Eagles Deliver Best Performance of the Season, Set Sights on Strong Finish
Chestnut Hill, MA — Boston College football delivered its most dominant performance of the season on Saturday, dismantling North Carolina 41-21 at Alumni Stadium to clinch bowl eligibility for the second consecutive year. The victory marked the Eagles’ sixth win of the season and the 700th in program history, solidifying the program's place among the top 35 in FBS wins.
The win came on the 40th anniversary of Doug Flutie’s iconic Hail Mary against Miami, adding a layer of history and emotion to a game that felt like a turning point for head coach Bill O’Brien’s team.
“Very proud of these players, this coaching staff,” O’Brien said after the game. “From the moment we walked in the building here, the players really bought into what we were talking about. It hasn’t been perfect, but these kids have worked very hard for us, and I’m very happy for them. It’s very well earned.”
Defensive Masterclass
The Boston College defense set the tone early and never let up, dominating the line of scrimmage and shutting down one of the ACC’s most dangerous rushing attacks. UNC running back Omarion Hampton, who entered the game averaging over 100 yards per contest, was held to just 53 yards on 11 carries.
“The D-line played really well,” O’Brien said. “To stop a guy like [Hampton], who just rushed for 250 against Wake, is a big accomplishment for our defense. Give them a lot of credit up front—they did a really good job.”
Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku continued his stellar season with two sacks, pushing his season total to 13.0, the second-most in a single season in BC history. Linebacker Joe Marinaro, a former walk-on, had a breakout performance with five tackles, a sack, and an interception that set up a critical second-quarter touchdown.
“Joe Marinaro, like, I mean, there’s not much more you can say about the guy,” O’Brien said. “He’s tough, he’s smart—whatever we ask him to do, he does. To see him get that interception and then make the tackle on the kickoff—it was just a great sequence of plays.”
Grayson James Leads the Offense
Quarterback Grayson James continued to show why he’s the right man to lead O’Brien’s offense. The junior transfer completed 18 of 27 passes for 192 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Reed Harris. James also opened the scoring with a three-yard rushing touchdown, his third of the season, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
“I’m very proud of Grayson,” O’Brien said. “He's done a great job...he has worked very hard."
Harris had a strong connection with James, finishing with three receptions for 76 yards and the touchdown. Lewis Bond added nine catches for 81 yards, setting a career high in receptions, while Kye Robichaux led the ground game with 93 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.
A Balanced Effort
Boston College excelled in all three phases of the game, with contributions from both starters and depth players. Freshman Johnathan Montague Jr. added a 24-yard rushing touchdown on a reverse, while kicker Liam Connor made a career-long 49-yard field goal and added another from 27 yards.
The Eagles’ defense recorded two interceptions, including a highlight-reel pick-six by Ryan Turner in the fourth quarter. The 78-yard return was the longest interception return for BC since 2018.
Bowl-Bound and Building Momentum
With the win, Boston College improved to 6-5 and secured bowl eligibility for the eighth time in nine years. While the immediate focus is on next week’s home finale against Pitt, O’Brien emphasized the importance of the extra practices and momentum heading into the offseason.
“Getting bowl eligible gives you those extra practices, which is very important for the younger players on our team,” O’Brien said. “We have another regular-season game that’s very, very important. It’s an ACC game against a really good Pitt team.”
The Eagles’ ability to finish the season strong could have lasting implications for the program’s trajectory. O’Brien’s first full offseason will be a critical opportunity to develop players, recruit talent, and build on the foundation established this year.
This win, however, is about more than just postseason qualification—it’s a statement that Boston College football is ready to rise above the mediocrity of recent years.
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