Massachusetts: There Are College Football Games This Weekend

This time of year, when you think about or discuss college football, the topics typically center around players entering the NFL draft or which returning players have transferred to other schools. However, this spring weekend, there are Massachusetts college football games taking place to be aware of.

That's right, at major division one programs like Boston College, and division two programs like Bentley University, their respective inter-squad spring games are on Saturday, April 13.

Here is what a spring game is and why it is important. Over the course of a few April weeks, college football programs are allowed to run what is essentially a spring practice training camp. It's a unique setup that can set the tone for the upcoming fall season.

First, the seniors who were on the team last season are considered graduates; unless they have another year of eligibility, they are no longer on the team. The same holds true for those players who are entering the draft. Even if they are underclassmen still at school, they, too, are not part of spring practice.

More times than not, high school players who have committed to the school are also not part of spring practice. So, it's a more concise group.

The practices can be intense. College football, like many sports, is an all-year commitment. Players have rigorous workout routines they must stick to, and this work often includes working together as a group. What's different about spring practice is that the pads are back on, and it's full contact.

At the culmination of the spring camp, the team holds a fun inter-squad game, where a lot of pride (and sometimes jobs) are on the line.

On Saturday, Boston College will hold the Jay McGillis Memorial Maroon Gold Game to wrap up its spring season. The game starts at 12 PM and will be on the ACC Network. "Admission is free and is the first opportunity for BC fans to witness a new era of Eagles football on the field," Boston College explains.

This is the first time fans will see the team under new head coach Bill O'Brien. The former Patriots, Texans, and Penn State coach was hired this winter to take over the team.

Five miles away in Waltham, Bentley University will also hold its spring game on Saturday. After 10 hard-working spring practices, the Falcons will square off against each other starting at 10 AM at Peter Yetten stadium.

Speaking of Peter Yetten Stadium, Peter Yetten was my coach at Bentley. I played linebacker for the Falcons and had the honor of playing for Coach Yetten, who, to this day, remains an inspiration.

I had a unique experience playing college football because I started in the spring of my freshman season. Long story short, I was not committed to attending Bentley until the last minute, so I missed the start of my first eligible season in the fall.

Starting in the spring set the table for the upcoming fall season, when I would be a sophomore. I had to prove myself every snap. All the other freshman knew each other well and had been roommates and teammates. My coaches were unsure I would be a player, given they didn't see me in the fall.

Aside from me, all college football players have a great opportunity during spring ball. Depending on the school's protocols, some can earn a scholarship for the upcoming year. For others, it's their chance to claim their spot on the depth chart.

Trust me, come August 15, when the official new season starts, you want to be penciled into the "first team" squad and start camp with your hold on your position. This all happens during the spring practices. It's by no means a few hours a day where players are just trying to check the box and get it over with.

So, if you are thinking about heading to Alumni Stadium or Peter Yetten Stadium this weekend, you are in for a real football treat. You will see top college football players giving everything they have to kick off next season the right way.

We're coming up on the 2024 NFL Draft, and those who are going through football withdrawals, like me, are so ready for it. The next best thing to watching the games is taking in all the draft action, so it can't come soon enough. The NFL Draft, after all, is really the main event of the offseason. Also, now that we know which new players teams have picked up in free agency, we have a few more clues about which players teams might swoop up during the draft.

Detroit will host the 2024 NFL Draft. The event, presented by Bud Light, will take place from April 25 through 27, and it's free to attend. Attendees may register for free entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or via the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. Also, all adults are required to register to attend and may also register up to five kids to get into the event. Fans must download the NFL OnePass app or register via the website to enter the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, presented by Rocket Mortgage. In doing so, they'll also receive digital content and enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes, according to the official NFL website. For fans who don't have a smartphone, registration is also available on the NFL's website via their Fan Services.

In addition to the main attraction, the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, presented by Rocket Mortgage, will happen throughout the entire event. The free event will offer "immersive exhibits and sponsor activations," including the chance to "take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy; enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone; shop exclusive merchandise at the NFL Shop presented by Visa; and score autographs from current NFL players and Legends at the Autograph Stage," according to the NFL's website.

So, 257 players are slated to be part of the draft, and they'll be called over seven rounds. Of course, quarterbacks usually get a lot of play, and this year, 11 quarterbacks will be anxiously anticipating their new homes. I've put together five wild predictions for the NFL Draft this year, plus some under-the-radar predictions. These players could really change the strength and chemistry of the teams to which they're assigned. So, even if these aren't totally shocking picks, I think what they'll bring to their teams will be earth-shaking. Football season can't come soon enough.

It's no secret that the Bears have their sights set on Caleb Williams of USC. They traded Justin Fields to the Steelers to put the focus on Williams and his future with the team. All eyes will be on him next season. He'll be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Washington Commanders need some help. So do all the teams who are picking first in the draft, of course. But, the Commanders have been trying to rebuild for years now. There are rumors that the Commanders could trade the No. 2 pick, but I don't think so. Especially after trading Sam Howell to the Seahawks, it seems like they're keeping their No. 2 pick. Chances are, they'll snag quarterback Jaylen Daniels of LSU.

The Arizona Cardinals will get the No. 4 pick, and they'll have a few different options. It will be one of the more interesting draft picks. But, to me, it seems like going with WR Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State is a no-brainer. He'll help strengthen their offense in a big way.

New head coach Jim Harbaugh will have some fun with the NFL Draft this year. The Chargers really need some good pass catchers, so it seems like Malik Nabers of LSU would be the perfect fit. He'll be the strongest WR they have, to boot.

The New York Giants are in a bind due to Daniel Jones and his injuries. So, snagging J.J. McCarthy of Michigan would be a smart move. They'll be able to do that, based on the order they are in the draft. It will be interesting to see what consistency this Michigan guy can bring to the team.

One under-the-radar pick is possibly the Detroit Lions picking up EDGE Chop Robinson of Penn State. They already have one of the best EDGE players in the league with Aiden Hutchinson, and adding Robinson would add fuel to that fire. Their defense could get the boost they need to get to the Big Game.

The Philadelphia Eagles could bring on CB Nate Wiggins of Clemson. Their secondary needs major help, and Wiggins will be one of the best corners in the 2024 draft, so why not go for it? I'd be surprised to see them pick anyone else in the first round.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use a good CB, and Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama fits the bill. They traded Carlton Davis to the Lions, so the Buccaneers need to pick up a CB with their pick. McKinstry is solid, and they'll put him to work on day one.

The Seattle Seahawks are in a curious position, in that they had a strong season, so they don't get a high draft pick, but they still need to add some extra talent. One smart choice would be OT Troy Fautanu of Washington. This move would put him back together with his college offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

The Las Vegas Raiders need some help in the CB department, and they'll hit that sweet spot in the draft where they'll be able to pick up Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo. He's going to be the first cornerback picked in the 2024, in my opinion. Others agree, too. The Raiders will be a good fit for him.