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Holy Cross did their best to pick up an upset victory, too. The Crusaders marched, crossing into Boston College territory in the final minute thanks to a running game that was rarely stopped.
Until the Eagles and their defense discovered the magic elixir, as created by Neto Okpala and Vinny DePalma. Okpala forced a fumble that was recovered by DePalma, sealing a 31-28 Boston College (1-1) victory.
A two-hour weather delay stopped the clock with 1:58 left in the game. With Holy Cross (1-1) having just received a punt and, with the defense struggling, things looked bleak. Plus, for the second week in a row, the Eagles made things difficult on themselves. Boston College had 10 penalties for 109 yards and found inopportune times to execute. Third down struggles continued (7-13), though they did convert on both fourth-down opportunities presented them.
Boston College's offense leaned into an identity in the ground game, rushing for 202 yards. Despite Pat Garwo III's absence the majority of the game, a transfer made an immediate impact to help pave the way.
Kye Robichaux
Garwo started out strong, knocking out back-to-back seven-yard runs. Unknown at this time is why Garwo didn't return to the game after this start, though he was on the sideline in street clothes and a walking boot later in the game. With Alex Broome already out with a minor injury, the run heavy game plan seemed set to take a back seat.
No worries, as Kye Robichaux announced his arrival.
Robichaux, the transfer from Western Kentucky, was handed the workload on Saturday and responded with authority. Helped by a dominant offensive line, Robichaux carried the ball 19 times for 94 yards and a touchdown.
He had a long of 13 on the day and was fairly consistent throughout. Given the unexpected amount of playing time, it was extraordinary to see zero of Robichaux's carries go for negative yards.
The junior also had two receptions for 15 yards and is line to see more snaps, no matter when (or if) Garwo and Broome return to the field in '23.
Cam Barfield (four carries, 20 yards) spelled Robichaux at times but it was quarterback Thomas Castellanos who helped shoulder the workload against Holy Cross. Castellanos, starting his first game for Boston College, was going to get his fair share of carries. Sixteen for 69 yards might have been more than expected but he was again solid throughout.
Struggles occurred early in the passing game for Castellanos and the Eagles but really settled as the game went along. There was a nice mix of route patterns in this game, not always going deep, as Castellanos finished 17-23 for 204 yards and two touchdowns (Sightings for tight ends George Takacs and Jeremiah Franklin, who combined for two catches for seven yards and two touchdowns).
The deep ball did have success in the form of Jaden Williams, who hauled in two catches for 70 yards. Williams also drew a pass interference call against Holy Cross on a deep pass in the first half.
Two games in and the wait continues for a Ryan O'Keefe breakout game, though he did have four catches for 29 yards and 14-yard touchdown run. It was Lewis Bond who continues to be a favorite target, finishing with five catches for 55 yards.
Still, the offense really built off that second half last week and did a lot of good things. An identity around this unit is forming and special things could be on the horizon.
Now, if only the defense could batten down the hatches a little more.
Boston College defense
Sometimes, a team defense only needs one big play to turn the tide of the game. For Boston College, the forced fumble and subsequent recovery happened at the most opportune time.
It's too bad, aside from individual efforts and the victory, struggles continued, especially against the run.
Holy Cross did most of their damage in this aspect, rushing for 264 yards (on an impressive 6.8 yards per tote). Jordan Fuller carried the ball 13 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns. More impressive was quarterback Matthew Sluka, who accounted for 131 yards on the ground and the Crusaders two other touchdowns.
Sluka was also efficient in the passing game, going 10-15 for 130 yards.
Pressure up front was again an issue, with the Eagles collecting only one sack (Shitta Sillah) and three tackles for loss. Boston College was better in the third down department than last week, holding Holy Cross to converting 4 of 9. However, the Crusaders converted on both of their fourth down attempts.
Veterans across the unit continue to lead the Eagles. DePalma was tops in tackles, with nine and fellow linebacker Kam Arnold added eight. Elijah Jones had five tackles, all the solo variety.
A much better effort will be needed from the top down on this side of the ball. Two games in, there is still a lot (understandably) being worked out. But a complete execution of the game plan will need to form really quick, on both sides of the ball.
That's because next week, in playing their third-straight home game, the Boston College Eagles play host to what will likely be a top-3 team in Florida State. A massive undertaking is on the agenda to knock off their rivals but it is the Red Bandanna Game and, for Boston College, an upset of this proportion would be the perfect to honor the legacy of the man behind the bandanna, Welles Crowther.
photo credit: PublicDomainPictures
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