Recapping Wednesday’s practice for the Eagles

CHESTNUT HILL – We’re just crawling to the finish line at this point.

I mean us collectively as the media and fans. Don’t worry, the team is still locked in.

BC was back outside Fish Field House Wednesday on another beautiful morning leading into this weekend’s season opener. After a long training camp and seemingly the longest last week of August ever, the Eagles have just one practice left on Thursday following Wednesday’s session before finally getting a chance to hit someone else.

With health the most important thing, just shoulder pads applied for this practice, but it still looked like productive work. Bill O’Brien did have to wake his guys up a little at the start of the morning, but overall, the Eagles are the same team they’ve been relatively all of camp.

Here’s what stood out:

Early observations

I didn’t walk in until about 9:45 so I didn’t see much of indy or the stretch, but everyone was still out there and looking good. I also have to throw this out there…

I have to know if anyone else reading this has ever been to the Rte 9 Dunkins probably 10ish minutes away from campus? It’s right next to a gas station, I forget which one. I was stunned how much parking is there. Like, whoever decided to put it there is an absolute genius. I always avoided that location because I assumed it’d be small and jammed, but what an absolute hidden gem that Dunks is when you’re in a rush.

Quarterbacks

It’s worth noting right up front that the majority of practice was with scout teams as the Eagles continue to prepare for what they might see against the Rams.

Having said that, James was intercepted by Njita Sinkala in 7-on-7 at the goal line when he jumped a route. Lonergan had a TD to Lockwood, Skeete and Franklin during the 7’s. James bounced back with touchdowns to Pough and Lockwood.

In one of the final team periods, Lonergan was picked off by Tim Hays who made a diving catch after Zacari Thomas tipped it. Saturday’s starter bounced back in a final Red Zone period though, throwing two touchdowns on two throws to McDonald and Bond. Turbo added two TD runs.

Kickoff returns

Really looking forward to finally seeing ‘live’ kick offs and who could possibly be a weapon for BC. It’s not a 100% full-go rep in practice for obvious reasons, but teams try their best to mimick it as best they can. I still think there’s a plethora of return options that could ultimately get opportunities, but I might call a Bo MacCormack run back in my preview before Saturday. TBD.

Saturday can’t get here fast enough

I unfortunately won’t be at practice on Thursday morning, but the my first game preview for 2025 will be up Friday. I’m sticking with 9-3 as my final answer.

Before then, here’s a couple other things I’m ready to call now before I forget: Q Hutchins gets ACC DPOTY votes. Skeete is the surprise breakout receiver in the ACC. BC wins at least three games on walk-off field goals.

Only three more days…