Wake Forest-BC Box Score

This was a great game from start to finish with a lot on the line. There were many factors that stood out to me. Wake won this game on big plays. A 46 yard TD pass on a blown coverage assignment late in the 2nd quarter and 81 yard TD run by Kevin Marion early in the 3rd quarter was a huge momentum builder for the Demon Deacons. The Decons also made big plays defensively coming up with picks off of BC QB Matt Ryan on two poor decisions. Boston College moved the ball very well racking up 468 total yards but broke down in the redzone with missed blocking assignments, dropped passes, poorly thrown balls and the major drive killer, penalties. Wake got a big break in the 4th when a fumble was returned for a TD, but was overturned to resulted in an incomplete pass. Later on I thought Wake would be in trouble when LB Jonathan Abatte went down with an apparent ankle/knee injury while making a tackle. After missing a few plays he was back in the game to Wake's relief and BC's dismay. My last thought was that BC became one dimensional too early. As you can tell with play selection (25 rush attempts compared to 57 pass attempts) BC was dependent on throwing the ball. I understand their average per carry was a dismal 2.6 ypc, but mixing in a few runs can keep an aggresive defense on its toes. Overall it was a great game between two good teams with Wake coming out on top.

Boston College's PP's:

Josh Beekman, RG, Boston College:

I was extremely impressed with Josh. When taking guys one-on-one the defender didnt get a sniff of Matt Ryan. He was very impressive on a few combo blocks and fast in getting up to the linebackers and sealing off the hole. Has a very active motor that you dont see in many interior lineman. He constantly had his head on a swivel pass protecting and was always going downfield to pick up blocks to spring the reciever: A-

James Marten, LT, Boston College:

James is a monster of a man (6'8", 315) and is agile for his size. However, there were two instances were he was susceptible to the spin move by the smaller DE from Wake. These resulted in two sacks. He does very well when he get his arms extended and has a good base. Did get beat to the outside a few times when smaller, faster SS or OLB's come off the edge: C-

Ryan Glasper, S, Boston College:

Had a pick early on but not much after that. Making tackles 10+ yards down field on running plays and missing a few tackles from not breaking down and being out of control. Had a blown coverage that resulted in deep TD pass in 2nd quarter: D

Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College:

This was a game of ups and downs for Matt while obviously still bothered by a chronic ankle injury. His stats for the game are very nice, but do not tell the whole story. He made two bad decisions that resulted in picks at crucial times. When pressured threw the ball off back foot a few times to areas that cant be messed with. At the same time he made some great plays that sparked BC. Had a 2 yrd TD run the late in the 3rd to bring the game within a touchdown. Matt definitely has all the tools of a NFL QB; size at 6'5", great arm, and pocket presence with enough mobility to get out of sticky situations: B

Brian Toal, LB/FB, Boston College:

Brian had a average day. Made some big tackles for losses and then missed some big tackles. My impression is that he does not do well in space. His coverage skills are not great but average: C

Larry Anam, S/CB, Boston College:

Was very quiet early on. Actually played corner on the few plays he was in on. Very fast to the ball. Made a play on 3rd down that prevented Wake from getting a key 1st down. Had tight coverage on intermediate outside routes: C+

Wake Forest PP's

Josh Gattis, S, Wake Forest:

This guy is a stud!! He is very instinctive and has a nose for the football. Had a huge pick and made some big plays on the run and pass. Very disciplined and aggresive. Made big plays on special teams as well. Mr. Do it all. I was very impressed with his performance in such a big game: A

Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest:

Moves very well and played well. A bit undersized? Maybe but played very well. So well that he was named the ACC Lineman of the Week for his performance against Boston College: B

Steve Vallos, RT, Wake Forest:

I wasnt very impressed with Steve's performance. He was always giving up a lot of ground on run and pass plays. His guys never made the big play, but better opposing players might exploit him. Might be a little undersized as a RT: C-

Jonathan Abbate, MLB, Wake Forest:

This guy has the heart and soul all football players need. Was all over the field making plays and sneaking into the holes and making plays. He is short at 5'11" but sneaky. He is a sure tackler and sheds oncoming blockers well. Went down with an ankle/knee injury but was back on the field in a few plays. Displayed a lot of heart and desire to win: B+

Patrick Ghee, S, Wake Forest:

Was very quiet till late in the game. Missed a few tackles that led to big plays but came up with a big pick late to seal the victory. Good size for safety but needs to make more of a presence in stopping the run: C

I was watching this game, as well. After I saw you claimed it, I relaxed and got to enjoy it more. My sole purpose was to watch the BC players. To be more exact...James Marten.

I TOTALLY agree with your assessment of him. I wasn't all that impressed by his play. He doesn't do a real good job of finishing his blocks. His footwork needs improvement. He gets beat by quicker, smaller ends. I really think he moves too slow to be a tackle in the three-letter league.

JMO.

Nice report fobbe... I'm glad we get to hear your insights. BC has another OT (Gosden Cherlen or something like that) who I've been hearing some good things about. Did you take note of him at all?

Yea...really enjoyed the writeup Craig! It is great to have a former QB here with a very good eye.

Do you think Josh Gattis looks more like a free or strong for the next level?

Did Beekman pull much? If so, how quick did he look?

(As a suggestion...just Copy & Paste the gametracker in after your opening paragraph. Saves you some typing and gives all the players measurables and jersey # for the readers.)

Alright sounds good!! I think Gattis has the ability to play both!! He looked great in coverage but also liked to stick his nose in the run game!! I would maybe project him as a SS but FS isnt out of the question.

I didnt see Beekman pull alot just because BC was so one dimensional. Steve this guy is a stud. He took his guys wherever he wanted them to go!! Very physical and agile!!! The announcers stated at least 1 BC lineman has been drafted the last 4 or 5 years. This is that guy!!!

I will be up in Canada the rest of the week, annual hunting trip, so i wont be back till sunday night. I have ESPNU so i might catch a game on there and claim on of those games.

I'm taping No. Illinois v. Toledo tonight. Want me to mail it out after?

If so, just drop me your address here.

HAPPY HUNTING!!!

Bring in the big one!

That would be great!!!

Craig Fobbe
6400 75th st NW
Maple Lake, MN 55358

Done deal.

OK..just had a chance to review this game.

I am not trying to make trouble, but I don't see all the excitement about Beekman. He was beaten twice to the inside badly by Jamil Smith on back-to-back plays in the first quarter. I saw him pull and completely miss in the third. He overextends at times and has a herky jerky recoil in pass pro. He is not close to Satele, IMHO. A top 5 interior lineman for this draft, yes...but just barely. He is no Koppen, and certainly no Woody. The whole O-line got roundly chewed out at halftime, and for good reason.

I actually think Marten has more upside than Beekman. I know he gotten beaten a couple of time, but how many times did BC throw? He shows pretty decent footwork and buries people in run blocking. Yes, he can be beaten by speed rushers, but I think with pro coaching he'll be alright. You can't teach 6'8", 315.

Don't forget Marten just started playing LOT this season. He's got experience inside and out which we all now coaches and personnel guys love in the salary cap age. While he's a little tall for OG, the better side of his game is his run block. I've seen him get really nasty drive blocking and once he's on his man, the guy is done. I'd say he's worst case a 5th round ROT.