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BC notebook

Scafe injury puts defense in early hole

By Mark Blaudschun
Globe Staff / September 18, 2009

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Boston College’s young defense didn’t get much of a test in its first two games, and that was going to change anyway in tomorrow’s Atlantic Coast Conference opener at Clemson. The test will be even tougher now that coach Frank Spaziani has listed starting right defensive tackle Damik Scafe as “doubtful’’ for the game.

“It’s neck/shoulder,’’ said Spaziani yesterday. “He got hurt in practice on Sunday.’’

Spaziani said sophomore Kaleb Ramsey would move into Scafe’s spot. Ramsey, who was bothered by ankle problems during training camp, played defensive end as a true freshman last season.

On a more positive note, middle linebacker/cocaptain Mike McLaughlin continued to work out yesterday and is making progress toward a return from the torn Achilles’ tendon he sustained last March. He will dress against Clemson, although Spaziani considers it doubtful that he will play.

“But from a leadership role, it will help,’’ said Spaziani. McLaughlin said he was happy to return to practice but feels he is still a week away from playing.

“It did feel good, better than I had expected, really,’’ he said. “I will be ready to go next week [against Wake Forest].’’

Doing his part
This will be the last go-round against Clemson for senior running back Jeff Smith, who is now primarily working on the scout team, generally playing the role of the opposing team’s best back. Last week, he was Kent State’s Eugene Jarvis in practice. This week, he has been playing the role of Clemson’s C.J. Spiller. “Anything I can do to help the team, I will,’’ said Smith, who gained attention as a freshman with a spectacular day against Clemson: 213 return yards, including a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown . . . The budding rivalry between the Tigers and Eagles has been given a boost by the BC Gridiron Club, which last year began awarding the O’Rourke-McFadden Trophy to the game’s MVP. The “Leather Helmet’’ trophy, signifying the honor, will be presented on the field after the game . . . Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow . . . The game will feature two redshirt freshman QBs in BC’s Justin Tuggle and Clemson’s Kyle Parker, who has thrown five TD passes in his first two games.

Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com.

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