There have been few consistencies for Boston College football during its 2–10 season, which ended with a win over Syracuse on Saturday.
Of those few consistencies, though, two stood out in the Eagles’ (2–10, 1–7 Atlantic Coast) victory over the Orange (3–9, 1–7): the quarterback position serving as a revolving door, and Lewis Bond giving BC’s offense life.
“We don’t ever want to experience this type of a season again, but there’s a lot to carry from this season, as far as adversity, never quitting,” BC head coach Bill O’Brien said.
Bond caught eight balls for 171 yards in his final game as an Eagle, Grayson James finished the game 16 of 24 for 288 yards, and BC beat the Orange 34–12 in its first win since August and first over an FBS program.
“[The seniors] showed up every single day and fought hard all year, and I’m really happy for them to go out on a winning note,” O’Brien said.
Dylan Lonergan started the game at quarterback for the Eagles. He and James have played hot potato with the position this season as O’Brien and his staff have interchanged them several times, including mid-game substitutions.
Saturday’s decision seemed decisive—Lonergan would play. But that all changed when he suffered a thumb injury during BC’s first drive.
“[Lonergan] hit his thumb on a helmet and he couldn’t grip the ball,” O’Brien said. “He wasn’t going to be able to throw the football.”
James stepped in and did not miss a step, putting up his best passing game of the season by more than 40 yards.
“[James is] one of the best teammates I’ve ever been around,” O’Brien said. “He’s shown to be a hell of a relief pitcher. Comes in, he’s ready to go, and just can’t say enough great things about him.”
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown Jr. seemed to have figured out BC’s defensive vulnerabilities in the first half as Syracuse rushed for 114 yards through two quarters. The Orange was averaging 117.2 rushing yards per game going into Saturday’s game.
BC’s defense didn’t look capable of effectively stopping the run—specifically when Syracuse ran wildcat plays—but managed to hold Syracuse to two field goals as the game headed into half tied 6–6.
BC’s halftime adjustments made it a completely different ballgame, though.
The Eagles got their first explosive play of the game on the first offensive play of the second half, as James hit Bond at BC’s 41-yard line and Bond ran 16 more for a 54-yard gain. Two plays later, Turbo Richard broke free for a 16-yard touchdown rush to put BC up 13–6.
“[Bond is] one of the best to ever do it here,” O’Brien said.
Bond broke through again on the next drive for 15- and 37-yard receptions, but the drive ended with Luca Lombardo missing his first field goal of the season. Prior to the miss, he was one of three kickers in FBS with a perfect field-goal percentage.
BC’s defense made up for Lombardo’s miss, however, forcing Syracuse into a quick three-and-out possession. The offense got the ball back and drove upfield, starting with a 23-yard catch from Bond.
Jeremiah Franklin picked up 17 yards with a sideline grab to set BC up for a touchdown, and Jordan McDonald punched it in a few plays later to put BC up 20–6.
McDonald and Richard each scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving BC a 34–6 advantage. Richard turned on the jets for a 46-yard score, and McDonald ran it in 14 yards with 9:24 to go. It was Richard’s fourth game of the season with multiple touchdowns.
Syracuse scored its only touchdown of the game off a 1-yard rush with 3:20 left.
With national signing day on Wednesday, this season-ending win doesn’t earn BC any time off—at least not in O’Brien’s eyes.
“2026 starts tomorrow,” O’Brien said.
