Orange crushed

The Boston College offense is set up to dominate lesser teams, particularly on the ground. Yesterday, in record-setting offensive performances, the Eagles beat the Syracuse Orangemen . . . to a pulp.

AJ Dillon, BC’s all-time leading touchdown scorer. Photo by John Munson

In its 58-27 win in Syracuse’s Carrier Dome, BC gained a school-record 691 yards in total offense, 484 of them in the first half, also a record. The Eagle’s 44 points in the first half were another school record, and put them ahead 44-20. The final 58-point total is the largest BC has ever scored against an ACC opponent.

In one seven-minute span in the sec and quarter, the Eagles scored 27 points,

On the ground, BC gained 496 yards, yet another school record. Running back AJ Dillon gained 242 yards on 35 carries (6.9 yards per carry average) and scored three touchdowns. Running mate David Bailey carried the ball 16 times and gained 173 yards (10.8 ypc), scoring two touchdowns. Freshman Zay Flowers ended up with the highest rushing average, with 30 yards in two carries.

With Syracuse focused on the run (however ineptly), BC quarterback Dennis Grosel was efficient, able to find wide open receivers for long gains. His final stats were 8 of 10 passing for 195 yards and 3 touchdowns, including TD passes of 64 and 50 yards.

In this type of game, as was the case in BC’s 59-7 loss to Clemson only a week earlier, little about the losing team is relevant.

Enjoy a ton of highlights.

BC improved to 5-4 on the season, 3-3 in the conference.

Next up, in the annual “Red Bandanna Game,” the Eagles play Florida State. Another morning game, and back at Striders.