Postgame Notes: BC vs. Georgia Tech

POSTGAME GAME NOTES
Boston College vs. Georgia Tech
Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
Sept. 3, 2016

Team

This is the second time Boston College played a game in Ireland. The first time resulted in a 38-24 victory over Army back in 1988 at Lansdowne Road Stadium, which is now the site of Aviva Stadium.
With the 17-14 loss, BC has lost seven of the last 10 games by three points or less.
This is the third time Boston College has opened the season with an ACC opponent, and BC is now 1-2 in those games
The last time Boston College opened against an ACC opponent was 2012 against Miami; the Eagles lost, 41-32
The Eagles now have a 9-3 record in season openers since joining the ACC
With today's win, Georgia Tech now leads the all-time series between the schools, 7-2. Six of the nine games between the two teams have been decided by less than 10 points.
The Yellow Jackets now have a three-game win streak in the head-to-head matchup following today's victory.

Offense

Graduate QB Patrick Towles made his first start in a BC uniform. Towles finished the game 11-for-17 for 176 yards with one interception and one rushing TD.
Towles recorded his first touchdown in a BC uniform scrambling for six yards in the third quarter. This was his first rushing TD since first since Oct. 31,2015 vs. Tennessee (while at Kentucky). He now has 12 rushing touchdown in his collegiate career
Sophomore WR Jeff Smith made his first career catch at wide receiver and finished with three receptions for 26 yards. He began his BC career in 2015 as a quarterback.
Redshirt freshman RB Davon Jones attempted his first career rush, gaining two yards on the play.
Redshirt sophomore RB Jon Hilliman ran for a career-long 73 yards to score the Eagles' first touchdown in the second half. It was the Eagles' first 70-plus yard rush for a touchdown since Smith ran for 80 against Notre Dame on Nov. 11, 2015.
Hilliman recorded his fifth career 100-plus yard game, finishing with 102 yards on 17 carries.
Junior WR Charlie Callinan set career-highs today in receptions (4), receiving yards (92) and longest reception (54 yards).
Playing in his first-ever BC game, redshirt freshman WR Chris Garrison hauled in his first-career catch - a 26-yard reception in the fourth quarter.
The Eagles' offense finished the game with 352 total yards, which was the team's highest total in an ACC game since Nov. 8, 2014 vs. Louisville.

Defense

Georgia Tech's touchdown on its opening drive was the first surrendered by BC in an opponent's opening drive in nine games, the last vs. Florida State, Sept. 18, 2015.
Junior LB Connor Strachan set a career high with four tackles for loss. He recorded 2.5 TFLs three times in his career, the last vs. Notre Dame on Nov. 20, 2015.
Senior DT Truman Gutapfel had his second fumble recovery of his career. His last came vs. Penn State, Dec. 27, 2014 in the Pinstripe Bowl.
In the third quarter, senior DB John Johnson forced the third fumble of his career. His last fumble recovery came vs. Notre Dame on Nov. 21, 2015.
Junior LB Ty Schwab recorded a career-high nine tackles. His previous high was three (three times), with the last time coming against Duke on Oct. 3, 2015.
Senior DT Truman Gutapfel recorded a career-high eight tackles. His previous high was six vs. Louisville on Oct. 24, 2015.
Sophomore DB William Harris tied his career-high with five tackles, previously achieved against Virginia Tech on Oct. 31, 2015.
Sophomore DE Zach Allen recorded a career-high three tackles. His previous high was one (twice) with the last time coming against Howard on Sept. 12, 2015. He also recorded his first career tackle for a loss.
Sophomore DE Wyatt Ray tied his career-high with three tackles, which previously set against Howard on Sept. 12, 2015.

Special Teams

Sophomore K Colton Lichtenberg had a 43-yard field goal blocked in the second quarter. It was the first blocked kick of his career.
Last time the Eagles had a field goal blocked was Oct. 29, 2011 at Maryland.

Other

Former Boston College quarterback Mark Kampaus was the MVP in the 1988 Emerald Isle Classic, leading the Eagles to a 38-24 victory over Army,, completing 15 of his 20 passes for 194 yards, while also recording a rushing touchdown.

Attendance: 40,562
Weather: 59 degrees and rain
Coin Toss: Georgia Tech won the toss and deferred