Anyways, on a lighter note, I think it would be nice to take a peek at BC's non-conference opponents next season. BC will play every Hockey East TWICE (instead of the normal 3). Unlike some others clubs, the Eagles will not play any non conference games vs any Hockey East teams, although I would like to see them schedule BU a third time because you know, the more BC-BU, the better. Other than that, here is what we have right now. Just to note, all of this could change. The locations I put down are educated guesses (some are final).
RPI- Right now Boston College is slated to host the Engineers but there is a rumor that the two teams could faceoff at Madison Square Garden with Cornell and BU being the other game. Certainly, that would be a great event. As of now, BC's opening game is RPI but that could very well change.
Army- Not sure the location yet but I'd put the odds on BC hosting.
Minnesota- In the 10+ plus years I've been following BC Hockey, I don't believe they have hosted the Gophers which means a date (or dates) this season should be extra special. It's been a while since BC has hosted a western power like the Gophers, North Dakota, or Wisconsin so hosting both the Badgers and Minnesota should be awesome. Right now, I believe BC is supposed to play two games vs the Gophers but that could change.
Wisconsin- For the first time since 2009, Boston College will host the Badgers. Mike Eaves' club is slated to play Boston College on a Saturday night after facing Boston University on Friday night. My best guess is this game takes place in November.
Michigan- This has the potential to be one heck of a road trip. For the first time in what must be 20+ years, the Eagles will travel to Ann Arbor to faceoff vs the Wolverines per sources. This game has yet to be confirmed but there is a 95% chance that it will take place. I assume the Eagles will play two games out there. Dates not yet known.
Brown- Another opponent we haven't seen in quite some time. Boston College will travel to Meehan Auditorium on January 11th (a Saturday) to take on the Bears.
Holy Cross- The ancient rivals will meet again @ Conte Forum the day after Thanksgiving. It's been a while since the two have met up on the ice.
Harvard- After a two year break, the Crimson and the Eagles will once take the ice against each other. I'm not sure of the location but I am assuming the game is in Cambridge because right now, BC only has three non conference road games (@ Michigan x2, @ Brown).
That's all I have for now but I'd like to see if BC could schedule a couple of more regional opponents. I mentioned the idea of scheduling the Terriers as a non conference game but I highly doubt the staff will do that. Besides that, I hope BC continues their series with Yale. I mean, they're the National Champs and if you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best. I'll be uploading a 2014 schedule page within the next few hours so be sure to check that out.
As you can tell, I'm pretty excited for next season (even though it's April). I feel that this BC team has the potential to reach unprecedented heights if the freshman can gel together sooner rather than later. With the "big four" of Matheson, Johnny G, Arnold, and Hayes returning, along with as deep a freshman class as you'll ever see, I don't see why it is unreasonable to expect this team to be as good a BC team as we've had in the past 5 years.
Taking a Look At Next Year's Non-Conference Opponents
In the world of college sports, scheduling non-conference opponents can often be as important as the conference matchups themselves. Non-conference games provide an opportunity for teams to test their mettle against diverse styles of play and showcase their talents on a national stage. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the non-conference opponents that a college team will face in the upcoming season, analyzing their strengths, challenges, and answering frequently asked questions about the significance of these games.
I. The Importance of Non-Conference Games
Non-conference games are a critical component of a college team's schedule. These matchups allow teams to prepare for the rigors of conference play by testing their skills against a variety of opponents with different playing styles and strengths. Here are some reasons why non-conference games matter:
Strength of Schedule: Non-conference opponents can significantly impact a team's strength of schedule, a key factor considered by selection committees for postseason tournaments like March Madness in college basketball.
Player Development: Facing diverse opponents can help teams identify areas for improvement and player development. It also allows coaches to experiment with strategies and lineups.
National Exposure: Non-conference games often provide national exposure, allowing teams to showcase their talents to a broader audience, which can be crucial for recruiting and building a program's reputation.
II. Analyzing Next Year's Non-Conference Opponents
Let's take a closer look at an example college basketball team's non-conference opponents for the upcoming season and analyze what challenges and opportunities each opponent presents:
Opponent 1: Blue Mountain University
Blue Mountain University is a smaller Division II school known for its disciplined defense and strong post play. Facing them early in the season can be a test of our team's ability to break down a stubborn defense and establish dominance in the paint.
Key Challenges:
Defensive Prowess: Blue Mountain's defense is known for making opponents work for every basket. Our team will need to display patience and ball movement to find open shots.
Post Play: The battle in the post will be crucial. Our big men need to hold their own against Blue Mountain's physical frontcourt.
Opportunities:
Ball Movement: Facing a tough defense will force our team to focus on ball movement and finding open shooters.
Early-Season Test: This game will provide an early-season test, allowing the coaching staff to identify areas for improvement.
Opponent 2: State University
State University is a fellow Division I program with a reputation for fast-paced, high-scoring games. Their up-tempo style can challenge our team's conditioning and defensive discipline.
Key Challenges:
Transition Defense: State University thrives in transition. Our team must get back quickly and limit their fast-break opportunities.
Perimeter Shooting: State University boasts sharpshooters from beyond the arc. Our perimeter defenders need to contest shots effectively.
Opportunities:
Conditioning: Playing against a fast-paced team can help improve our team's conditioning, a valuable asset in a long season.
Defensive Adjustments: This game will allow our coaching staff to evaluate defensive schemes and make necessary adjustments.
III. FAQ: Answering Your Questions
Why do some college teams schedule games against smaller schools or lower divisions?
Scheduling lower-division opponents can provide opportunities for the team to gain confidence and work on specific aspects of their game. Additionally, it allows smaller schools to compete against larger programs and gain valuable experience.
How are non-conference opponents selected?
Non-conference opponents are typically chosen through a combination of factors, including scheduling agreements, mutual interest, and the need to balance home and away games. Schools may also consider the strength of opponents when building their schedule.
Can non-conference games impact a team's postseason chances?
Yes, non-conference games can have a significant impact on a team's postseason chances. A strong performance against quality opponents can boost a team's resume when it comes to selection for postseason tournaments.
Are there any restrictions on scheduling non-conference opponents?
Yes, there are some restrictions and guidelines set by governing bodies such as the NCAA. These may include limits on the number of games, regulations on scheduling opponents from lower divisions, and rules regarding neutral-site games.
Non-conference opponents play a crucial role in a college team's journey each season. These games provide valuable opportunities for testing skills, improving weaknesses, and gaining national exposure. Analyzing and preparing for non-conference opponents is a vital aspect of a coach's job, as it sets the stage for the challenges and successes that lie ahead in the upcoming season.
As fans eagerly anticipate the matchups against non-conference opponents, they understand that these games are not only about winning but also about growth, development, and the pursuit of excellence on the college sports stage.
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