Politics

Note: the following appears in the October 25th edition of The Heights


During Boston College's dream run to a No. 2 national ranking in the BCS and AP Polls, there have been three things we have all come to love and expect with star quarterback Matt Ryan.

First, his incredible ability to hit receivers in stride with laser-like spiral passes that make you turn your head and say, "Are you serious?"

Second, the announcers' insistence on calling him ridiculous "Matty (insert motivational word here)" nicknames on air, as if simply saying "Matt Ryan" would cause the earth to cease its rotation around the sun.

And third, the predicable press conferences and television shows - like after the Notre Dame game or on Jim Rome's show on Oct. 19 - where he is asked the same questions and gives the same responses.

I admit that, even as a journalist who prides himself on asking thought-provoking questions, I was lulled into the routine by the political machine that is Matt Ryan. I couldn't help it, his awe-inspiring presence and my excitement to meet him almost caused the interview to be cancelled.

"How big is this game against Virginia Tech?" I asked.

"It is the biggest game of the season because it is the next game," he said, like the seasoned veteran that he is.

This was just par for the course of a Heisman candidate these days, and the predicable responses have become eerily similar to those of certain Super Bowl winners and PGA champions. All these people have become political beasts able to dodge questions with the skill of Bill Clinton.

Anybody in New England who follows professional football knows of Bill Belichick and his famous "we have some things we need to improve for next week" post-game rants. No looking back, no looking ahead, all eyes on the next game, the next play, the next practice, etc.

And of course there is Tiger Woods, who is well known for his monotonous response before every tournament: "There is a great field this week. Hopefully I can make a few putts. I like my chances."

The most revered icons in sports seem to have the talent of leaving the talking to the scoreboard, and here on the Heights, the quarterback is no different than the best of those who talk with action, not words.

Even as he looks toward the biggest game in recent memory for the Eagles, he answers questions with the deftness like the best of Belichick's responses.

"I am really excited to go down there, it should be a great opportunity," Senator Ryan said. "They have a great environment, and we know it is going to be rowdy and tough with the crowd, but we have experience in those settings."

In this day in age where sports media is available 24/7/365, it is easy to understand why responses have become automatic for our athletes and coaches, who are conditioned like Pavlov's dogs.

With BC's improbable run to the top of the polls in the last few weeks, Ryan has been conditioned for the predicable interview in the week and a half break before facing the Hokies.

"I did Fox Sports Net New York. I did Comcast Sports Network Philadephia, which, by the way, was one of my favorite ones to do," he said. "I was on the radio, 950 AM in Philadelphia, I was on the radio in Houston. I talked to a guy from the LA Times, I talked to Jim Rome is Burning - I did that the other day. I forgot about that one."

With all the attention given to him recently, Ryan has been able to show class by constantly lauding his teammate's efforts and praising each of their Heisman candidacies as equal to his. "I've got a couple go-to lines," he admitted sheepishly.

While it might seem as though Ryan is bored with the repetitive interview, like all great politicians, he deflects any notions that his question-and-answer sessions are worthless.

"I'm happy to promote Boston College as much as I can because it is a place that not only has given me great things on the football field but a degree from Boston College is one of the things I'm most proud of. I feel very, very fortunate to have been here for as long as I have and the opportunity this place has given me."

Well said, Matt.