It was a great night on Causeway Street. The excitement started well before 8 pm, as hundreds of SuperFans swarmed the North End, stopping traffic and drowning out any feeble BU cries well before face-off. It was the matchup everyone wanted. The best rivalry in college hockey was on center stage. It was York v. Parker. Even though Parker said “BC-BU” is “getting kinda old,” it was vintage Beanpot on Monday night.

Those classy, altruistic Terrier fans spanned across the top of one half of the upper deck, while the ravenous Eagles fans covered the other half. The third tier was rocking from the get-go and set the mood for a classic. It was not the start that Eagles fans hoped for though as BU jumped up on the Eagles 1-0 in the first period. BC was not able to effectively clear the zone which gave Kevin Shattenkirk a good look 13:36 into the opening period. The likely bitter winger beat Muse top shelf and gave his boys the first laugh.

The Eagles regrouped during the intermission though and came out roaring in the second period. Freshman Steven Whitney capitalized on a Terrier penalty and registered the Eagles’ first goal 1:01 into the second frame. BC continued to control the game for the next ten or eleven minutes but did not have much to show for it. That changed however 12:33 into the period as senior defenseman Carl Sneep blasted a rocket past the abused Kieran Millan.

BC continued to pour it on Jack Parker and his brainwashed children 3:15 later. Freshman Chris Kreider provided the highlight for the night, what would later be the number one play on Sportscenter. Kreider received a nice pass off the boards from sophomore Jimmy Hayes and took it into Terrier territory with only one man to beat. He used his speed and dangle-ability to give the Eagles a two-goal advantage. The winger put the puck between a hopeless BU defenseman’s legs and tucked a back hander past Millan’s left pad.

Section 322 and those around it went into a frenzy and carried that high into the intermission. A great feeling of optimism resounded throughout the sea of yellow during the break. BC came out strongly to start the third period as well, and Barry Almeida extended BC’s lead to three 4:22 into the third. Things would not be quite as rosy the rest of the way though.

The Marshfield, MA product, David Warskofsky, did his best Brian Gionta impression and put BU back in the game with a flashy short-handed goal. Colby Cohen then parked himself in front of the net and flicked a soft flutterer past Muse with a 6 on 4 advantage to cut the game to one with only 2:46 remaining. It’s safe to say that a few heartbeats were skipped among Eagle fans. They have seen it happen too many times to be fully confident that their team will be able to raise that trophy at the end of the night.

The Terriers would not be able to capture their 30^th title though, as John Muse held off last second desperation shots. BU got six guys on the ice but they were not able to beat the junior goaltender from the Cape. The Eagles sheer determination at the end of the game made that long ride home on the B line seem too brief.

Muse was the Beanpot MVP with 31 saves against BU.

Conte was rockin’ like it was 2006. There was more excitement in the building than there had been all season long. But at the end of the day the Eagles could not knock off the Dukies like they did last year. The game came down to the final possession, with Joe Trapani misfiring on a tough three-point look.

The game was a defensive struggle in the first half. Duke got hot towards the end of the first half though which put the Eagles in a considerable hole. Even though a ten-point deficit should not be insurmountable, it proved to be the difference in the game.

The Eagles slowly crept closer and closer to tying things up in the second half. However it seemed that whenever the Eagles started to gain momentum, Duke would grab a big offensive rebound and either put it back up or kick it out for a three ball.

Things really started to heat up for the Eagles with 5:15 to go in the second half. Nolan Smith drove hard to the hoop but Rakim Sanders would have none of it. The Eagles’ best player pinned Smith’s feeble attempt at a dunk against the hoop. The Eagles then quickly moved the ball down the court and finalized a four-point swing.

That transition cut the deficit to seven.  The Eagles were able to minimize Duke damage and kept inching closer and closer. Meanwhile the student section looked like a sea of bobble heads as the SuperFans continuously jumped up and down. While BC was getting closer to tying it up, there was a feeling throughout that they would never fully catch Duke.

However, that changed with fifteen seconds left when Reggie Jackson drained a clutch trifecta. It seemed ill-advised  when it left his finger tips but brilliant when it found nothing but nylon. The Eagles then quickly fouled the Blue Devil who received the inbound pass. Unfortunately that man was Jon Scheyer, one of the best free throw shooters in the country. Perhaps the skinniest man in D1 basketball, he converted both attempts from the charity stripe. Thus, Conte was going insane as it was clear that about ten seconds and some intimidated security guards stood between the students storming the court and raising Rakim and Reggie onto their shoulders.

However, there would be no image on SportsCenter of the court swarmed with young, highly excitable, yellow shirted, perhaps inebriated people. Jackson brought up the ball and could not find anyone open until he threw it to Trapani with about three seconds left. Trapani was also blanketed by a Blue Devil and heaved a last second desperation three off balance. It glanced off the iron and fell to the hardwood as that ugly buzzer resounded throughout Conte.

Just about every February, the Beanpot opening round remains a simple formality, a mere prelude to the inevitable Boston College-Boston University, “Battle of Comm. Ave,” that the finals have become. Take away the last 2 years, and BC has gone up against BU in six out of the previous eight Beanpots.

Yesterday, the Eagles opened up the Beanpot tournament against an underachieving but streaky Harvard squad. From the start, the atmosphere at the TD Banknorth Garden was antagonistic both on and off the ice. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Harvard student section attempted to make up for their team’s embarrassing showing by attacking that of BC’s relentlessly. However, the Eagle fans drowned out the Crimson’s fans’ weak chants of “SAFETY SCHOOL” by celebrating goal after goal put past Harvard’s “goalie” Kyle Richter.

Harvard’s hostility in the stands proved to be symbolic of their team’s Achilles heel on the ice: penalties. The Crimson committed 17 penalties for a staggering 58 minutes (including an unacceptable 44 for in the third period), enabling six different BC players to score on the way to a 6-0 annihilation of Harvard. Made easier by stout defense from Carl Sneep, who also added a goal and two assists, John Muse turned away 33 shots en route to BC’s first clean sheet in Beanpot play since 2002. Such defensive prowess was a sigh of relief for Eagle fans, especially considering last year’s lackluster 6-1 defeat at the hands of Northeastern in the 2009 Beanpot semifinals.

Standing at an abysmal 5-12-3, Harvard could not have been expecting too much from this year’s Beanpot. However, with neither BC nor BU being as dominant this year as the hockey world has come to expect of them, they certainly had a shot. Now, as they look to regroup, BC looks past the Crimson to a familiar opponent in the rival BU Terriers, who defeated Northeastern 2-1 in a nail-biter yesterday.

Advancing for the fourth time in five years, the Eagles must not get complacent against a Terrier team that is much better than their record indicates. Despite a 4-1 Eagles win at Agganis Arena the first time these teams met this year, BU has since had their number, defeating the Eagles in a pair of one-goal games at Fenway Park and Conte Forum. If Boston College hopes to rectify these disappointments next Monday, they must not come out as they have in the last two meetings. In addition, they must exploit power play opportunities as they did last night, and John Muse must bring a similar type of defensive solidity.

While next week’s championship is anyone’s game, one thing is certain. With the Backyard Brawl in full-force, the Garden will be rocking.

Embarrassing. The only word that can suffice to describe the Boston College Eagles 72-56 loss to Clemson the last time these two teams met January 9^th. Truly embarrassing. Coming off of a frustrating, last-second loss at Virginia Tech, the Conte faithful were not sure what to expect from the inconsistent Eagles going up against one of the premier teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Reggie Jackson led the Eagles with 18 points and 7 assists en route to a shocking 75-69 win over the 21^st ranked Clemson Tigers. The Eagles stormed out to a 23-7 run early in the first half, brought home by an emphatic, and-one alley-oop slam by Corey Raji with 5:57 to go that electrified the crowd as Boston College enjoyed a sixteen point lead.

As the Eagles flew past the Tigers’ suffocating full-court press, fans could be overheard asking themselves if this was the same team that had lost four of its last five. Ranked second-to-last in the ACC in turnover margin, the Eagles maintained good ball movement across the perimeter and took advantage of the fast breaks offered by Clemson’s press. Whereas their stagnant flex offense had prevented them from getting to hoop all year, Clemson’s full-court pressure enabled the Eagles to push the ball. Their aggressive style of play resulted in the capitalization of free throw opportunities, making 24 of 35, including a perfect 10 of 10 by Mr. January, Reggie Jackson himself.

The Tigers struggled to trigger a comeback throughout the second half, yet remained close enough to alarm those fans that know their Eagles all too well. Trailing by double digits throughout much of the game, Clemson sparked a comeback, led by big man Trevor Booker. With two minutes to go, the Tigers had pulled within six points. However, like the Jojo song, it proved to be too little too late as the Eagles were able to somehow hold onto their lead.

While Boston College has a long way to go before even considering a bid to the NCAA tournament, this win was certainly a step in the right direction. Not only does it put a much-needed victory in the win column, but it also gives Coach Al Skinner and the Eagles the confidence they need to compete with the top-25 teams they will be up against all year in the cutthroat ACC. With Florida State, Duke, and Wake Forest coming up, the Eagles will take all the help they can get.

While some people thought that USC’s Parade All Americans and five-star prospects would stomp the modest Eagles in the Emerald Bowl, that was not the case.  Although this was an atypical Trojan team it was still odd to see pretty boy Pete Carroll and perhaps the most unassuming FBS coach around, Frank Spaziani, on the same field.

The squad from Chestnut Hill was not stunned by former Nobel Prize winner Matt Barkley’s beauty and made a game of it. The Eagles played the Trojans tough and only trailed by one point at the half, 14-13. However, the Eagles could not maintain that pace throughout, and fell 24-13. Their one-dimensional offense, two key turnovers and inability to stop the Trojans big play ultimately did them in.

They fell behind the Trojans early 7-0 after an uncharacteristic missed tackle by Luke Kuechly, which led to a 51-yard scamper by SC fullback Stanley Havili. The Trojans piled it on via Havili again. Barkley found Havili crossing the end zone and hit him between the 3 and 1 on his Burgundy sweater. BC bounced by in the second quarter and made things a bit closer, 14-6. Montel Harris capped a 6 play, 68 yard drive, with a 7 yard plunge into the soggy end zone.

The Eagles’ defense toughened up and gave their offense more chances to succeed. Shinskie’s greatest contribution came late in the second quarter. He found one of BC’s best receivers of all time running a simple post pattern. Gunnell took a catchable ball and ran it the rest of the 61 yards into the end zone to make it a one point game. On that play, the senior amassed the most receiving yards in school history. While he has always been a sure handed, tough wide-out, he showed off his speed on this particular play, as he outran the Trojan secondary. It was especially impressive when considering that workout warrior Taylor Mays supposedly runs a 4.3.

While I doubt Coach Spaz fed his players any leftover Egg Nog at the half, the Eagles were not the same team in the second half. It took a play for the drowsy juice to kick in though. Marty Bowman picked off the first pass of the second frame on the opening play and brought it back to the Trojan nine. Any Eagle fan east of the Marin Headlands was truly ecstatic. That euphoria was erased on the next play unfortunately. Montel Harris was unprepared for Shinskie’s hand off. The ball and hope of the extravagant Emerald Nut trophy fell on that unforgivable turf and into a greedy D-lineman’s paws.

The Eagles had a great opportunity to take a six point lead. Either a lack of concentration, anticipation of the end zone, fear of Everson Griffin, or a slippery ball led to an uncharacteristic Harris miscue. The Trojans added a 38 yard field goal early in the third quarter. However, the Eagles were still in the game entering the fourth quarter. Perhaps it was the corniness of the four held fingers by the Eagles that brought about their demise (the Trojans are not susceptible to such superstitious downfalls).

There was 12:30 on the clock when the game really went from decently promising to tragic. Uncle Dave tried to do his Brett Favre best late playoff game impression. He attempted to fit the ball between three Trojan d-backs into the hands of a shocked Eagle receiver. It was not the first time that Shinskie had locked in on one receiver and refused to look away. However, after this pick, his 14^th of the year, the Trojans went for the jugular.

Matt Barkley thought it would be a good idea to look for Damian Williams. The junior receiver was on his way to 12 catch, 189 yard day. Number 18 cordially welcomed a 48 yard bomb into his lap that Barkley dropped between three flailing Eagles. Barkley then snuck into the pay dirt which gave USC a 24-13 lead they would never relinquish.

Thus, as good and promising as the first half was, the second half was equally as discouraging. Shinskie’s inability to read a defense or accurately hit an open receiver really put the Eagles at a massive disadvantage. For as impressive Harris’ ability is to shake of defenders and move the chains, Shinskie’s inability to convert, especially on third down was just as alarming. The twenty-six-year-old freshman was 14-33 for 218 yards.

While it was a winnable game, the Eagles would have had to bring maybe their best game of the year to knock of the Trojans. They gave about a B- which kept them in it but ultimately caught up to them. They will have their chance to seek redemption in 2013 and 2014 when the schools will play a home-and-home.

The University of Massachusetts welcomed Al Skinner and the BC Eagles to Conte Forum on Wednesday night, as the place was packed with enthused Minutemen. It ultimately did not matter that BC fans were in the minority, as the dropped their in-state foe, 79-67.

The Eagles only held a one-point lead at the half, 26-25. Both teams struggled from the field, especially UMass. It was ugly from the get-go. Many lay-ups and point blank shots were missed. It was also a hack fest. Each team took advantage of the refs who seemingly forgot what a whistle was. It was not the flashiest half, but it was very competitive.

Rakim Sanders showed up from the opening tip Wednesday, and recorded 9 points in the first half. He played a very good all around game, even though he is far from 100%. For UMass, local product Anthony Gurley kept his team in the game all the way. The Newton North alum and Wake Forest transfer was too much for the Eagles all night. He ended up with 25 points.

As the game progressed the Eagles were able to establish a decent lead. They were up by about ten points for a good portion of the second half even though one might have thought they were trailing if the crowd was any indication. The Eagles received solid contributions from several people. They were pretty focused offensively.

Small forward Corey Raji gave a very solid 30 minutes. The junior from Washington Township, New Jersey had an impressive line of 18-7. Assistant Coach Mo Cassara noted that Raji was only at about 70%. His jumper was not falling in the beginning but he stayed with it and warmed up. He and Rakim Sanders had great chemistry in the second half. Sanders found Raji cutting to the basket with firm, accurate bounce passes that led to several easy points for the Eagles.

Fellow junior big man Joe Trapani delivered a similar stat line. He was on the floor for 37 minutes and gave 18-5. Trap hit two threes that were real back breakers for UMass. His first dagger was mid-way through the second half when UMass started to make a run. His ball went around the rim, popped up high off the iron and fell in. It led to a five point swing for the Eagles that dissuaded any Minuteman charge. He then hit a big three with a few minutes to go that pulled the Eagles away for good. While Trapani will not be on any all-star teams for inbounding the ball, he had a much needed quality performance.

My game ball goes to Rakim Sanders however. He played a solid game in all areas, especially considering his health. He contributed 15 points, pulled down some key boards and made some excellent passes. He could be a real star in 2010 with a healthy ankle. He and Reggie Jackson give the Eagles some athleticism that they may have often seen in the past.

Jackson was solid Wednesday. He netted 13 points and grabbed 8 boards. The sophomore had a fabulous tip slam in the second half that matched UMass’ enthusiasm. The place was rockin’ for the boys from Amherst but Jackson quickly quieted them. He also showed off his ability with 1:15 to go. He gave a Sam Young-esque shot fake and then pulled an Allen Iverson-esque cross-over that led to a sweet floater in the lane. While 13 points is relatively modest, his energy was really fantastic.

The Eagles played well enough on offense to win but they are fortunate that UMass forgot how to shoot a basketball. Their defense struggled but they ultimately survived to tell the story. UMass was truly anemic at the foul line, shooting 58.3%. Their inability at the charity stripe reminded me of BC’s debacle against Villanova in the 2006 Sweet Sixteen. They were also pathetic from the 3 point line. UMass converted 14.3% of their 3s. BC was often beat man-to-man. UMass’ guards often blew by the Eagles to easy points.

While BC’s defense certainly needs some work, so does their rebounding. BC went with a small lineup which was a good call overall. It helped beat the press although that was not flawless. It put more guys on the court that can score, as it removed Josh Southern from the line-up, who generally does not light up the stat sheet. Their lack of size however hurt them on the boards. UMass grabbed 50 rebounds while BC only pulled down 33. Those extra possessions would have really hurt BC had UMass been able to find their stroke.

While Al Skinner should be hoping that Chris Cringle will bring improved defense and rebounding, this game was a step in the right direction for BC. They will welcome the USC Gamecocks on December 30^th. If they can maintain this offensive production and toughen up in a few areas it should be a winnable game. They have a little bit of time before the schedule gets meaty, when they will travel down to Clemson January 9^th. BC will need to grow some hair on their chest if they want to compete with Trevor Booker and his friends.

BC’s less than impressive play continued Sunday evening as they lost another easy game at home. This time the ferocious Rhode Island Rams came in and ran all over Al Skinner’s soft Eagles. The Eagles were outplayed in the 69-80 loss from the get-go and dropped another costly non-conference match up.

The team’s intensity matched the fans attendance and enthusiasm. There were an overwhelming twelve students in the section opposite the band. Meanwhile I think most of Kingston, Rhode Island caravanned up to witness another trouncing of the Eagles.

The Eagles first possession of the game was ominous to the disaster that would follow. Following the Rams’ first basket of the game, the Eagles were unable to break URI’s full court press. BC displayed horrific ball handling throughout the contest, if one could even call it that. Joe Trapani consistently struggled to inbound the ball. He would often loft a soft pass to a tightly covered man who sauntered to get open. The receiver rarely stepped to the ball with authority.

The turnovers put the Eagles in an immediate hole. Their apathetic play wasn’t just on the offensive side of the ball, unfortunately. Their effort on defense was less than valiant. There were several occasions that URI sprinted 94 feet while the Eagles were caught admiring one of their handful of baskets. When they did get back on defense, they struggled to switch off of screens which led to a parting of the paint. Even if the Eagles were in position, URI’s superior athletes did not seem to mind their presence. The men proudly representing the Ocean State connected on 9 of 15 three-point attempts. It is safe to say that Al Skinner doesn’t exactly coach defense to the same excellence of Larry Brown. BC’s perimeter and interior defenses were lacking.

It might be time to say that the Eagles are officially in a crisis in terms of big men. While they have three fairly large human beings, none of them are able to produce in the game. To save time, space and anger, let’s just say that I’d recommend the Eagles go with a small lineup and maybe eliminate the center position. While that could put them in a hole, especially defensively, the men they are plugging in there are just flat out not getting the job done.

A smaller lineup would probably help protect the ball better as well. A lineup of Biko Paris, Reggie Jackson, Rakim Sanders, Corey Raji and Joe Trapani would certainly help beat the press. They aren’t gaining much by inserting Southern, Ravanel or Dunn into the game. Al must recognize that it is time to mix it up. It can’t get much worse than the current state. The losses to Harvard and URI are not only infuriating, but might even prevent the Eagles from playing late in March if they do turn it around.

Before the Eagles can even begin to think about beating mighty Bryant University, they must take a long, hard look into the mirror. While they have a week to regroup, I am pessimistic in thinking that they can do it. While the players themselves must start to give a rat’s ass, Coach Skinner might have to do something too. While I can’t see Al using any of Herb’s Brooks tactics, it’s about time he startles the Eagles’ comfort zone. I suggest he tighten up ship because it could sink very soon otherwise.

The team lacks leadership and enthusiasm for the game, which isn’t rare for an Al Skinner team. While the team has had moderate success in his tenure, it’s reaching a new point of impassionate basketball. While people often moan and whine about the monotony of the flex offense, it’s hard to prolong those complaints as it is usually somewhat effective and fitting for the athletes that Al attracts.

While I doubt Gene will look for someone to replace Al, I think Al should start to squirm a little bit. Perhaps a spontaneous team meeting, excessive conditioning or an inspirational speech will do the job, but I don’t think this pony is picking up any new tricks any time soon. Al is very rigid.

If Al’s Wednesday afternoon games in the Plex are too demanding for him to change his routine, the players will have to pick up their own slack. What an absurd thought, players solving their own problems. Perhaps the leader will be Rakim Sanders. The junior returned Sunday and recorded 15 points, even though he was far from 100%. The swing man was limping a bit but toughed it out. His beef is still there which he could use to his advantage this year. Combined with a sweet stroke and impressive athleticism he may be just the man to get this thing going. He won’t be able to do it single handedly though. The Eagles must have an epiphany and begin to hustle if they want to start beating up on some A-10 schools, let alone ACC teams.

Boston.com just announced that BC Football will take on Weber State September 4^th, 2010 to open its season. Hofstra just dropped their program so Gene DeFilippo was desperate. The article also said that our home schedule will consist of:

Weber State                                                                                          September 4^th

Kent State                                                                                          September 12^th

Brian Kelley’s Fighting French                                                      October 2^nd

With ACC home games: Va Tech, Clemson, Maryland and UVA. It was also noted that we go to the Carrier Dome Thanksgiving weekend.

There was some concern about the Eagles after a weak showing in the Paradise Jam Tournament over Thanksgiving Break. They lost to St. Joseph’s and Northern Iowa, with their only win being against South Dakota State.

They rebounded however by knocking off The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and followed up with a win in their first conference game against The University of Miami last Sunday. While people thought that they might start to roll, they lost to the Harvard Crimson for the second straight year at Conte Forum.

Far too many times in Al Skinner’s tenure have the Eagles come out with absolute duds. They lost to Harvard and St. Louis University last year. While they still managed to make the tournament, they were playing with fire by lally-gagging through these non-conference games.  They defeated Duke and North Carolina which probably put them over the top and gave them a seven seed.

With already a few suspect losses early on in the ’09-’10 campaign, the Eagles will need to win 10 ACC games again, and probably have to knock off one of the top dogs for an invitation to dance.

Last year, I looked to a lack of leadership from Tyrese Rice to explain their unenthusiastic brand of basketball. It appeared that several times throughout last season that the Eagles forgot what time the game really started. The same was true with Rice himself. He often was scoreless in the first half before exploding in the second.

While Rice was a sub-par leader, the Eagles will need to find a more bona fide one this year if they are to go anywhere. It appears that they are still searching for that man. On Tuesday night, the man who should replace Rice, Reggie Jackson, pulled a similar act. Jackson was aloof in the first half and did not register a single point. He decided to get down to business in the second half and he recorded 13 in the latter frame. While Rice was more of a star from day one, Jackson has the talent to be another Eagle great. He, however, must work on his consistency.

Consistency was not just a problem for Jackson, unfortunately. Joe Trapani got the memo early and had 17 first half points. The lanky junior was raining 3s on the Crimson. He was 4-5, all in the first half. He was shutdown in the second half, however, which put the Eagles at a great disadvantage.

While the Eagles have rebounded very well this year thus far, especially against Miami, they were out-rebounded by Harvard, which is truly inexcusable. Josh Southern wasn’t exactly David Robinson-reincarnate. They are going to have to toughen up underneath. I can only imagine what Kyle Singler and Ed Davis will do if the Eagles’ patsy play continues.  The team in general must toughen up. Regardless of what he did against UConn, there’s no reason that Jeremy Lin should be Dwayne Wade-ing BC year after year. BC has the talent to stop Lin but they didn’t yet again. There is a reason he is at Harvard and not BC.

The Eagles need a healthy Rakim Sanders to return soon. They welcome Rhodie the Ram and his boys on Sunday night. This game is a must-win. URI always brings a strong fan base up 95 which usually correlates to a tough game from them. While they don’t have Lamar Odom or Cuttino Mobley anymore,  they will probably give the Eagles all they can handle.

I already fear that Bapst will be more full than Conte so the players won’t be getting much help from the SuperFans. I’m not really that sympathetic for the players though as it is their responsibility to get it together. I know the semester is winding down but athletes get more money on their meal plan than most of Sub-Saharan Africa is afforded for a year. They can afford the coffee to wake up and get it in gear. Reggie and Trap must lead the way game in and game out. Raji must keep providing that consistent grinding beat and continually post double-doubles. Perhaps most importantly, Rakim must come back and be the impact player that he can be.

They don’t have any more time to waste getting beaten by kids who were picked last in gym class.

Football:

Freshman linebacker Luke Kuechly, of Cincinnati, Ohio, has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year after receiving the votes on 29 of the 40 possible ballots.  He finished the regular season second in the nation in solo tackles (81) and total tackles (142) and averaged an impressive 11.83 tackles per game (the highest by any NCAA rookie since recording this statistic started in 2003.)

Matt Tennant, senior center and team captain out of Cincinnati, Ohio, has been named one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the outstanding center in NCAA football. Tennant has started all 40 games at the center position since becoming the starter before the 2007 season.  His contributions on offense prevented Dave Shinskie from getting sacked often and allowed Montel Harrie to rush for 1,355 yards this season.

The only other center from Boston College to receive this honor of being a finalist for this award is Dan Koppen, who is now the New England Patriots’ center.

The five other finalists for this award are from Hawaii, Texas, Texas Christian University, Florida, and Baylor.  The winner of the Rimington Trophy will be announced during the ESPNU/Home Depot College Football Awards show, which will air live from Orlando, Florida, on ESPN on December 10.

Men’s Hockey:

Freshman forward Chris Kreider, of Boxford, Massachusetts, is one of 29 players named to the preliminary roster for the 2010 U.S. National Junior Team.  After participating in a training camp in mid-December and then tournament play, a final roster will be selected to compete at the 2010 International World Junior Championship, which will take place from December 26, 2009, through January 5, 2010.  This season, Kreider has played in 10 games, scoring five points on two goals and three assists.

Women’s Soccer:

Senior Kelly Henderson, of Baldwin, New York, is one of 15 players named to the semifinal list for the 2009 Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy.  The award is the most prestigious individual honor in NCAA soccer.

The Eagles who finished 18-4-2 after losing in the Elite Eight benefited from Henderson at the defender position.  She started all 24 games and was a key to their defense, which had 16 shutouts this season and only allowed 13 goals.

The 2009 MAC Hermann Trophy recipient will be determined by Division I head coaches.  The list of 15 semifinalists will be narrowed down to three finalists on Friday, December 11.  The winner will be announced on Friday, January 8, 2010.

Men’s Basketball:

BC’s basketball boys held on for a 62-58 win over Michigan in front of 10,718 fans in the Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Led by Corey Raji with a game-high 24 points, sophomore Reggie Jackson contributed with 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Joe Trapani aided in the victory with 11 points and 12 rebounds, his first double-double of the season.

Trapani made a three-point field goal with 36 seconds left in the first half, snapping an 82 minute and 38 second drought that BC had not made a three-pointer during.

The Wolverines weren’t going to give up this game easily though as they went on an 11-0 run, making three three-pointers, to narrow BC’s lead to just six points with only 1:57 remaining in the game.  Jackson helped the Eagles hang on as he made five of six free throws in the final minute.

The Eagles (5-2) have a tough game coming up this Sunday at home as they will play in their first ACC game of the season against the undefeated Miami Hurricanes.

Women’s Basketball:

After dropping the first three games of the season, the Eagles have won their fourth consecutive game by beating Iowa 72-67.

Junior Stefanie Murphy led the team with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Brittanny Johnson and Mickel Picco each contributed 12 points. Last week’s ACC player of the week Carolyn Swords contributed 11 of her own.

The Lady Eagles look to improve to 4-4 overall with a win at home on Saturday over Monmouth N.J.