Boston College: The biggest inferiority complex in college sports

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

In dating a so-called Superfan, who was also a member of the Boston College marching and pep bands, I have come to learn one very real fact: the Eagles only truly hate teams that are better than they are. All of the so-called "rivalries" the school has in its major sports, whether it be football, basketball or hockey, are mostly one-sided, based more on envy than anything.

To ask a Superfan about one of their rivals is to learn that every team the Eagles have a rivalry with sucks, despite what any number of national championships or any other statistics might lead you to believe. Boston College is the greatest athletic program to grace God's green earth. Everyone else should be insanely jealous and Superfans just can't figure out why no one actually is.

Well, here it is, spelled out plain and simple for all you Boston College fans. In the great scheme of things, you really aren't that good now and you really have very little history of ever being very good.

Let's start with football.

Boston College fans want you to think that the series with Notre Dame is an age-old tradition dating back to the early days of college football which they have dominated for the past decade. In truth, in the eyes of Golden Domers, Boston College takes a back seat to USC, Michigan, Michigan State and some would even argue Navy. In reality, the "Holy War" series has only lasted 18 games and the only thing that makes it truly notable is the fact that these are the two only Catholic universities playing Division 1 football at the bowl championship level. The two teams first met in 1975, but did not play each other regularly until the 1990's. Even the Eagles' series with Notre Dame hockey has a greater history in terms of games played and longevity. It's true that from 2000-2008, the Eagles have held a 6-1 advantage, but even with that, the series is still tied, 9-9.

Eagles fans like to point to their recent head-to-head dominance as evidence that Boston College is a better program than Notre Dame, overlooking the fact that Notre Dame holds 11 national championships (or 13, depending on who you ask) to Boston College's zero. For those keeping score, no team has as many national titles as the Fighting Irish.

Boston College also likes to mention recent bowl success over the last decade, but since the BCS's inception in the 1998-1999 season, the Irish have been to three BCS bowls, something Boston College has never done. They have gone to distinguished bowls such as the Meineke Car Care Bowl, MPC Computers Bowl and the Continental Tire Bowl, however.

Notre Dame boasts 178 All-Americans to Boston College's 10 and seven Heisman Trophy winners to the Eagles' Doug Flutie. Ten Irish have gone on to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Two Eagles have that distinction.

Notre Dame football has only had 11 losing seasons in 102 years. Boston College football has had 23 in 74 years, over 30 percent. Bottom line, a nine-win season at Boston College is considered a success. A nine-win season at Notre Dame is a disappointment.

In hockey, the Superfan's obsession with Boston University can at least be legitmized by the two teams' close proximity. Both even share the same branch of the Green Line. Because of this, the rivalry actually has longevity. But that's about where the conversation ends.

While the half-full student section at Conte Forum likes to chant "Sucks to BU," nothing could be further from the truth. First off, in head-to-head play, the Terriers lead the all-time series 123-106-17. Boston College holds the edge in Hockey East tournament and regular season titles, but seeing as both teams played in the ECAC beforehand, BU holds more combined titles. In all, the Terriers have won 14 regular-season league titles to BC's 11, while winning 12 conference tournaments to the Eagles' 10.

Boston University has also dominated the bragging rights in Boston, having won the Beanpot 29 times. That's right. BU has won more Beanpot finals than Boston College has participated in.

But with all that, the most striking number is this: BU also holds the edge where it counts the most, having won five national championships, while Boston College has only won three.

The most pathetic "rivalries" of them all might fall in the realm of basketball, however. The Eagles don't have any real heated rivalries with any out-of-conference teams. UMass is a fabricated series without much conscequence and Notre Dame holds some sentimentality because of BC's Big East days and the simple fact that it's a team from South Bend.

But at this point, Superfans concentrate most of their hatred on natural in-conference "rivals" with whom they really have no business being in the same conversation.

With three national championships, Duke has as many titles as Boston College has Elite Eight appearances. Boston College has never advanced past that point, something Duke has done 14 times. The Blue Devils have won 21 conference tournament titles as well as 21 regular season titles, compared to BC's three and four, respectively. And yes, those numbers for BC are combined between both the Big East and the ACC.

As if that wasn't good enough, Superfans also like to spit venom at North Carolina, who surpasses Duke in the number of national championships (5), final four appearances (22), conference tournament championships (25) and regular-season titles (34).

So can these really be considered rivalries or sad expressions of feelings of inadequacy. There are plenty of good - but not great - athletic programs all around the country and most of them realize exactly what they are. Why is it that Boston College fans can't figure it out?

Eli gets shown the money???

By Josh Bremberg

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Is it just me or did I miss something here...

Eli Manning has agreed to a 6-year $97 million dollar contract (w/ $35 million guaranteed)! Eli Manning?! Are you kidding me?! Peyton's little brother?! Seriously?

The contract is coming after two of the greatest seasons of Manning's young career: 3,238 yds, 21 TDs, and only 10 INTs in '08 & his upset Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in '07.

Regardless, I just can't wrap my mind around the fact that Eli is making that much money... sure, he won a Super Bowl (thanks to the D-line pressuring Brady all game & Asante Samuel dropping an easy pick), but would you spend that kind of money on Peyton's little brother?

Enjoy your pay day Eli... maybe you can share some of that money with your defense, the real stars of the Giants.

Notre Dame's schedule: Built for success or set up for failure?

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

There are officially 31 days remaining until Notre Dame football kicks off and only a few days until two-a-days start. Along with that comes more and more buzz surrounding the Fighting Irish. Will this team finally realize its full potential? Will Charlie Weis be able to hold his job? Is a BCS bowl a legitimate possibility for the Irish?

For all the talk of how soft the schedule is, there are quite a few teams that will provide serious challenges for the Irish. While actual preseason polls by the AP and USA Today don't come out a little while yet, some have already gone ahead and made their own and it's interesting to note some of the tough matchups found on this "easy" schedule:

According to CollegeFootballPoll.com, which uses strictly computer-generated projections, Notre Dame has three Top-25 teams on its schedule: USC at No. 3, Michigan State at No. 7 and Pittsburgh at No. 12. It also has both Michigan State and USC going undefeated, so take this as you would any computer ranking, with a grain of salt. Still, many times computers have the advantage of not overthinking things and this particular computer module has been pretty accurate.

At any rate, if you put any stock in these rankings, Notre Dame (ranked 45th by the computer, by the way), faces a total of five teams in college football's Top-50 and seven in the top half, giving them a strength of schedule that ranks 38th. On top of MSU, USC and Pitt, Nevada ranks 33rd, while Boston College ranks 41st. Connecticut comes in at 55, while Stanford ranks 60th.

Outside of these teams, the competition does drop off. But then again, Florida plays Florida International and Missisippi State. Washington, Washington State and Purdue all are all but sure to be wins and while they might be a tad underrated, Notre Dame has dominated Navy with the exception of 2007. So let's just assume (yeah, we all know what that does) that these are four wins in the books. Despite the fact Michigan is ranked 77th, you can't consider any game played at the Big House a definite win, so they don't fall into this category. That leaves the Irish with eight potentially "lose-able" games. Let's take a look at each matchup and what Notre Dame needs to do to win.

USC
Even without Mark Sanchez, the USC offense will be fully charged and ready to give the Notre Dame defense all it can handle. Nine returners, including the entire offensive line will make it a long day for the Notre Dame front seven. The only shot Notre Dame really has in this game is to take advantage of a young USC secondary. The problem with that lies in the fact that though they're young, the Tojans are exceptionally talented on defense. Weis will need to do some serious coaching to try and get Tate and Floyd out on an island in the passing game. Still, it probably won't be enough.

Michigan State
Javon Ringer won't torch the Blue And Gold for 200 yards this year and it's hard to tell exactly what the identity of the offense is going to be this season, making this a very difficult game to break down so early. The key may lie in an improved Spartans' defense. They did not do an excellent job at getting at the quarterback last year and if the Notre Dame offensive line can give Clausen time, it could very well spell victory for the Irish

Pittsburgh
Last year's classic 4OT game was a heartbreaker for the Irish and pretty much the epitome of their season. This year the biggest factor in this game could be turnovers. With LeSean McCoy gone, the Panthers will have to rely on Bill Stull, a quarterback with a career 11-10 TD-INT ratio. Notre Dame did not do much in the way of forcing turnovers last year, but if they are able to put pressure on Stull and force some mistakes, it puts the team in a very good position. If Clausen can also avoid turnovers himself (something he managed to do in last year's matchup, surprisingly), chalk up an Irish victory.

Nevada
Nevada's offense has been well-documented and the Irish's woes in stopping the run last year, while not as well documented, were also apparent. Moving to a 4-3 defense should help with that as the defensive line will be this team's main strength. While the Blue and Gold like to blitz under defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta, but will probably have to be more disciplined against a great running team like the Wolf Pack. Offensively, Jimmy Clausen and company will have plenty of chances against the defense that ranked 119th in the league last season. To use a Maddenism, it will come down to who can score more often and given the weapons the Irish have in the passing game in Golden Tate, Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph, they have to be considered to have an edge.

Boston College
The Eagles' main strength last year becomes a major question mark this season with the departure of B.J. Raji and Ron Brace and the fact that All-American linebacker Mark Herzlich is not expected to play at all while battling a rare bone cancer. The linebackers and secondary are still solid, but major holes exist on the defensive line. If Notre Dame can generate a running game, something they've lacked the past two seasons, it will make life a lot easier on Clausen. The Eagles most likely will rely on the running game. They probably would have done this with or without Dominque Davis, who was suspended and announced he's transferring, but now the ground game becomes ever-important. The Irish have to remain stout against the run and make the passing game (led by whichever backup wins the starting job) beat them. But let's not forget that Irish teams better than this year's have lost to BC teams worse than this one.

Connecticut
The Nutmegers have just decided rightly not to accept Notre Dame's proposal of a series in which UConn's home games would be played at either Foxboro Stadium or the Meadowlands. They're basically saying they're big-time enough that they don't need Notre Dame. Now's their chance to prove it. However, they'll be trying to do so without Donald Brown and his 2,000-plus yards. Defense will be a huge key in this game. UConn quietly put together one of the best defensive seasons in the country last year. Most notable in regards to this matchup is the fact that they were ninth in passing defense, allowing just 168.2 yards per game. They were also very good against the run, but are much weaker this season on the line, so if the Irish can put together some kind of rushing attack and hold onto the football, they should be able to control this game.

Stanford
Stanford has gotten better each of the past two seasons and looks to continue improving. Throw on top of that the fact that Stanford could have a chance to play spoiler the way they did for USC two years ago and this is a dangerous matchup. If Stanford somehow gets a lead, they can use Toby Gerhart to control the clock. That is, IF Stanford can get the ball back by any other means besides a kickoff. The Cardinal's defense is less than spectacular, ranking in the bottom half of the nation in points allowed and total defense and the offense doesn't figure to be able to put up as many points as they are letting up. If the Irish can get a big enough lead and put the game in Tavita Prichard's hands, they are in a good position.

Michigan
Year two of the Rich Rodriguez experiment will be in full swing and the team's expectations will be the exact opposite of a year ago. Last season the defense was expected to make up for the lack of offense. This season, the offense holds the strength in their experience and having a year or Rodriguez's spread option under its belt. The defense turned out to be dismal last year with a boatload of star power and that is all but gone this year, leaving the cupboard very bare for defensive coordinator Greg Robinson. The Irish would welcome a shootout with the Wolverines and jsut might get their wish.

Fantasy Football: Committee approach hurting RB stats

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Who to grab at running back?

While that has been the No. 1 position to land on draft day in any type of format over the years, the running back position is starting to take a back seat to the wide receivers. It's pretty simple, too. The running back by committee approach is really hosing fantasy owners, while the increasing-popular points per reception has given wideouts more fantasy appeal.

I'm not saying running back aren't important, but having to play the juggling act between rotating tailbacks takes away from overall fantasy production.

So, obviously, the key is to draft those backs that have won the starting job outright and don't really have the share the workload with anyone else.

TOP 20

1. Adrian Peterson -- Vikings

The 6-foot-1, 217-pound featured back from Minnesota just keeping getting better. Now entering his third season, AP will be looking to increase his production of 1,760 yards and 10 rushing TDs with 21 receptions and 125 yards. Just think if the Vikings would use Peterson a little more in the passing game. But either way, you can't go wrong with landing Peterson as your featured back. Plus, he's a workhorse who gets the ball quite often -- 363 carries last year.

2. Matt Forte -- Bears

As a rookie Forte, a second-round draft pick out of Tulane, was a force in both the rushing and passing game. He had 1,238 yards rushing and 63 catches for 477 yards with 12 total touchdowns. Could you make a case for him as your No. 1 back or the top overall running back selected? No doubt. Forte might even be stronger this year with Jay Cutler now running the show at QB. Watch Forte's numbers blow up -- rushing, receiving and total touchdowns. He's a fantasy force.

3. Michael Turner -- Falcons

Turner the Burner proved that he's a top-flight running back, considering he had spent his previous years as a backup in San Diego. Turner just knows how to find the end zone -- he had 17 TDs and 1,699 yards as a first-year starter. With the way Matt Ryan led the Atlanta offense last year, expect Turner to carry the load once again. Don't be surprised if he duplicates that TD total. One downer for Turner owners: He's a non-factor in the passing game (6 catches last year).

4. Brian Westbrook -- Eagles

Say what you want about Westbrook -- he's injury-prone (he's missed at least one game in the last 3 years), but he's usually on the field playing hurt and he's still productive and dangerous while being wounded. Westbrook is that true double-threat (rushing, receiving) that you should covet on draft day. He's averaged 1,162 yards, 74 receptions, 402 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns in the last three years. I know he's coming off injury and that's always a scary scenario, but when the Eagles' offense is going strong, Westbrook is the one that's breaking down opposing defenses. 

5. DeAngelo Williams -- Panthers

Williams might split time with Jonathan Stewart in the Carolina backfield, but there's no mistaking who is the go-to back. Williams was a fantasy delight last season with 1,515 yards and 20 touchdowns. We all know the Panthers love to take the air out of the football and use their hulking offensive line to wear down defenses, and Williams is the ultra-quick back that teams just can't bring down -- especially in the fourth quarter when they are gassed from getting beat on the entire game. Don't sleep on Williams. He didn't score 20 times last year for nothing. He'll carry your team.

6. Maurice Jones-Drew -- Jaguars

While I'm still not sold on Jones-Drew (I'm still questioning how he'll do as the featured guy in Jacksonville since Fred Taylor is now a member of the Patriots), there's no questioning that he's a productive fantasy guy. In shared duties last year, Jones-Drew rushed for over 800 yards and caught 62 balls for 565 yards, while scampering into the end zone 14 times. All in all, that equated into a very good season. But the question still remains: How will the 5-foot-7 back handle a full-time load. Can he take a pounding, while carrying the ball over 300 times and keep producing? Prove it to me. I'm not drinking that silly-juice just yet. I like the points he puts up, but is he the real deal and should I be believing all the hype?

7. Steve Slaton -- Texans

Slaton is simply a burner, but a real tough burner at that. As a rookie, he carries 268 times for 1,282 yards, and also added 50 catches for 377 yards and 10 total scores. Mind you, that was as a rookie. Slaton has quickly become a legit running back, no doubt earning the right to be considered a RB1 guy on draft day. When a guy proves that he's durable and has the uncanny knack and potential of scoring every time he touches the ball, then that's the type of guy you want leading your ballclub. Don't be afraid of a sophomore jinx.

8. Marion Barber -- Cowboys 

Marion The Barbarian took a little break last year, and had an off year with only 9 total touchdowns due to a nagging toe injury. If the Cowboys don't lean on this stud and pound the rock -- he also has great hands and can be utilized in the passing game -- then they are just plain crazy. Barber runs with such force and power, the Cowboys seem afraid to really give him the ball 25 times per game. Barber's rushing carries for the last three years are: 135, 204, 238. It's just not enough. Even if Barber doesn't rack up the major rushing totals (he had 885 last year and 975 in 2007), he can make up for it with receptions (52 last year) and touchdowns (remember, he had 16 in 2006). Some owners might be worried about Barber's production, but not me. He's primed for a bounce-back season.

9. Chris Johnson -- Titans

Johnson, as a rookie, produced game after game. The East Carolina product rushed for 1,228 yards, while catching 43 passes and scoring 10 times. This was all while splitting carries with bigman LenDale White. Expect more sharing of the workload. If you know anything about the Titans you know they are physical and lean heavily on the run. It'll continue this year, but Johnson will once again get his numbers. While he may have games where White gets 2-3 goal-line vulture TDs, Johnson will get the stats from in between the 20-yard lines. Plus, his big-play ability is simply too good to pass up on.

10. LaDainian Tomlinson -- Chargers

What, LT at No. 10? It can't be, can it? You bet, this isn't the same LT from 2006 where he scored 31 TDs. But this version -- the 30-year-old shaky legs tailback -- is still good enough to help you get a fantasy title. Tomlinson, despite getting only 292 carries because Darren Sproles dipped into some off those handofffs, still managed to score 10 times. He's also still important to San Diego's passing game, where he caught 52 balls for 426 yards. LT still has something left in the tank, but don't go overboard and think you're going to get 2006's stats. But this is still LT, right? 

11. Brandon Jacobs -- Giants 

12. Steven Jackson -- Rams

13. Frank Gore -- 49ers

14. Reggie Bush -- Saints

15. Clinton Portis -- Redskins

16. Ryan Grant -- Packers

17. Kevin Smith -- Lions

18. Marshawn Lynch -- Bills

19. Ronnie Brown -- Dolphins

20. Thomas Jones -- Jets

WATCH OUT FOR

Ryan Grant -- Packers

Pierre Thomas -- Saints

Darren McFadden -- Raiders

LenDale White -- Titans

BE WARY OF

Joseph Addai -- Colts

Larry Johnson -- Chiefs

Jamal Lewis -- Browns

Willie Parker -- Steelers

WORTH A FLYER

Jonathan Stewart -- Panthers

Leon Washington -- Jets

Rashard Mendenhall -- Steelers

Cedric Benson -- Bengals

(Coming tomorrow: Wide receiver rankings by Jim Ingram)