BC Takes Opener Over Weber State

This afternoon marked a very historical date in the lives of a few football people as the Boston College Eagles kicked off their 2010 campaign at Alumni Stadium against the Weber State Wildcats. For Weber State, it was their first encounter with BC and, more dramatically, the furthest north and east that they have ever ventured for a football game. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, their historical moment wasn't as special as it was for BC's Mark Herzlich.

Herzlich, a Boston College linebacker, stepped foot on the turf for a game for the first time since 2008. After a long road back, today was the day that Herzlich put the finishing touches on his winning battle against cancer. Ewing's Sarcoma was the cancer he fought throughout the entire 2009 season, and today was his grand return to the football field. In a part-time role, Herzlich made 5 tackles, easing him back into game action.

For the Eagles, though, it was a shaky start. Prior to snapping the first play from scrimmage, BC committed a delay of game penalty. A few seconds later when they snapped the actual play, quarterback Dave Shinskie threw an interception that gave Weber State the ball at BC's 20 yard line. The defense held strong, though, holding the Wildcats to just a field goal and a 3-0 lead.

Then things got rolling. BC responded with 24 unanswered points, eventually leading to a 31-10 halftime lead and a 38-20 victory. The offense didn't click in the second half, but its first half performance was enough to give the Eagles the win. Shinskie went 10-for-20 passing the ball for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also threw 2 interceptions. For the ground game, it was Montel Harris who stepped up, carrying the ball 19 times for 115 yards and a touchdown. He also had 3 catches for 31 yards.

For BC, they protect their own house again next Saturday as Kent State comes into town to face the Eagles. The game is set to start at 3:30. Boston College could really use another win before the tough teams start rolling in; Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, and Florida State make up three of BC's following four matchups.