WR Reed Harris collects 39-yard pass from Grayson James for BC’s first and only lead in yesterday’s loss to UConn. (Photo of video recording.)
In a report last week on BC football, the Boston Globe used the subhed “UConn or UCan’t?” above a discussion of the importance of yesterday’s game against UConn. Well, the answer was BC couldn’t.
The reception in the photo above resulted in a 20-17 BC lead at the end of the first half. In the second half, the Eagles added just three points on a fourth-quarter field goal by Luca Lombardo and allowed three Huskies touchdowns in a 38-23 loss to UConn.
The Homecoming loss was BC’s second to UConn in their last three meetings. The Huskies won 13-3 in 2022. The 2022 game was BC’s first loss to UConn after wins in their six previous meetings since 2000.
While being the top-ranked college football team in New England is not regarded by most as a heady achievement, it’s been something BC and their fans have assumed is usually the case. Yesterday’s game probably gives the crown to UConn, though fans of undefeated Harvard (5-0) might disagree.
Alabama transfer QB Dylan Lonergan, who had started in BC’s first six games, was replaced by Grayson James against UConn. James had become BC’s starter in the middle of last season and led the Eagles to a 3-2 record.
Yesterday, the Eagles had a somewhat strong opening quarter. They ran 23 offensive plays to only seven for the Huskies and held the ball for 11:18, more than triple the time of possession for UConn. BC had eight first downs, compared to three for UConn. The Huskies had one rush for one yard. The results were much closer, however.
Going three-of-six passing and only two-for-five in third down conversions, the Eagles could produce only six points on two Lombardo field goals. UConn was six-of-six passing for 91 yards, including a 50-yaerd touchdown pass. So the Huskies had a 7-6 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
The Eagles were stronger in the second quarter, outscoring UConn 14-10. They out-gained the Huskies both on the ground and through the air, totaling 166 yards, compared to 113 for UConn. James was seven-of-eight passing in the quarter.
The third quarter, after a halftime that permits adjustments to improve, has been a particular problem for BC. And it was yesterday as well. UConn outscored BC 14 to 0, with 185 yards of offense. The Eagles had two first downs and a total of 27 yards total offense, zero passing on zero-of-two efforts.
Except for the opening game against FCS Fordham, the Eagles have scored three points TOTAL in all subsequent third quarters. Six quarters of football and three points scored. Conversely, opponents scored a total of 45 points in those quarters.
The fourth quarter yesterday was somewhat equal, as the Huskies enjoyed eight- and 15-point leads.
BC finished with 395 yards total offense and 77 offensive plays. UConn had 58 offensive plays, but for a total of 455 yards, 362 of them through the air. Neither team had a fumble or interception.
James was 16-of-28 passing yesterday for 204 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions. He also had 17 carries for a net 26 yards. He was sacked seven times.
The Eagles resurrected their running game, gaining 191 net yards. The ground game was led by RB Jordan McDonald, who carried 24 times for a net 123 yards. There were no rushing touchdowns.
Highlights (9:39) (You’ll hear references to UConn receivers being “wide open!”)
BC falls to 1-6, 0-4 in ACC play. Next game is at #19 Louisville, victors over then-#2 Miami yesterday. Kickoff is Saturday, October 25, 4:30 pm.