Written by Brett Korpi
Chestnut Hill, MA – On an unseasonably warm afternoon in New England, Boston College (5-6) looked to get back on track after suffering two lopsided defeats in a row. The Eagles would do just that celebrating their Senior Day with a shutout over regional rival UConn. With the win the Eagles now need one more victory to gain bowl eligibility.
The BC defense would lead the way to victory holding the Huskies to 121 yards, including -6 rushing yards. Taking advantage of a young quarterback, Freshman Donovan Williams, they would use a combination of pressure and preparation to accumulate 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 4 turnovers. The shut out, was the Eagles first since they beat Howard 76-0 in September of 2015.
Juniors Harold Landry and Karmin Moore, and Connor Strachan would standout on the staunch defense. Moore had 6 tacks and interception, while Strachan would match him in tackles. Landry would help seal the game late with a strip sack, giving him 12 sacks and 7 forced fumbles on the year. He leads the ACC in both categories.
Not to be outdone by the juniors on Senior Day, senior captain Matt Milano would intercept a Williams pass and return it for a touchdown. It was both his first interception and touchdown in his BC career.
After the game a proud Milano would comment on the moment, “It was a great feeling, to return it for a touchdown was just icing on the cake.”
The offense for the Eagles would take advantage of the field position the defense gave them, and their new found versatility on offense to establish a balanced offense.
Quarterback Patrick Towles, led the way with his most complete performance as an Eagle. He completed 14 of 19 passing attempts for 183 yards and a touchdown, while adding 25 yards on the ground. While wide receiver Jeff Smith would act as head coach Steve Addazzio’s Swiss Army knife. He caught 4 passes for 84 yards, ran for another 34 yards, and would line up at quarterback in wild cat and pistol formations.
When asked about the Smith running the offense in those formations and what it does to the defense, Towles said,” If we can continue to be effective with that like we were today, that’s just another thing that the Wake Forest will have to prepare.” Ending with, “I’m all for it.”
With the game starting off as a defensive standstill, both teams were held scoreless in the first quarter and combined to compile just 69 total yards. The Eagles offense broke through in the second quarter. Facing a fourth and three from the UConn 23, Towles, would hold onto the ball and run for 16 yards, setting a one-yard touchdown run by redshirt-freshman Davon Jones.
On their next possession, the Eagles would settle for a field goal by kicker Mike Knoll who was a perfect 3 for 3 on the day. Hitting them from 35,24, and 29 yards.
Towles, would continue the offensive output in third finding receiver Mike Walker in the end zone for a 10-yard score. That would be followed by Knoll’s second field goal, which was set up by a beautiful 54 yard pass that saw Towles and Smith connect. Milano would add his pick six, and then Knoll would seal it midway through the fourth.
Senior Day, wasn’t the only celebration at Alumni Stadium today. Boston College great and current Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Matt Ryan was honored by having his jersey retired. In his senior season of 2007, he compiled single season records of 4,507 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns. Following the season, Ryan was named ACC Player of the Year, Manning Award, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He would go on to become the 3rd pick in 2008 draft by the Falcons.
The Eagles will travel down to Wake Forest next Saturday with their bowl hopes on the line.
The BC defense would lead the way to victory holding the Huskies to 121 yards, including -6 rushing yards. Taking advantage of a young quarterback, Freshman Donovan Williams, they would use a combination of pressure and preparation to accumulate 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 4 turnovers. The shut out, was the Eagles first since they beat Howard 76-0 in September of 2015.
Juniors Harold Landry and Karmin Moore, and Connor Strachan would standout on the staunch defense. Moore had 6 tacks and interception, while Strachan would match him in tackles. Landry would help seal the game late with a strip sack, giving him 12 sacks and 7 forced fumbles on the year. He leads the ACC in both categories.
Not to be outdone by the juniors on Senior Day, senior captain Matt Milano would intercept a Williams pass and return it for a touchdown. It was both his first interception and touchdown in his BC career.
After the game a proud Milano would comment on the moment, “It was a great feeling, to return it for a touchdown was just icing on the cake.”
The offense for the Eagles would take advantage of the field position the defense gave them, and their new found versatility on offense to establish a balanced offense.
Quarterback Patrick Towles, led the way with his most complete performance as an Eagle. He completed 14 of 19 passing attempts for 183 yards and a touchdown, while adding 25 yards on the ground. While wide receiver Jeff Smith would act as head coach Steve Addazzio’s Swiss Army knife. He caught 4 passes for 84 yards, ran for another 34 yards, and would line up at quarterback in wild cat and pistol formations.
When asked about the Smith running the offense in those formations and what it does to the defense, Towles said,” If we can continue to be effective with that like we were today, that’s just another thing that the Wake Forest will have to prepare.” Ending with, “I’m all for it.”
With the game starting off as a defensive standstill, both teams were held scoreless in the first quarter and combined to compile just 69 total yards. The Eagles offense broke through in the second quarter. Facing a fourth and three from the UConn 23, Towles, would hold onto the ball and run for 16 yards, setting a one-yard touchdown run by redshirt-freshman Davon Jones.
On their next possession, the Eagles would settle for a field goal by kicker Mike Knoll who was a perfect 3 for 3 on the day. Hitting them from 35,24, and 29 yards.
Towles, would continue the offensive output in third finding receiver Mike Walker in the end zone for a 10-yard score. That would be followed by Knoll’s second field goal, which was set up by a beautiful 54 yard pass that saw Towles and Smith connect. Milano would add his pick six, and then Knoll would seal it midway through the fourth.
Senior Day, wasn’t the only celebration at Alumni Stadium today. Boston College great and current Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Matt Ryan was honored by having his jersey retired. In his senior season of 2007, he compiled single season records of 4,507 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns. Following the season, Ryan was named ACC Player of the Year, Manning Award, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He would go on to become the 3rd pick in 2008 draft by the Falcons.
The Eagles will travel down to Wake Forest next Saturday with their bowl hopes on the line.