It's Thomas Castellanos' world, BC fans are just living in it right now.
Covered Holy Cross today and had to play catch up the last couple hours watching it back. Holy crap.
It's one thing to give a team a spark, but what Castellanos is doing/has done for this program in a matter of a couple months is pretty mind blowing. Few other things stood out as well...
1. Before that, I have to talk about Castellanos more
When I first started covering BC, Phil Jurkovec was supposed to be the next big thing, a future NFL QB. Clearly that wasn't the case and I honestly didn't really know what a "next big thing" at BC looked like aside from guys I've watched from afar. Castellanos has now single handedly probably saved Hafley's job and may be turning the program into a destination for recruits or portal guys - as long as they can keep him here. Not only is eight or nine wins still on the table (I will absolutely be keeping receipts from the message board if they get to 9 wins), but this kid is a legit superstar in the making and carrying the program right now.
2. Offensive line has answered all questions
Speaking of receipts, I'll take any written apologies at kstone2206@gmail.com for everyone who chirped me about them in August. There was no way they weren't going to be better with so many injuries and inexperience last year. This unit is paving the way for Castellanos and the backs and showing no signs of slowing down. Gaping holes consistently too. This unit heard all the crap talked about them and has used it as fuel. Haven't heard a peep about them since the FSU game and rightfully so.
3. The dominant ground game is back
308 net rushing yards and four rushing TD's. Castellanos had 131 of them. Robichaux had 165. We all talked about it throughout spring ball and training camp, the only way this team was going to be good again is if the running game came back to life. It took a few weeks, but this team is a juggernaut when rushing the ball right now and the remaining teams on their schedule aren't great. This should only continue.
4. Lewis Bond continues to prove he's a WR1 & TC spreads the wealth
Eight targets, 5 catches, 72 yards and now someone defenses have to plan for. His 31-yard grab was impressive too. Castellanos threw for 255 yards on 17 completions (29 attempts) and Bond, Robichaux (3), Dino Tomlin (3), Jeremiah Franklin (2), George Takacs (1), Taji Johnson (1), Jaden Williams (1) and Joe Griffin all had catches. Hafley said during the week that the offensive staff was going to look to show that Castellanos can distribute the ball too and they did just that, including his absurd toss to Robichaux across his body running the opposite way. The BC offense is legitimately dangerous right now.
5. A pick six? Didn't know that was allowed
Joking obviously, but Hafley also talked about needing to increase INT numbers and not only did BC get three - two from Elijah Jonson - but Amari Jackson's pick-six with one hand was pretty absurd. The defense gave up just 204 passing yards. Arguably the best day of the year for the secondary that's had plenty of doubters.
6. Not such a good day for the D-line and LB's
Eagles gave up 248 yards net rushing and didn't have a sack. The inconsistency up front on defense is still concerning. Ezeiruaku did have a forced fumble, but that's something BC hasn't struggled with this year as much as it has forcing INT's and sustaining pressure. Having said all that, I'll be stunned if they don't get in the UConn backfield at least half a dozen times next weekend, would just love to see it on a regular basis because the talent is there I think.
7. The finish was the most impressive part
Better start, clutch finish. That's been something Hafley has been striving for and he finally got it. 21-0 fourth quarter is what very good teams do when they're in a tight game. I'm not sure what was said in the locker room during halftime against UVA, but whatever it was, the team woke up and has completely flipped a switch. This ride may get a whole lot more fun as we soon head into November.
