Game Day Iowa: Kickoff of the '14 season at Kinnick vs. Northern Iowa Panthers

The University of Iowa (8-5, 5-3 B1G in '13) celebrates their 125th anniversary of Hawkeye Football in 2014, as the Northern Iowa Panthers (7-5, 3-5 MVfC in '13) come to Kinnick Stadium to open the '14 season.

There is plenty of history to celebrate with Iowa Football and College Football in 2014. The new College Football Playoff has replaced the old BCS in '14.

It has been 75 years, since the Iowa Ironmen team and the 1939 season and Nile Kinnick's Heisman season. The Hawkeyes have enjoyed memorable seasons over the past 125 and 75 years, respectively.

Personally, it is the 40th anniversary of my first college season at Kinnick, as a young Hawkeye fan. Sadly, 2014 is the first college football season, without my father alive, as he passed away this Summer.

Iowa is 15-1 in the UNI series, as the only loss came in game 1, back in 1898. It was only five years ago, when the Hawkeyes needed to block back to back Panther field goals, on consecutive plays, at the end of the game, to preserve the win at Kinnick, in another season opener. Last season, UNI beat Iowa State 28-20, in their season opener.

Iowa enters their 16th season with head coach Kirk Ferentz (108 wins, 6-5 in bowls) at the helm. It has been ten years, since Iowa took home a share of a Big Ten title in football. Iowa won co-championships in both 2002 and 2004, under Ferentz leadership.

Iowa hasn't competed for a Big Ten title, since the 2009 season, five years ago, when they fell short in OT at Ohio State. Today, division football enters year 4 in the Big Ten, but with a new geographic divisions for '14.

Iowa is part of the new B1G West in 2014, as Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue, Wisconsin and the Hawkeyes make up new geographic division in the new 14 member conference. Maryland and Rutgers are now in the Big Ten and will join Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State in the East division.

Iowa opens at Kinnick Stadium today, the first of four non-conference games to open the 2014 campaign. The Hawkeyes return eight starters on offense, five on defense, with 40 returning letterman.

Both programs, Iowa and UNI, should be better on offense in 2014. Each has a 1-2 option at QB, though junior Jake Rudock is a clear #1 for the Hawkeye offense. Sophomore C.J. Beathard could come in some situational plays in '14 for the Hawkeyes.

Both programs like to run the football. Iowa goes four-deep at RB, with seniors Mark Weisman, Damon Bullock, junior Jordan Canzeri and sophomore LeShun Daniels. UNI counters with senior David Johnson, who Iowa recruited as a greyshirt. Former Iowa RB Barkley Hill, transferred during the summer to UNI. Hill was buried deep on the Iowa depth chart, when he vacated Iowa City. He should finally make his college debut today.

Both teams have experience in the offensive line. Iowa is lead by senior FBS pre-season all-American LT Brandon Scherrff. Senior Andrew Donnal will man the RT spot for Iowa, while junior C Austin Blythe calls the offensive line signals again. Junior Jordan Walsh is back, with redshirt freshman Sean Welsh the other guard spot for Iowa, as we kickoff the '14 season.

Senior FCS preseason all-American candidate Jack Rummels anchors the Panthers in the offensive line in '14. The Panthers have watched North Dakota State emerge as a three-time FCS champion, lately as a fellow MVfC member. North Dakota State opens in Ames today. ISU comes to Kinnick in two weeks.

The FCS schools knocked off a record 16 FBS schools in '13. UNI enjoyed one of those wins in Ames last year. North Dakota State took down Kansas State last year and will look to make it two in a row for the FCS in Ames.

If Iowa is going to compete for a Big Ten title in 2014, they will have to improve their explosive plays this season on offense. The passing attack will have to improve.

Iowa has four experienced tights ends for third-year, offensive coordinator Greg Davis to utilize. Senior Ray Hamilton, juniors Henry Krieger-Coble, Jake Duzey and sophomore George Little bring variables to the Iowa offense.

The wide receivers have been mostly quiet the past several years for Iowa, but that may change in '14?

Senior Kevonte Martin-Manly (40 catches, 5 tds), junior Tevaun Smith (huge TD vs. Michigan in '13) and senior Diamond Powell (24.2 yds per catch, 2 tds) were the Top 3 wide receivers last year. They are all back, as is junior Jacob Hillyer, as seasoned wide receiver. 

Sophomore Matt VandeBerg made two starts last year and redshirt freshmen Derrick Willies, Derrick Mitchell and Andre Harris all are options at WR. Senior walk-on Andrew Stone could factor in as a possession receiver.

The strength of the Iowa defense is the return of all four starters in the defensive line. Iowa was very good in run defense and points allowed in '13, but all three talented starting linebackers are in the NFL now.

Defensive coordinator Phil Parker will enter year three, as DC. He has been at Iowa leading the defensive backs, since 1999, during Kirk Ferentz's first season. Iowa's coaching staff is seasoned with a mix of experience and youth.

Iowa will see senior MLB Quinton Alston anchor the Iowa defense in '14. He will benefit up the middle with senior defensive tackles Carl Davis and Louis Trinca-Pasat. Davis, like Scherff on offense, is receiving pre-season all-American talk. Trica-Pasat is one of Iowa's four team captains in the opener, with Weisman, Scherrf and Alston.

Iowa has a three-man rotation back at defensive end with senior Mike Hardy, juniors Drew Ott and Nate Meier. Juniors Riley McMinn and Melvin Spears need to step up, as reserves.

Depth and experience is a concern on defense for Iowa, but the defense could be stout again at times?

The defensive line lost junior Darian Cooper to knee surgery, so the #3 DT will come from sophomores Jaleel Johnson, Faith Ekakitie and redshirt freshman Nathan Bazata in '14.

Sophomore Reggie Spearman will man the WLB position, after playing as a true frosh last season, as a specialist on pass rush, in Iowa's Raider defense. Look for more nickel and dime looks in '14 on passing downs by the Hawkeyes?

The other linebacker spot is an interesting story for Iowa. Ferentz rewarded a redshirt freshman Bo Bower the first start and a scholarship to open his career. Bower turned down a scholarship at UNI to walk-on at Iowa. His debut comes vs. UNI today at The Kinnick.

Iowa's secondary has two returning starters, but otherwise new. Senior SS John Lowdermilk is back. Sophomore Desmond King became the starter, after week 1, when he replaced an injured starter in last year's opener vs. Northern Illinois. King could be very special in the Hawkeye secondary and is a player to keep an eye on for Iowa.

The other members of the secondary for Iowa in '14. Junior Jordan Lomax manned King's CB spot in last year's opener, but he has moved this off season to the FS position for Iowa. The other new CB for Iowa is sophomore Greg Mabin (6-2 converted WR), with junior Sean Draper and sophomore Maurice Fleming pushing Mabin.

True freshmen Miles Taylor and Ben Niemann are expected to play today. Taylor is a reserve safety and Niemann is likely a reserve linebacker, both should play special teams. Juniors Travis Perry (one start in '12), Cole Fisher and senior Chad Gilson, transfer from UNI, are all reserve linebackers and will find roles on special teams in '14.

Special teams are always important, especially in season openers. Iowa returns specialists Canzeri (25.2 yards per KO return) and PR Martin-Manly (15.7, 2 tds). Redshirt freshman, reserve RBs Jonathan Parker and Akrum Wadley may help in roles on kick returns in '14, as well,  for Iowa.

Iowa has a new placekicker and punter in '14, despite the return of two-year junior punter Connor Kornbath's (40.0 per punt) return. Junior college transfer, junior Dillon Kidd will get the start at punter. Kornbath's strength has been pinning teams inside the 20, but Kidd appears to have a stronger leg. Kidd's dad had a long career in the NFL, as a punter.

Four-year placekicker Mike Meyer has graduated. So, junior Marshall Koehn is likely first up as the new PK for Iowa, with true freshman Mick Ellis from the Lone Star State in the mix, likely in '14. The new long snapper is redshirt freshman Tyler Kluver. There are some big shoes to fill in '14.

Iowa vs. UNI

Season openers are always a little anxious, since no one really knows just how their team will gel right out of the gates.

Iowa is known for slow, methodical starts under Kirk Ferentz. In 2005, Iowa roared out of the gate vs. Ball State, but that has been the exception the past 15 seasons, rather than the rule.

UNI coach Mark Farley likely has a Panther team with an offense ahead of the defense, which may help Iowa more in the Season Opener?

Does Iowa continue to struggle in Season Openers for the third straight season?

UNI is most experienced in the secondary on defense. Some believe it should be 'stellar' in '14. Iowa found Northern Illinois' secondary in '12 and '13 solid in the secondary.

The middle of the UNI may be stout, like Iowa?  Defensive tackle Xavier Williams is a stout, 311 pound anchor. He was all-conference and had 74 tackles last year. Senior linebacker Jake Farley is not 100 percent, but is expected to play, coming off a broken leg during the loss to North Dakota State, last season. Leading tackler over the first five games last season.

Iowa and UNI both could be set for breakout seasons. Lately, both have been up and down in their respective conferences and Division 1 divisions (FBS vs. FCS). Neither has had the success as their fan bases have enjoyed in the past under respective coaches, Ferentz and Farley.

Keys to game:

1. Line of scrimmage,
2. Special teams and turnovers,
3. Explosive plays,
4. Down and distance,
5. Coaching adjustments and temperament.

Cidsports Game Pick:
Iowa 38
UNI 17

This game could be close, but UNI defense has been apparently running behind the offense. Iowa should return to having a better offense and defense should be able to control line of scrimmage more than UNI.

First Saturday of 2013 College Football Season

Saturday has arrived...

Buffalo at #4 Ohio State 11:00 a.m. ESPN2 (HD) - The Buckeyes look to make it 13 straight to open '13 and for the  Urban Meyer era!

Purdue at Cincinnati 11:00 a.m. ESPNU (HD) - New era for Boilermakers and Bearcats are coming off a solid season and begin new AAC play in '13!

Southern Illinois at Illinois 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - Kirk Herbstreit may be giving the Fighting Illini some credit, but Illinois is #12 in the Big Ten last year and now as the '13 season opens up coming off 2-10 season.

UMass at Wisconsin 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - The Gary Anderson era begins in Madison official with Game 1 of 2013!

Villanova at Boston College 11:00 a.m. ESPN News - Coach Steve Addazio begins first year at BC!

William & Mary at West Virginia 11:00 a.m. FS1 (HD) - Mountaineers finished only 7-6 after leaving Big East for Big 12 in 2012.

Toledo at Florida 11:21 a.m.SEC Network / ESPN-GP / espn3 - Some have year 3 under Will Munschamp as a better year coming off 11-2, really!

Florida International at Maryland 11:30 a.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / (ESPN-GP / espn3) - Final season in ACC for Terps prior to move to Big Ten in '14.

Louisiana Tech at North Carolina State 11:30 a.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) *2 / ACC Network (HD) - New coach Dave Doeren will find his Wolfpack in a tough test in his debut in Raleigh.

Rice at Texas A&M 12:00 p.m. ESPN (HD) - How much did the NCAA investigation into signatures impact Johnny Manziel's teammates this off season?

Colgate at Air Force 2:00 p.m. (RSRM / RSNW) (HD) / Video: MWC / PLN - Air Force was 6-7 last year and look rebound after late season fade.

BYU at Virginia 2:30 p.m. ESPNU (HD) - Good intersectional match up here to open 2013 season!

Central Michigan at Michigan 2:30 p.m.BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - Coach Brady Hoke opens Year 3 in Ann Arbor with some challenges ahead, but Wolverines can't look ahead to Week 2 until after this one.

Mississippi State vs. Oklahoma State 2:30 p.m.(ABC (HD) / ESPN2 (HD)) - SEC vs. Big 12 in Houston, as Cowboys look to grab conference banner in '13.

Northern Illinois at Iowa 2:30 p.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - It was an 18-17 final in Soldier Field, as two programs seek a little more respect from Kirk Herbstreit in 2014. Our pick: Iowa 29, Northern Illinois 16.

Penn State vs. Syracuse 2:30 p.m. (ABC (HD) / ESPN2 (HD)) - East Rutherford will host this game between former East Coast Independents and now Big Ten vs. ACC game on neutral site!

Temple at Notre Dame 2:30 p.m. NBC (HD) / Video - The Fighting Irish were a loss away from the BCS title in '12, so QB Tommy Rees will have to lead them now in '13.

Louisiana Lafayette at Arkansas 3:00 p.m. FS South / (ESPN-GP / espn3) - New coach in town comes down from Big Ten in Bret Bielema... could Bret be next Nick Saban lite in SEC?

Nicholls State at #3 Oregon 3:00 p.m. FS1 (HD) - The Ducks get scrimmage type opener to open Mark Helfrich era in Eugene.

#1 Alabama vs. Virginia Tech 4:30 p.m. ESPN (HD) - The opener in Atlanta for a great, SEC vs. good ACC show down.

Austin Peay at Tennessee 5:00 p.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) *2 / PPV (new link) (TN) - Butch Jones is new guy in Knoxville looking to stop the revolving door leading Volunteers.

Eastern Washington at Oregon State 5:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / Pac-12 Video - Beavers coming off 9-4 season looking for more in '13!

Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky 6:00 p.m. ESPN News - From Nashville, Mark Stoops and Bobby Petrino eras kick off in this in-state match up between SEC vs. Sun Belt teams.

Louisiana Monroe at Oklahoma 6:00 p.m.PPV - Young Sooners in Year 15 under Bobby Stoops in Norman.

Miami-OH at Marshall 6:00 p.m. CBSSN (HD) - MAC vs. C-USA teams, though Marshall played in MAC for while in their past.

Murray State at Missouri 6:00 p.m. (ESPN-GP / espn3) *2 / PPV (MO) - Tigers had a tough first year in the SEC at 5-7, so looking for better season in Columbia in Year 2.

Old Dominion at East Carolina 6:00 p.m. DTV: 623 / FCSA (cable) / CST (VA cable) - ODU is moving up to FBS as they transition upward, while Pirates seek to improve on 8-5 last year.

Washington State at Auburn 6:00 p.m. ESPNU (HD) - Pac 12 vs. SEC showdown, as Mike Leach begins Year 2 and Cougars eye spoiling Gus Malzahn's homecoming as new head for Tigers in Auburn!

Wofford at Baylor 6:30 p.m. FSN Affiliates (HD) / FCSC (cable) - Bears were 8-5 post-Robert Griffin III, so can success continue in Waco?

Georgia at Clemson 7:00 p.m. ABC (HD) - Could a Top 5 ranking be on the line between these SEC vs. ACC teams, if they win?

New Mexico State at Texas 7:00 p.m. LHN - The Longhorns have been rebulding for three seasons under Mack Brown?

Wyoming at Nebraska 7:00 p.m. BTN (HD) / BTN2Go - The Cornhuskers are strong on offense, but new placekicker and co-called 'Blackshirts' defense need to step up, if a conference title for the first time, since 1999 is coming to Lincoln in '13?

LSU vs. TCU 8:00 p.m.ESPN (HD) - Big show down in Arrington between SEC vs. Big 12 between defensive coaches Les Miles and Gary Paterson, so which rebuilding program gets out of the the gate better?  Our pick: LSU 19, TCU 17.

Boise State at Washington 9:00 p.m. FS1 (HD) - Upset or not? Big Ten (MSU) took Boise down to open '12, so Pac 12's turn to open with them in '13.

Nevada at UCLA 9:00 p.m. PAC-12 Network (HD) / Pac-12 Video - MWC vs. Pac 12 in the Rose Bowl, as Bruins look to get out of the blocks strong in September... opportunity knocks!

Northwestern at California 9:30 p.m. ESPN 2 (HD) - The Wildcats are coming off bowl win and thoughts of undefeated showdown with Ohio State in Evanston, which could be dangerous with trip and late start out West to open season.

Games online only or not scheduled for nationally available network:

Arkansas Pine Bluff at Arkansas State 6:00 p.m. espn3 - Coach Bryan Harsin takes over as third coach in as many years, as rebuilding begins in Jonesboro.

Eastern Illinois at San Diego State 7:00 p.m. MWC Video - Coach Rocky Long is coming off 9-4 season beginning Year 3, so how will new offense unford for OC Bob Toledo?

Elon at Georgia Tech 11:00 a.m.espn3 - The Yellow Jackets

Howard at Eastern Michigan 5:00 p.m. espn3 - Coach Ron English enters fifth year in Ypsilanti.

Idaho at North Texas 6:00 p.m. $ULive Video - Coach Dan McCarney moves up to C-USA for Year 3 coming off 4-8 season, like his alma mater.

McNeese State at South Florida 6:00 p.m. espn3 - USF travels to East Lansing as they open with back to back MSU intitals.

NC Central at Duke 3:00 p.m. espn3 - Blue Devils bowled last year finishing 6-7, so success wants to continue in '13.

Northern Iowa at Iowa State 7:00 p.m. $Video / Mediacom (cable) - UNI is not the top dog in FCS, let alone the MVC, with North Dakota State, but could lightning strike twice in the same weekend between MVC at Big 12?  Not likely, but we can always dream right?  Our pick: UNI 23, ISU 22

Texas State at Southern Miss 6:00 p.m. $ULive Video - Sun Belt vs. C-USA in Hattiesburg.

UAB at Troy 6:00 p.m. espn3 - C-USA vs. Sun Belt ... go underdogs!

UTSA at New Mexico 7:00 p.m. (KASY / KMYS) (cable) / MWC Video - Not an easy game for coach Bob Davie to open Year 2 in Albuquerque.

Happy Labor Day weekend to you all.  Enjoy your final day of August, as the 2013 College Football season kicks off in Week 1!

Game Day Saturday: Iowa vs. Northern Illinois in Chicago

Iowa (7-6, 4-4 B1G Leaders in '11) is meeting Northern Illinois (11-3, 7-1 MAC West and MAC champs in '11) for the eighth time ever.  Iowa holds the series 7-0 and in 2007 beat the Huskies 16-3 in the lone meeting in Solider Field in Chicago.

Iowa entering 14th season under coach Kirk Ferentz has won 11 straight season openers.  Northern Illinois enters the second season under former Wisconsin defense coordinator David Doeren as head coach.  Iowa lost 30-31 in '10 vs. Wisconsin.  Iowa's season went south the past two seasons to a degree, while the Badgers have won back to back Big Ten titles.

Iowa has two new coordinators in 2012 with former Texas OC Greg Davis at Iowa, hired after a season off. New defensive coordinator is 13 year DB coach Phil Parker, who was promoted to replace mentor Norm Parker, who retired, after 13 outstanding seasons as Iowa's DC for Ferentz.

Iowa isn't the only team with a new coordinator.  Northern Illinois welcomes its third OC in three seasons as former Minnesota and Northwestern OC at Mike Dunbar returns to the Big Ten. Dunbar, like Iowa's Davis was out of college coaching in '11. His most recent job was at New Mexico State. He was 0-2 vs. Iowa, while at Minnesota.

Iowa returns 40 letterwinners from 2011, including six offensive, five defensive starters and a junior placekicker Mike Meyers.  Senior QB James Vandenberg, LG Matt Tobin, C James Ferentz, WR/KR Keenan Davis, DE Steve Bigach, CB/PR Micah and SS Tom Donatell are the only seniors starting for Iowa entering '12. Kirk Ferentz's youngest team in 14 seasons. Four true freshmen appear in the two deep with starting punter Connor Kornbath and second team RBs Greg Harmon, Michael Molloy and CB Kevin Buford.

Iowa does appear to have a good core of junior and senior leaders lead by captains for today's game Vandenberg, Ferentz, Hyde and junior MLB James Morris. Three guys named James and a Micah, who may earn the nickname Jim this season.

Northern Illinois returns 53 letterwinners, including four offensive, eight defensive starters and both kickers in '12 from a team that opened 2011 losing three of first five games. NIU's nine game win streak is the longest in FBS. The Huskies won the MAC and beat Sun Belt champ Arkansas State 38-20 in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

The Huskies have some holes to fill on offense and must get adjust to third offensive coordinator in three seasons. Junior Jordan Lynch must replace school-record holder Chandler Harnish, who lead the Huskies in rushing and passing. Also, the  top running back has departed, and sophomore 5-7 183 Akeem Daniels is listed as starter. He ran for 303 yards, 3 tds and 5.4 ypc. Only one of the top two receivers are back, lead by senior Marvel Moore.

In the offensive line, injury has knocked out senior Logan Pegram, so all five starters are being replaced by three redshirt freshmen, sophomore LT Tyler Loos didn't play in '11 and missed spring due to injury, while junior RT Matt Krempel is a career back up first at LG and then tackle.  JunIor PK Matt Sims is an all-MAC performer back.

Two of the three top Huskie tackles have departed of the three players missing on DC Jay Niemann's defensive unit.  However, the Huskies gave up an average if 30.3 ppg in 2011, including 4.0 yards running the football. 

So, a Big Ten vs. MAC match up is hard to judge here, with the Huskies limited success vs. Big Ten foes. NIU will challange Western Michigan in the MAC West in '12.

Northern Illinois has Iowa in Chicago, while MAC rival Western Michigan opens today downstate in Champaign at Illinois.  We can see Western Michigan beating Illinois today.  They have been a thorn for Iowa (0-2 in Ferentz era.

Iowa has done well vs. Miami-OH, Northern Illinois and other MAC programs, not named Western Michigan.

Our prediction in Chicago: IOWA 27, Northern Illinois 15.

The Gazette this morning favors Iowa in four of five categories this morning from run and pass offense to run and pass defense.  Only special teams appear in the Huskies column.  If Northern Illinois is going to make this a game, turnovers and special teams are often big areas to watch in season openers.

Other games of interest on Saturday. We already mentioned Western Michigan at Illinois.  Former Toledo coach, another MAC school, has departed after a 9-4 season (3 years at Toledo) and is new head coach at Illinois. Upset alert!

Notre Dame will defeat Navy and will head home to host Purdue in Week 2.

Southern Miss who finished '11 wIth a record of 12-2 and #20/19 in AP/Coaches Polls travels to LIncoln to face #24 Nebraska (9-4, 5-3 B1G Leaders in '11).  New Southern Miss coach Ellis Johnson was DC for South Carolina the past four seasons. South Carolina beat UNL 30-13 in the Capital One.  Southern Miss won the Hawaii Bowl 24-17 over Nevada last season.

The FCS playoff team, the Northern Iowa Panthers travel to Madison to face defending Big Ten champion Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday. First meeting and the Bangers have won 16 straight in Camp Randall openers.  Tough draw for the underdog, as former Maryland Terps' QB Danny O'Brien takes over for one year Badger and former ACC opponent Russell Wilson at QB.

Tulsa is favored in the road at Iowa State.   ISU coach Paul Rhodes enters his fourth season at the helm in Ames, in clearly the toughest season opener in four seasons.  ISU won the prior meeting in '61.  ISU will travel to Iowa City in Week 2 for the Cy-Hawk series showdown. Tulsa was 8-5 last year and 7-1 in C-USA West, coming off 21-24 loss to BYU in Armed Forces Bowl.

The top game is defending BCS champion and #1 Alabama traveling to face #13 Michigan, who won the Sugar Bowl in OT over ACC champion Virginia Tech.  It should be an interesting game.

Former Nebraska coach Frank Solich leads his eighth Ohio U team (10-4 in '11) to Happy Valley to face Penn State, and its first new coach after 46 seasons under Joe Paterno. Bill O'Brien a career assistant returns to college football, after being on the New England Patriots staff, since 2007. He was QB coach mostly, but OC his final season. He is a former OC in college at Duke for two seasons and two seasons at Georgia Tech. Upset alert!

The Urban Meyer era begins at Ohio State with Miami-OH.  How will the season play out with the Buckeyes on NCAA probation.

Coach Danny Hope begins his fourth season leading Purdue as he faces Eastern Kentucky, FCS school he coached for five years before returning to Purdue.  With Ohio State and Penn State on NCAA probation, can Purdue surprise in '12 and make a run in the Leaders division race?

On Saturday night, coach Kevin Wilson (1-11 in one season) and Indiana host FCS and in-state foe Indiana State (6-5 last year from Mo Valley).  Wilson's only win last year was against a FCS opponent.

Coach Pat Fitzgerald begins his seventh season as head coach at Northwestern with a road opener at Syracuse.  The Wildcats opened on the road last year and pulled out a win at Boston College. In 2010, they pulled off a close one at Vandy. Northwestern opens OOC with three BCS opponents... at Syracuse, Vanderbilt and Boston College. Can they make it three in a row?