Dungey Throws for 434, ‘Cuse Downs Eagles 28-20
By: Andrew Kelley
Fresh off a bye week, Boston College (3-4, 0-4) looked to get its first ACC win in 12 games, but ultimately fell to Syracuse (4-4, 2-2) 28-20.
The story of the game was the lack of parity in the two teams passing offenses. ‘Cuse QB Eric Dungey threw for 434 yards on 32/38 passing. The 434 passing yards were the 2nd most yards in school history. The rain did not stop Dungey and the ‘Cuse passing offense at all. Meanwhile, QBs Patrick Towles and Darius Wade combined for a measly 7/20 for 64 yards. It ultimately proved difficult for the Eagles to make up for this difference, as they suffered their 12th straight conference loss.
Early in the game, William Harris picked off Eric Dungey and took the ball out of bounds towards the Syracuse sideline. Harris was hit late, as a slew of Orange huddled around Harris on the sideline, sparking immediate tension between both teams. That tension continued throughout the game, as both teams recognized the importance of a win in this contest.
The Eagles rushed the ball well with Davon Jones running the ball 14 times for 66 yards and Towles running the ball 10 times for 104 yards. However, there continues to be struggles for the Eagles in the passing game. Towles left with a hamstring injury, allowing Wade to take over. Both quarterbacks could not find a rhythm.
There were plenty of opportunities that BC could not capitalize on. Dungey’s interception and ‘Cuse’s late hit led to BC getting the ball in the red zone, but were unable to score. ‘Cuse had two more turnovers, as well as 16 penalties for 135 yards, which gave BC some confidence and opportunities to put their foot on the gas.
BC played almost the entire fourth quarter without Towles. Towles pulled his hamstring and Addazio kept him out for his own health. RB Jon Hilliman did not play at all, as it appears he is still recovering from an ankle injury suffered against Clemson. Connor Strachan was also out with an injury for the entire game.
While ultimately BC suffered a loss, there were still positives the Eagles can try and build on going forward. Myles Willis had his third career kick return for a touchdown, as he took back a kick for 89 yards. That return answered an 80-yard touchdown drive from Syracuse. Towles also got in on the big plays, with a 75-yard rushing touchdown, selling the defense on a fake hand off. Mike Knoll hit both field goals that he was asked to kick, putting BC in a position to win.
Despite the positives and the opportunities that BC had, they could not come away with the victory. Addazio cited in his press conference the need to establish positive momentum going forward. Passing consistency should be number 1 on BC’s radar, as they must get into some sort of offensive rhythm incorporating the passing game.
BC falls to (3-4, 0-4) as they look forward to traveling to NC State (4-3, 1-2) next week to take on the Wolfpack.