Question for those at the game

[ATLeagle]

What was the mood like in the stands as the lead slipped away. Were people getting on Spaz?

[AdamBC]

What was the mood like in the stands as the lead slipped away. Were people getting on Spaz?

From where I was sitting in the upper south endzone, my recollection is thus:

Right after FSU had tied it up, the band played either Sweet Caroline or Buttercup, and only 1/5th of the student section seemed to sing along. After Montel's TD, the other song played, and it was a raucous sing-a-long.

I didn't overhear much commentary up in my area, so I'm not sure if people were more dispirited or angry.

[eagle1331]

I was at the stadium in my family's season ticket spot (Northwest corner). I don't live up there anymore so do not get to travel up much, and when I used to have these tickets always went to the student section of with friends, so this is only the 2nd time I've been in this section. The last time was against ND last year and I got frequently admonished by the crowd to stop standing and tone down the comments.

This game the section was a little more forgiving... I.E. there were a lot more young alumni who came into the section. Until the 3rd quarter the section overall was pretty quiet, but myself and the other younger people did not get yelled at for standing. Things then changed.

21-13 the generally mood of the section shifted. I was yelled at the terrible coverage, the people behind me at the coaches. One dad turned around from the front and started yelling at the group behind me for some language issues, but overall, no big mood shift except for a couple more people starting to stand. I attribute this to the wet benches after the rain at halftime.

The Drive that led to 21-21 is where it got interested. The adults in the section that had a clue about football and genuinely seemed to care about the team were on their feet. There was actually clapping and words coming out of their mouths, maybe some "oooohs" on defense. As long as cheering was PG, they fully supported yelling at coaches or schemes. Even some of them were quietly talking about how miserable we looked all of a sudden.

21-21 brought lots of groans, lots of yelling out of them.

The rest of the game the section pretty much remained on its feet and very involved with the game, especially our TD drive and the ensuing FSU drive.

The most involved I saw them really get in yelling though was after the missed field goal and I started yelling wide right at the nearby FSU crowd. It seemed like it pissed off enough FSU fans and equally caused BC adults who had since been shuttered up in sweater vests and north face jackets to remember what college football was about and many rejoiced in FSUs miserable history...

[Endless Mike]

A guy in front of me who appeared to be a 20-something alum asked aloud "When did Dana Bible come back?"

[DavidGordonsFoot]

What was the mood like in the stands as the lead slipped away. Were people getting on Spaz?

When Tranq first showed signs of turtling in the 3rd quarter, I yelled "DON'T KILL THE CLOCK!" and a couple of guys a few rows behind me started saying the same sort of thing except with more colorful language. I also started yelling at Tranq to stop running the Wildcat every 1st down, but no one else joined in on that one. I came to the conclusion that FSU would tie the game earlier than most, so when they actually did it, I had nothing to say. No one around me said anything after that score, either. The other BC fans in my section did a good job cheering and making noise, but none of them commented on the play calling. FWIW, none of the other season ticket holders that sit around me were anywhere to be seen on Saturday, and I sit in a section that gets a lot of visiting team fans.

[15Radnor]

Section whalePPants (those who showed) was pretty much stunned and silent. At first I was getting at Spaz in a G-rated manner (i.e. calling him Toby) then I was in a state of disbelief/deja vu so I couldn't speak. People were fired up about the horrible spot on the sneak. By the end a lot of the whalepants were standing and screaming.

[BCMurt09]

I was in the student section and Adam is right, they played Buttercup shortly after the score became 21- 21 and it was deathly silent. I was yelling obscenities at Tranq, Spaz, the prevent defense, the refs for giving us a horrible spot, but was standing with a few of my old roommates who weren't saying much at all, but who are less educated in the ways of and Toby and turtles (can we get a new emoticon?). Let's put it this way, I live in NY and have missed one game. They live in the North End, have season tickets, and have been to two (2) games. I think most students where I was sitting (section f, right around the 10) where in disbelief at what was happening and then joyous at Montel's run.

[Chicken Patties]

I made a few bible/luigi comments, but i think the rest of section x was still discussing the drunk girl who get escorted out by the cops.

[b0mberMan]

Section HH was mainly FSU fans by me. I was grumbling about the playcalling, my roommate was grumbling about us running out of whiskey, and the girls in front of us who were BC fans were grumbling at us for not singing along to "Livin' on a Prayer."

When Ponder fist connected on a deep pass on their first drive, I mockingly said "who knew? There are FSU fans in our section" when they started cheering. An FSU guy turned around and said "that's cause we've looked like shit until now."

They left immediately after 4th and 10.

[WilpertsRevenge]

One thing that stuck out to me was the amount of FSU fans from NJ. My section had a group of 15 maybe more. Not one attended FSU nor had been to a game in Tally. All were douchebags and tomahawk chopped throughout. They had no idea about wide right and couldn't give a reason on becoming FSU fans. It was inexplicable. Did there parents get them all FSU starter jackets in junior high and they just decided to be FSU fans forever?

[HJS]

In my section (S), the group I attended the game with were all over them in the 3rd and 4th for playing "TOB Ball". Most within earshot, nodded in agreement. But, we were largely drowned out by the people behind us constantly yelling "Down In Front" to the rows of FSU fans who occupied the front of the section and had THE NERVE to stand for most of the game. I wish I was kidding.

[talon]

In my section (S), the group I attended the game with were all over them in the 3rd and 4th for playing "TOB Ball". Most within earshot, nodded in agreement. But, we were largely drowned out by the people behind us constantly yelling "Down In Front" to the rows of FSU fans who occupied the front of the section and had THE NERVE to stand for most of the game. I wish I was kidding.

Fuck those FSU fans. If I went to see BC on the road and wasn't sitting in a designated BC section, I'd like to think I'd have enough respect for the fans behind me to act civilized.

[MilitantEagle]

What was the mood like in the stands as the lead slipped away. Were people getting on Spaz?

During the Wake comeback, the 80-something year-old (no exaggeration) who sits behind me said, "Did Tom O'Brien come back to coach this team?" I turned around and said, "We hired his clone."

People incorrectly assume that the old fans, whalepants, etc liked TOB and the 7-5 bullcrap. Many of the old-timers are pretty passionate, but the young, clueless students who sing "Buttercup" probably don't care or know too much about the Spaz cushion.

[BC98to04]

Section Z seemed close to a 60/40 BC - FSU mix. When things started to go bad, the FSU chants were drowning out any individual complaints by the BC fans, but for the most part, I didn't hear anyone getting on the coaching staff or the team, but there was definitely a "here we go again" vibe as FSU started to come back (similar to what you used to feel at certain Red Sox games pre winning the WS), followed by raucous cheering after Harris big run. Not sure where this came from, as we've been pulling out our fair share of wins over the years.

Biggest disappointment, the complete lack of Gold from most of the stadium (students excepted). The weather wasn't an excuse as it hardly rained. Personally, I just threw the gold shirt of my BC sweatshirt and carried in a poncho, that shouldn't have been too much to ask for Mark and for the school. I guess most people don't religiously follow BC marketing, so maybe they didn't know, and times are tight to buy a t-shirt for one game if your closet is already full of maroon. For these types of things, maybe BC should just hand out Gold shirts (or in this case ponchos).

I agree with the poster who said Build me up buttercup got no response, just seemed wildly inappropriate for the moment. However, Sweet Caroline with the game seemingly in hand (pre-Costanzo actually winning the game) was a nice victory cigar.

After the game stopped by several tailgates, and heard the "did TOB take over the controls after the half" comment at all of them, but most people just really happy we won. My feeling is that expectations were extremely low among most fans for the season, which has now turned into a split of: 1) Maybe we're on to something great here v. 2) VTech is going to be a real wakeup call. I know very few people who have actually watched any game prior to this one, so I don't think anyone has really made up their mind, nor do people realize that the second half essentially repeated the last 7 minutes of WF. Given the low expectations, they were happy with the win and probably somewhat surprised that the team isn't a complete disaster given the preseason reviews and anything they read regarding Clempson.

[DavidGordonsFoot]

Biggest disappointment, the complete lack of Gold from most of the stadium (students excepted). The weather wasn't an excuse as it hardly rained. Personally, I just threw the gold shirt of my BC sweatshirt and carried in a poncho, that shouldn't have been too much to ask for Mark and for the school. I guess most people don't religiously follow BC marketing, so maybe they didn't know, and times are tight to buy a t-shirt for one game if your closet is already full of maroon. For these types of things, maybe BC should just hand out Gold shirts (or in this case ponchos).

I was also very disappointed by that. MH went through six months of chemo and radiation, and our weak fans can't risk getting a little wet one afternoon to support him and the cause. It was warm, too.

[HJS]

The only thing I had that was gold was a T-shirt. I bought a gold hat. I wanted to by a yellow parka... but the bookstore only sells maroon ones. By FAR... this game had more fans wearing BC paraphenalia than any I have attended. But, since the whole gold thing is new, I'd say the ratio was 3:1 in favor of maroon. I'd be willing to bet that the ratio would have been 3:1 the other way if it was hot enough for just a t-shirt. And yes... I lost the parka for most the game, but most kept their rain gear on.

One note... Reebok actually has a ton of GOLD and MAROON crap now that they are owned by Addidas. I was really quite impressed.

One finaly note... the students were awesome. They have gotten so much better over the years. Back in the mid-90s, if you got to the game before halftime, you were sitting in E or F.

[claver2010]

Well all I know is Miss Claver and I were screaming at the top of our lungs that:
1) you can't sit on a lead with 22 minutes to go in the game
2) you can't send a safety blitz when he is 15 yards beyond the LOS at the snap
3) Jeff Smith has no business returning kicks
4) BC was Swoffuckford on that Shinskie spot.

[ScuttlebuttAW]

Up in RR everyone was pretty drunk, but not drunk enough to recognize the contrast between the first and second halves. Everyone was flabergasted by the Jeff Smith wheel route. It seemed totally out of character given the type of play calling we've seen so far this season. The general frustration with the offensive performance in the second half was tempered by our good fortune with penalties and Harris' big runs. Harris drew a huge ovation from the people in my section when he stayed in bounds on that second to last long run.

So, from my immediate experience, there was alot of jubilation early on, followed by a dip in the second half, but the dip wasn't drastic or lingering. Everyone just seemed to be pretty happy that we won.


On a side note...

There were some comments being floated around that Shinskie almost has too much touch on his passes. That while they're accurate and have tight spirals, they seem to take to long to get to their target. I thought he was supposed to have a cannon, but I can't remember any time during the game where I thought, "wow that was a laser!" Thoughts?

[BCMurt09]

What was the mood like in the stands as the lead slipped away. Were people getting on Spaz?

During the Wake comeback, the 80-something year-old (no exaggeration) who sits behind me said, "Did Tom O'Brien come back to coach this team?" I turned around and said, "We hired his clone."

People incorrectly assume that the old fans, whalepants, etc liked TOB and the 7-5 bullcrap. Many of the old-timers are pretty passionate, but the young, clueless students who sing "Buttercup" probably don't care or know too much about the Spaz cushion.

I gotta agree that a lot of the students are pretty clueless when it comes to all this. I'll admit, for my first two years I was pretty clueless and didn't become really passionate about our football team until my junior year and I think this is pretty true throughout. Anybody who sang Buttercup when the score was tied probably had their heads up their asses. A lot of students care, but probably an equal amount could care less.

[twballgame9]

Section JJ was fucking pissed. And myself and were a large part of it. But two yahoos behind us were all over Spaz for everything from the short kickoffs to the wildcat.

[angrychicken]

Section JJ was fucking pissed. And myself and were a large part of it. But two yahoos behind us were all over Spaz for everything from the short kickoffs to the wildcat.

I heard your section was

[Sach33]

I went to Game Day and the game. I sat in P in row 10 and the florida St fans just stood in front of everyone they didn't care.I had an elderly couple the row in front of me to the left and these FSU dorks just stood right in front of them they older couple didn't even say anything i had to say something for them. FSU people didnt like that. Not to mention they are the biggest cry babies i have ever came across they complained about every call and how the refs are from boston or they are in bc pockets the whole game. Not a classy fan base at all.

[twballgame9]

I went to Game Day and the game. I sat in P in row 10 and the florida St fans just stood in front of everyone they didn't care.I had an elderly couple the row in front of me to the left and these FSU dorks just stood right in front of them they older couple didn't even say anything i had to say something for them. FSU people didnt like that. Not to mention they are the biggest cry babies i have ever came across they complained about every call and how the refs are from boston or they are in bc pockets the whole game. Not a classy fan base at all.

Refs from Boston is the funniest thing I have ever heard. The twang is noticeable at every game.

[jujmboeagle]

Deathly silent during the FSU comeback. Just watched the Gameday replay and Herz was fantastic. Students did a great on Sat during the show at the game itself.

[Sach33]

I went to Game Day and the game. I sat in P in row 10 and the florida St fans just stood in front of everyone they didn't care.I had an elderly couple the row in front of me to the left and these FSU dorks just stood right in front of them they older couple didn't even say anything i had to say something for them. FSU people didnt like that. Not to mention they are the biggest cry babies i have ever came across they complained about every call and how the refs are from boston or they are in bc pockets the whole game. Not a classy fan base at all.

Refs from Boston is the funniest thing I have ever heard. The twang is noticeable at every game.

Ya i said to them it had nothing to with BC or the fact they couldn't run the ball with out their running back falling over his own 2 feet over and over they said nothing.But i should have expected them not to be to bright,these are the same people who asked me who David Shinskie was who was coaching the bc team this year, and have any bc players been taken in the first round lately i said ya ever hear of Matt Ryan they said well besides him i said Gosder, then they asked was he any good? No he was picked in the first round cause he sucks. Even at game day they acted like idiots.

[rktbrkr]

"There were some comments being floated around that Shinskie almost has too much touch on his passes. That while they're accurate and have tight spirals, they seem to take to long to get to their target. I thought he was supposed to have a cannon, but I can't remember any time during the game where I thought, "wow that was a laser!" Thoughts?"

I think Uncle Dave is seeing the field and has developed a much better feel for the game, lots of QBs throw the same pass either 4 yards or 40 yards, his only real bad pass was after he got rocked on a pass attempt. Coaches should have taken him out for a play or called a run, tough throwing a pass when you see 44 players on the field.

Nice seeing Doug Flutie rooting for the team in the stands with real people rather than up in the press box or something!

[BC98to04]

"There were some comments being floated around that Shinskie almost has too much touch on his passes. That while they're accurate and have tight spirals, they seem to take to long to get to their target. I thought he was supposed to have a cannon, but I can't remember any time during the game where I thought, "wow that was a laser!" Thoughts?"

I think Uncle Dave is seeing the field and has developed a much better feel for the game, lots of QBs throw the same pass either 4 yards or 40 yards, his only real bad pass was after he got rocked on a pass attempt. Coaches should have taken him out for a play or called a run, tough throwing a pass when you see 44 players on the field.

Nice seeing Doug Flutie rooting for the team in the stands with real people rather than up in the press box or something!

The touchdown to Larmond against WF had plenty of zip. On Gameday, Herbstreet was criticizing Jake Locker for not being able to tone it down for passes that need touch, so far, I think Shins has shown a good mix, so far but most throws have required touch.

Agree on Flutie, was hanging out after the game talking with the family, security comes to move us along, and as we turn around to walk out, down strolls Doug hand in hand with I assume his wife, normal as can be, had a gold shirt on (think it was Beat Cancer, but might have been just a superfan shirt, can't recall).

[HJS]

"There were some comments being floated around that Shinskie almost has too much touch on his passes. That while they're accurate and have tight spirals, they seem to take to long to get to their target. I thought he was supposed to have a cannon, but I can't remember any time during the game where I thought, "wow that was a laser!" Thoughts?"

I think Uncle Dave is seeing the field and has developed a much better feel for the game, lots of QBs throw the same pass either 4 yards or 40 yards, his only real bad pass was after he got rocked on a pass attempt. Coaches should have taken him out for a play or called a run, tough throwing a pass when you see 44 players on the field.

Nice seeing Doug Flutie rooting for the team in the stands with real people rather than up in the press box or something!

It is impossible to criticize Shinskie right now. For a guy who hasn't played the game in 7 years to be progressing as much as he has... it is freaking INCREDIBLE. Yes... he takes to many hard shots. Yes... he needs better pocket presence. But, the pocket presence has increased exponentially already. I have been INCREDIBLY impressed with his looking off receivers and checking down on his reads. Best of all, he seems relaxed, under control and a bit of a leader on the field. Is he a finished product? No way. But, his progress has been insane.

As for his passes, I think he has plenty of velocity and if you are seeing touch, it is a welcome addition to his arsenal. But for his dropped INT, he was on the effing money all game. Let's remember that this was FSU. If anything was floating too much, it certainly would have been picked.

[Eagledom]

"There were some comments being floated around that Shinskie almost has too much touch on his passes. That while they're accurate and have tight spirals, they seem to take to long to get to their target. I thought he was supposed to have a cannon, but I can't remember any time during the game where I thought, "wow that was a laser!" Thoughts?"

I think Uncle Dave is seeing the field and has developed a much better feel for the game, lots of QBs throw the same pass either 4 yards or 40 yards, his only real bad pass was after he got rocked on a pass attempt. Coaches should have taken him out for a play or called a run, tough throwing a pass when you see 44 players on the field.

Nice seeing Doug Flutie rooting for the team in the stands with real people rather than up in the press box or something!

It is impossible to criticize Shinskie right now. For a guy who hasn't played the game in 7 years to be progressing as much as he has... it is freaking INCREDIBLE. Yes... he takes to many hard shots. Yes... he needs better pocket presence. But, the pocket presence has increased exponentially already. I have been INCREDIBLY impressed with his looking off receivers and checking down on his reads. Best of all, he seems relaxed, under control and a bit of a leader on the field. Is he a finished product? No way. But, his progress has been insane.

As for his passes, I think he has plenty of velocity and if you are seeing touch, it is a welcome addition to his arsenal. But for his dropped INT, he was on the effing money all game. Let's remember that this was FSU. If anything was floating too much, it certainly would have been picked.

Agreed. This guy is a true freshman. Even if he is 25. He has improved more over a 3 game stretch than Crane did in 5 years. And the touch on the pass to Jeff Smith was incredible. As were two of the throws to Larmond.

[flyingelvii]

What was the mood like in the stands as the lead slipped away. Were people getting on Spaz?

During the Wake comeback, the 80-something year-old (no exaggeration) who sits behind me said, "Did Tom O'Brien come back to coach this team?" I turned around and said, "We hired his clone."

People incorrectly assume that the old fans, whalepants, etc liked TOB and the 7-5 bullcrap. Many of the old-timers are pretty passionate, but the young, clueless students who sing "Buttercup" probably don't care or know too much about the Spaz cushion.

I gotta agree that a lot of the students are pretty clueless when it comes to all this. I'll admit, for my first two years I was pretty clueless and didn't become really passionate about our football team until my junior year and I think this is pretty true throughout. Anybody who sang Buttercup when the score was tied probably had their heads up their asses. A lot of students care, but probably an equal amount could care less.

Believe me, me and at least one of my friends are doing are best to make the students aware of the comparisons. And yes, a majority of the people are there to drink first and watch the game second. I prefer to do both with equal gusto.