Boston University-Boston College: A Weekend of Hate
By Joe Micik
We don’t like them. They don’t like us.
This weekend, Boston College and Boston University will have the opportunity to despise one another on not one, not two, but three separate occasions. In the absence of football, this will be a good chance for the fans to get better acquainted with and focus on both teams, particularly #3 men’s hockey.
Men’s hockey: #13 Boston University at #3 Boston College
Friday, 7:30pm, CBS Sports Network
Good news: The hockey game is televised.
Bad news: The hockey game is televised by CBS Sports.
The Eagles are 0-3 on that channel, and look to avoid going 0-4. The last time Boston College faced the Terriers, they were embarrassed on CBSSN at home, 5-0.
Boston College were winners in their previous game, a 3-2 thriller at Yale in which they came from behind late in the third period.
BU’s dominating win over BC several weeks ago started what for them has become a four-game win streak. Since their last win at Kelley Rink, the Terriers have defeated Vermont, New Hampshire, and Cornell.
This figures to be a difficult game for the Eagles, but with any luck, they’ll be able to pay the Terriers back for the last game.
Men’s basketball: Boston University at Boston College
Saturday, 2pm, ESPN3
The floor of the Conte Forum turns back into hardwood as the Eagles meet the Terriers on the court. Boston College is 2-5 on the young season and has struggled mightily with its inexperienced players, while Boston University, a defending conference champion, are 3-4 but have won three in a row.
In their most recent game, BC was defeated by Penn State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, 62-54. BU most recently beat the Delaware Blue Hens, 73-67, behind 27 points from senior Darryl Partin. Going solely on box score, one might get the impression that BU’s offense completely ran through Partin, as he took 26 of the Terriers’ 59 shots; the next most anybody shot was nine. Partin has taken no fewer than 15 shots in a game so far, but he scores, averaging over 23 points per game.
As for the Eagles, they need to remember how to shoot. The Penn State game was a prime example of how not to do it, and for a team that came from high school highly regarded for their shooting abilities, it’s peculiar. Right now, the offensive game plan is (1) have Humphrey chuck up a three or (2) burn 33 seconds off the shot clock and force up a bad shot as the buzzer sounds.
We’ve heard that the “season can’t be measured in wins and losses,” but the Eagles just got thoroughly beaten by New Mexico and let the Penn State game slip out of their fingers. They need a win for some confidence. To be honest, they could use it.
Men’s hockey: #3 Boston College at #13 Boston University
Saturday, 7pm, Untelevised (Radio: WWZN 1510AM)
Boston College will ride down Commonwealth Avenue for their only game at BU this season. Depending on how Friday night goes, this will either be the rubber match or the Terriers will be trying for a sweep.
This is the last scheduled regular-season meeting between BC and BU. If they see each other again, it will either be in the Beanpot final/consolation game on February 13, or in the postseason.