Boston College football heads into its Saturday afternoon game seeking an ACC upset win over a well-rested No. 16 Georgia Tech team.
In their final home matchup of the 2025 campaign, the Eagles (1–9, 0–6 Atlantic Coast) host the Yellow Jackets (8–1, 5–1) with hopes of ending their nine-game losing streak and earning their first win over an FBS program this season.
After opening up the season with eight straight wins, the Yellow Jackets dropped their first game of the season in their latest matchup against NC State.
Despite the 48–36 shootout defeat, the Yellow Jackets’ 8–1 record is the program’s best nine-game start to a season since 2009, when an 11–3 squad led by dual-threat quarterback Joshua Nesbitt, running back Jonathan Dwyer, and the late wide receiver Demaryius Thomas finished 11–2.
The Eagles are seeking their first ranked win since upsetting No. 10 Florida State on Sept. 2, 2024.
Who is BC Playing:
Georgia Tech
When is BC Playing:
Saturday, Nov. 15, 3:30 p.m.
Where is BC Playing:
Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Where to Watch:
ACC Network
Series History:
BC’s all-time record against Georgia Tech is 5–7.
The Eagles have had the advantage over the Yellow Jackets in the past three meetings. Last time the teams faced, the Eagles won 38–23 in Atlanta thanks to a 21-point fourth quarter.
What to Expect:
Offense:
Last week, the Eagles’ offense struggled to find momentum early, giving up the ball on punts and fumbles. After another mid-game quarterback switch from Grayson James to Dylan Lonergan, however, BC’s offensive unit was able to find some rhythm.
At the helm, Lonergan was able to find his top two wide receivers—Lewis Bond and Reed Harris—with some consistency. Going up against this Yellow Jackets’ defense, the Eagles may have to switch their primary offensive focus, however.
In Georgia Tech’s loss to NC State, the Yellow Jackets continually failed to stop the run, allowing the Wolfpack to maintain control.
Wolfpack running back Jayden Scott took 24 carries for 196 rushing yards and a touchdown. Behind Scott, averaging 8.2 yards per carry, the Wolfpack were able to dictate the flow of the game.
At 5-foot-10 and 214 lbs, Scott is a stocky freshman running back who can hide between tackles. At 5-foot-8 and 207 lbs, BC running back Turbo Richard’s frame suggests he may be able to find similar success against the Georgia Tech defensive line.
If the Eagles open the first few possessions by committing to the run and giving Richard favorable running lanes, they will be able to set the tone against the Yellow Jackets’ front seven, opening up outside opportunities for the rest of the unit.
Defense:
Similar to last week’s challenge of taking on Kevin Jennings, BC’s defense will have its hands full with the opposing quarterback. Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King is dynamic in the backfield with the ability to turn into a runner at a moment’s notice.
Last week, the Eagles did a nice job holding Jennings to only three rushing yards. This week, all eyes will be on how BC deals with King.
King ranks 10th in the ACC with 1,888 passing yards and ranks fourth in the conference in rushing yards with 754, putting his name among the ACC’s top running backs.
In his three years at Georgia Tech, King has never had a season with fewer than 120 carries and 10 rushing touchdowns. His blue-collar playing style has been a major catalyst for the program’s rejuvenation.
Against SMU, the Eagles’ defense surrendered 352 passing yards and 222 rushing yards. In order to keep this stout Yellow Jacket offense in check, the Eagles must make adjustments, both in the air and on the ground.
Through the Eagles’ first 10 games, defensive linemen Sedarius McConnell and Quintayvious Hutchins have led the team with two-and-a-half and two sacks, respectively. Against a running quarterback like King, it will be pivotal for the Eagles’ front four to stay disciplined in their rushing lanes—especially in the red zone, where King tends to find success on designed runs.
Outlook:
There’s no denying that this matchup will be an uphill battle for the Eagles.
Yet, if the Eagles running backs can slip through the trenches like Jayden Scott did, they will have a better chance of controlling the flow of the game—just like the Wolfpack did in their upset victory.
Defensively, the Eagles must remain keyed in on Haynes King at all times to give themselves a better chance at stopping drives and limiting King’s explosive dual-threat ability.
Since Georgia Tech’s next two matchups are coming against ranked opponents and the Yellow Jackets’ focus is likely on those, the Eagles could potentially catch them off guard in a trap game. With the home environment having their back, the Eagles hope to launch a hot start that could lead to a potential upset on the Heights.
