a competitor, who isn't afraid to tuck the ball and take a hit if he can't make his initial reads. He reminds me a little of former Boston College quarterback Chris Crane, not a complete passer, but perfect for moving the football in our system. Clearly he is not as polished as Anthony Brown, but I like his ability to move the football, as he tossed three touchdowns last week against Louisville. However there are some limitations, he struggled last week against pressure, and his footwork completely fell apart when the pocket collapsed.
SI Wolfpack Maven: Does Anthony Brown’s injury mean BC’s offense will rely even more heavily on A.J. Dillon?
SI BC Maven: I would think BC will need to rely on Dillon and David Bailey more given the question marks at quarterback, which is scary given the talent NC State has in the defensive front. If the Wolfpack stack the box like most teams do against BC and dare them to throw the ball it could be a long day for the Eagles.
SI Wolfpack Maven: What, if any new wrinkles might we see from the Eagles coming out of an open date?
SI BC Maven: Brown was a pass first quarterback, and I have to wonder if Addazio will add more designed runs for Dennis Grosel. I could see BC also incorporating some read option too which they used from time to time with Brown but fits Grosel's profile much better. But then again this is Steve Addazio, and a new QB, I'm betting the Eagles go out and just do the basics, which would be a heavy dosage of AJ Dillon complimented by the play action pass to their tight ends Hunter Long, Jake Burt and Korab Idrizi.
SI Wolfpack Maven: What’s wrong with BC’s defense?
SI BC Maven: Depends on who you ask. Steve Addazio believes it has to do with youth, which could be the case. Linebackers attacking the wrong holes, blown coverages, and difficulty getting pressure, these are problems that could be due to youth. However, I think there is more of a schematic issue that is plaguing the defense. Third down defense has been a major problem for instance, not because of youth, but because BC insists on throwing slower linebackers and safeties on slot receivers who use speed to get wide open for huge gains and a really high completion percentage.
Louisville Cardinals running back Javian Hawkins (10) hurdles over three fallen Boston College defenders during a game earlier this season (Jamie Rhodes/USA TODAY Sports)
SI Wolfpack Maven: How hot is Steve Addazio’s seat?
SI BC Maven: Right now I would say hot. If the Eagles lose this weekend though I have to say it will be scorching. BC needs three more wins to make a bowl, something we have heard is the goal every year for this program. With a loss to NC State, that would mean they would have to find three wins out of Syracuse, FSU, Clemson, Pitt and Notre Dame. I just don't see that happening. If BC loses this week, the end of this season could get really ugly and it could spell the end of Steve Addazio's tenure at Boston College.
