Column: Dissecting The E-Mail From ‘Coach Spaz’

We all got that e-mail from "Coach Spaz" on Monday, but most people probably didn't read it. Here's what the letter said, and then what the letter really said.

"Dear Superfans:"

I know you're out there … Bueller?

"We are looking forward to returning home after a month on the road to face the Florida State Seminoles in Alumni Stadium before a national TV audience on ESPN."

Remember football games at Alumni? Yeah, it's been a while. The past three weeks, we've been on the road, but now we're finally coming home to play for all of you. And for ESPN. We're playing Florida State, the preseason "national title contender," as many were saying. See that? We all can't have amazing seasons and live up to all that preseason hype sometimes. There are these things called injuries that hold us back. FSU has had some (sorry E.J. Manuel, tough one against Oklahoma), and we've certainly had many ourselves. But did I mention this game is on national TV, ESPN? Yeah, be there for that.

"Our team has been working hard and we're very pleased to have gotten our first ACC victory last Saturday over Atlantic Division rival Maryland."

Well, we finally caught a break last weekend at Maryland. Man, it was cold. I had to wear three shirts, a sweatshirt, a winter coat, and a winter hat to avoid hypothermia. With all the snow and freezing rain, my mustache was nearly turning into icicles at one point. Anyways, we got that first "W" in the ACC. It's been a long time coming, but you know, we did some good things and some not so good things on Saturday. Give credit to Maryland, they're a good team. But give credit to us too. We won. You know, my game plan of running the ball down their throats finally worked. Suckers couldn't catch Deuce, he was so slippery from the wintry mix. At one point I thought I saw Montel out there running crazy. But then I realized I had a big snowflake in my eye, and it was actually No. 28, not No. 2. I'll just keep dreaming until he comes back next year, I guess.

"We have a big challenge this week against FSU, the preseason favorite to win the ACC. We are getting better each week as a team and are looking forward to pulling off the upset win."

Hey, didn't I tell you that Florida State was supposed to be good? Well, they're good. But not ACC-title good. And, you know, we're getting better. We won last week — 2-6 is better than 1-6. It's mathematically proven. Boy, I hope we pull off the upset. Ever heard of rushing the field?

"Join us at 5:50 p.m. on the ‘Eagle Walk' along Campanella Way."

Nice plug from Athletics right? I'll tell you what. On our Eagle Walk, you can just stay in your Mods and yell really loud and that will count for something, OK?

"We need your help! Get in Alumni Stadium before kickoff and show your Eagle spirit and pride. This is a great opportunity to show the country what Boston College is all about on and off the field."

Help! So I know there's this nice tradition of not getting to your seats until the second half, but it would be really great if you could get there on time tonight. Kickoff is pretty nice, and you have to see it once before you graduate, right? And after all, we are on ESPN. So let's look good — for all those people watching, let's make them think we fill the stands like Clemson or Virginia Tech. 44,500 strong!

"Cheer loud and cheer proud with a lot of class."

I know you all love your first down chant. But really, it's getting old. And there's kids watching. Keep it classy, BC.

"Thanks for your support!"

You guys support us, right? I know it's been a month, but we did win last week.

"BEAT FSU!"

Beat _______ (fill in here for this week's opponent).

"Sincerely, Frank Spaziani, Head Football Coach"

Sincerely, the household letter-writing staffer for the Athletic Department, also known as the four football captains.

Okay, so maybe that was a little exaggerated. But I actually agree with "Coach Spaz." I know tonight's game isn't the ACC showdown it once had the potential to be. BC is 2-6, and Florida State isn't even ranked. But still, it is a Thursday night game on ESPN. And I'm not saying to be a great crowd just because the game is on national TV. Be a great crowd because you want to. Because even though this season has been forgettable, tonight could be the one memorable moment. It's Thursday night, and we get to go to an ACC football game. Enjoy it.