Boston College Eagles
Jagodzinski firing
I find this whole Jeff Jagodzinski firing story very interesting. In part, this is because we just pilfered a head coach from another BCS conference that was none too pleased by the idea of their coach going elsewhere as well. There are obviously many differences between these two situations, but I think as much as West Virginia was up in arms over RichRod's departure, their reaction was infinitely more justified than Boston College's.
Jagodzinski was interviewing for what would be a CONSIDERABLE upgrade over his current position. I think West Virginia could at least justify their attempts to milk every dollar out of Michigan and RichRod (and the accompanying dragging of his name through the mud) halfheartedly in the fact that Rodriguez was breaking contract to go take a position at another college that West Virginia (at least theoretically) would be competing with in the national rankings each year. With the way West Virginia had played in recent years under Rodriguez, the step up was mainly in prestige only. Jagodzinski would be going from a school that has rarely, if ever, been seriously considered a national title contender under his reign to the head coach of an NFL team that missed the playoffs by a game this season. That's a pretty huge leap.
What I don't get, is why would Boston College fire him other than to save face after attempting to bluff him off of the interview?
First, he's obviously a good coach. Boston College has played considerably well within their conference under his tutelage and he's done well enough to at least receive consideration from an NFL team.
Secondly, wouldn't this discourage other elite coaches from coming to Boston College? Boston College is basically saying, "We want you to come here and be successful, but if you ever try to leave we are going to make things absolute hell for you. Even if it's to a situation where you can't even conceivably compete with us."
Thirdly, why would they do this before he takes the job? Is it really worth the potential blow this is going to cause their recruiting class and any transition problems next season to show that you are serious about coaches honoring their contracts?
I just fail to understand this decision. If BC thinks they are going to start some trend where coaches don't constantly aspire to and leave for better coaching jobs, I think they are sorely mistaken. Firing Jagodzinski I think only causes many, many more problems than it solves.
Where is Tajh Boyd Likely To Go?
So Boyd played a pretty damn good game today (yesterday) and I know that we'd be interested in him. I feel like we'd be a great fit for him but according to a Rivals.com article, it seems as if we're not even on his list. Personally, I don't see why he would choose one of the three aforementioned schools for the following reasons:
1. Oregon - have very good depth at quarterback and all the injured players will return
2. Boston College - virtually no supporting cast and they run an extremely pro style offense; also have a young quarterback coming back next year
3. Ohio State - Pryor
However, I can also name good reasons why he would choose those schools as well (save BC)
1. Oregon - see below regarding Brown.
2. Ohio State - would have a great supporting cast and great offensive line to protect him
Now, I heard during the game that he had a knee injury or something and that was keeping him low on some radars, but the kid can play. Yes, defenses were very vanilla and coverages will be way harder in college and also he was throwing to a great RB in Bryce Brown, but overall I think he has the best chance to succeed at Michigan, at least for PT. This is not saying that he's going to start right away, but competition brings out the best in everyone and I'd like to see someone give Tate a run for his money before we assume he's going to be the starting quarterback next year.
My dark horse guess, though, would be Oregon. Apparently Brown is having second thoughts about committing to the U, even though his brother is there and has stated that he is interested in what Oregon has to offer. Since they had great chemistry, I think if Brown switched to Oregon, he could very well draw Boyd there as well.
Tom - have you heard anything between us and Boyd? Are we even communicating with each other?
Side note - McNeal to Clemson? NEVER saw that one coming. Did he ever mention Clemson in any of the articles?