This effort seemed to be missing something, much as the Eag_le_s did in last night’s game against Clemson.

BC’s game against #3 Clemson, on the main stage of college football Friday night, started the way it needed to if the Eagles were to have a shot at victory. There was a quick three-and-out by Clemson and soon thereafter a muffed punt that gave BC the ball at Clemson’s 9. Three plays and 5 yards later, the Eagles had to settle for a field goal and took a 3-0 lead.

By the time BC scored again, a touchdown late in the 3rd quarter, the Tigers had amassed 35 points. Clemson would go on to score 3 additional touchdowns to make the final score Clemson 56 – BC 10. It was the Eagles’ 11th straight loss in the ACC.

The Tigers doubled BC in total offense, gaining 503 yards to BC’s 251.They had 12 fewer plays (60-72) than the Eagles and had the ball for only 22 minutes. That combination of statistics was the product of more explosive plays by Clemson, e.g., 2 touchdowns on runs of 59 and 45 yards, 2 touchdowns on passes of 56 and 29 yards.

Clemson’s 56 points were the most given up by the Eagles since 1999, when they lost to Colorado in a bowl game, 62-28. Earlier this season, Virginia Tech beat BC 49-0, the largest margin of defeat by BC since 1950. While defense was supposed to be a strong element for this year’s Eagles, the two games against Clemson and VaTech have belied that.

Next Saturday is a bye week for the Eagles. They play again October 22, Syracuse in Chestnut Hill, game time to be announced.

A video of selected plays:

Hockey update

BC’s #5 men’s hockey team defeated host Denver, 3-1, in the consolation round of the Icebreaker Tournament Saturday night. The Eagles (1-1) started their season the night before with a 2-1 loss to Air Force in the opening round. Air Force beat Ohio State to take the tournament title. The women’s team got its first win last night, beating Maine 2-1, and are a symmetrical 1-1-1.

QB Patrick Towles (l) and WR Charlie Callinan enjoy a post-touchdown exchange.

Yes, it was another cupcake opponent, but the Eagles did what they needed to do — dominate and win. BC beat Buffalo 35-3 and achieved a winning record, 3-2, for the first time this season.

In rainy conditions, which squelched even the chance of a good Parents Weekend crowd, the Eagles gained 400 yards and allowed the Bulls (1-3) only 5 first downs and 67 yards total offense. (Announced attendance was 24,203, which must have been tickets sold, not bodies in seats.)

QB Patrick Towles was 14 of 25 for 234 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. WR Jeff Smith had 5 receptions for 65 yards, but the touchdowns went to WR Charlie Callinan and WR Michael Smith. Running backs Jon Hilliman, Davon Jones, and Richard Wilson accounted for the Eagles’ other 3 touchdowns.

Highlights

Next opponent is not a cupcake. Clemson, which defeated #3 Louisville last night, comes to Chestnut Hill for the Friday night game on ESPN. Game start is 4:30 pm PT.

Hockey update

The BC women’s team is not starting out as it did last year, when the Eagles swept Minnesota Duluth at home. Traveling out west to open this season, BC limped home 0-1-1. They tied Duluth 3-3 Friday and lost 5-2 yesterday. They have a two-game series against Maine at home this weekend.

BC’s men’s team has an exhibition today against Canadian team Carleton.