Boston College Athletics
#BCEagles Newsstand: Weekend Recap
September 12, 2016 | Football, Boston College Athletics
On Saturday, the Eagles snapped a nine game losing streak defeating UMass 26-7
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – This weekend, the Eagles were not going to take Massachusetts lightly in the next chapter in the "Battle of the Bay State". After coming out slow and giving up the first touchdown of the game, Boston College took over in every aspect of the game scoring 26 unanswered points to win 26-7.
After a blown coverage in the first quarter resulted in the only touchdown for the Minutemen, Boston College began to breakdown the UMass offense and was able to manhandle the offensive line and quarterback. The Eagles defense registered eight sacks in the game, tying the program record while holding the offense to a mere 122 total yards.
Headlining the defense for the afternoon was junior LB Connor Strachan. Despite being injured the Georgia Tech game, Strachan was back to 100 percent Saturday recording a career-high 2.5 sacks and recovered a fumble as well as forcing a fumble.
On Sept. 12, 2015, the Eagles offense dominated Howard winning 76-0. Following that game, the Eagles offense was held to under 20 points in 11 straight games.
So the 26 points not only snapped that streak but came from every direction in the offensive arsenal. Known as a run team, a rushing touchdown by redshirt sophomore RB Jon Hilliman was not surprising but what stood out on offense this weekend was the passing.
Graduate QB Patrick Towles and sophomore WR Jeff Smith introduced fans to the long ball, connecting on two touchdowns from 36 and 46 yards out.
"I think it does so much for your offense," Towles said. "Sometimes a lot of pro-style offenses have a habit of getting a little predictable. But I think if we continue to be able to throw the ball on first down, that's going to help us stay on schedule."
Another aspect of the offense that stepped up Saturday was the kicking game. While an issue in the past, junior K/P Mike Knoll answered the prayer of Eagles fan everywhere, going 2-for-2 on field goals from 37 and 40 yards.
With UMass behind them, the Eagles head back to ACC action in Blacksburg, Va. this Saturday against Virginia Tech.
For the most up-to-date sports headlines, visit the Boston Globe sports section.
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After a blown coverage in the first quarter resulted in the only touchdown for the Minutemen, Boston College began to breakdown the UMass offense and was able to manhandle the offensive line and quarterback. The Eagles defense registered eight sacks in the game, tying the program record while holding the offense to a mere 122 total yards.
Headlining the defense for the afternoon was junior LB Connor Strachan. Despite being injured the Georgia Tech game, Strachan was back to 100 percent Saturday recording a career-high 2.5 sacks and recovered a fumble as well as forcing a fumble.
On Sept. 12, 2015, the Eagles offense dominated Howard winning 76-0. Following that game, the Eagles offense was held to under 20 points in 11 straight games.
So the 26 points not only snapped that streak but came from every direction in the offensive arsenal. Known as a run team, a rushing touchdown by redshirt sophomore RB Jon Hilliman was not surprising but what stood out on offense this weekend was the passing.
Graduate QB Patrick Towles and sophomore WR Jeff Smith introduced fans to the long ball, connecting on two touchdowns from 36 and 46 yards out.
"I think it does so much for your offense," Towles said. "Sometimes a lot of pro-style offenses have a habit of getting a little predictable. But I think if we continue to be able to throw the ball on first down, that's going to help us stay on schedule."
Another aspect of the offense that stepped up Saturday was the kicking game. While an issue in the past, junior K/P Mike Knoll answered the prayer of Eagles fan everywhere, going 2-for-2 on field goals from 37 and 40 yards.
With UMass behind them, the Eagles head back to ACC action in Blacksburg, Va. this Saturday against Virginia Tech.
For the most up-to-date sports headlines, visit the Boston Globe sports section.
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Players Mentioned
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