BC Eagles Triumph in Rainy Fenway Bowl, Beat SMU 23-14
On Thursday, the Boston College Eagles football team traveled just minutes away to Fenway Park for a bowl game against the SMU Mustangs. BC ended its regular season on a three-game losing streak, falling 6–3 6–6 and ending the local bowl. Meanwhile, SMU won 10 straight games, including the AAC Championship Game over Tulane, to finish 11-2.
But regular-season records didn’t matter at Fenway, as the Eagles shut down the Mustangs in the second half to take a 23-14 hometown victory. It rained from the start of the match. Fans sought shelter as rain poured down on Fenway, hampering the players’ performance. SMU got off to a very rocky start, fumbling on the first drive and stalling early when the elements prevented them from gaining more than a few yards.
However, BC found ways to move the ball, kicking one field goal and missing another in the first quarter. Things started to pick up in the second quarter when the rain eased a bit. SMU systematically started marching down the field with short passes and scored two touchdowns before halftime.
BC was able to run the ball when QB Thomas Castellanos and RB Kye Robichaux scored. By halftime, SMU had a low-scoring lead of 14-10. The third quarter continued the development predicted in the second quarter. With nothing but rain at Fenway, SMU was able to function normally on offense and BC’s defense struggled to get off the field. Castellanos threw an INT in the first drive and had another drive in the third. But a blocked field goal halted a promising SMU drive and it was still 14-10 when the 4th quarter started and BC got the ball. From there, Thomas Castellanos went to work.
He threw a nice pass to Jaedn Skeete and led the Eagles down the field before running in a 15-yard TD himself to give the Eagles a 17-14 lead. SMU went to the 3 and got away with the possession trying a couple of deep down shots, then failed on their 4th down and gave it to BC near midfield. The Eagles went right back with another huge run by Kye Robichaux and another TD pass by Castellanos to give BC a 23-14 lead (after the immediate PAT). SMU got stuck again with a pair of long deficits and thirds, allowing BC to get the ball back and move the clock to 5:35 before punting.
The Mustangs finally rallied on 4th down, using defensive players who took them to midfield before eventually stalling again and turning on downs. BC got the ball back and ran out the clock to win the game 23-14 and improve to 7-6 on the year. Takings This game was the plan. Castellanos and Robichaux are a great tandem on the field, and BC’s offensive line is taking shape again. They can regain an identity as an offense with this roster, and Castellano will be really fun to watch as they continue to attack with him.
BC’s defense came out strong in the second half. Their passing rush finally came to life, something that had been lacking most of the season as SMU struggled to get their downfield passes. The Mustangs’ play calling was very questionable as they opted for long shots on the sideline several times when they desperately needed to move the ball downfield, as they did in the second quarter. The Eagles took advantage and shut them down in the second half to win. Be sure to check out BCI as we recap the football season and find out where they go from here. Thanks everyone for a great season!
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