Boston Faculty turns into bowl eligible by grinding out a victory at Syracuse

Faculty Sports activities

The Eagles protection recorded 4 interceptions to halt the Syracuse offense.

By Trevor Hass

November 4, 2023 | 12:26 AM

All season, Boston Faculty coach Jeff Hafley has preached the significance of depth. When starters depart, Hafley hammers residence that reserves must be prepared.

That depth was on full show Friday, because the Eagles leaned on fifth-string working again Andre Hines Jr. to cement a gutsy, 17-10 win at Syracuse. Hines, who hadn’t performed a down in three-plus years at BC, racked up 5 carries for 32 yards within the clutch.

“I gave him the sport ball in there. He had tears in his eyes. Guys picked him up. That’s a second he’ll always remember,” Hafley mentioned. “That’s faculty soccer. That’s why you stick it out. That’s why you don’t depart, so you might have moments like this.”

Quarterback Thomas Castellanos scored the clincher from 7 yards out with 2:23 left. Cole Batson intercepted a cross, BC’s fourth decide of the sport, and the Eagles outlasted the Orange on the JMA Wi-fi Dome.

Boston Faculty (6-3, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Convention) has gained 5 straight for the primary time since 2010 and is bowl eligible.

“We’re completely satisfied. We’re going to go to a bowl,” Hafley mentioned. “However now we’re going to get to a greater one. We all know that the trail is there to do much more. I can’t await that.”

Syracuse (4-5, 0-5) constructed a first-quarter lead earlier than the Eagles completed the half convincingly to take a 10-7 edge into the break. Neither aspect scored within the third quarter, and after Syracuse tied it early within the fourth, BC wore them down and finally discovered a means.

Boston Faculty redshirt freshman CJ Clinkscales, making his first profession begin, intercepted a cross early to set the Eagles up close to midfield. Castellanos hit Dino Tomlin and Lewis Bond for first downs, however BC settled for a 24-yard area purpose from Liam Connor with 4:55 left within the first quarter.

Syracuse, taking part in with out beginning quarterback Garrett Shrader, turned to redshirt sophomore Carlos Del Rio-Wilson. The 6-foot-2, 222-pound bruiser discovered a gap and ran 27 yards untouched into the top zone to provide the Orange a 7-3 edge by means of one.

Castellanos and Kye Robichaux couldn’t full a handoff on the following BC drive, as Anwar Sparrow recovered a fumble close to midfield. Each groups punted, then Elijah Jones intercepted a cross in the long run zone and the Eagles orchestrated a methodical 18-play, 80-yard drive over 7:59 to tug forward. It was the type that has outlined this streak and helped BC flip its season round.

The Eagles — who entered changing an ACC-best 73.1 p.c of the time on fourth down — saved the drive afloat twice on fourth and 1. They benefited from a cross interference name in the long run zone earlier than Castellanos discovered redshirt sophomore Owen McGowan for a 2-yard landing with 48 seconds left within the half.

McGowan, a Canton native and former Catholic Memorial star who usually performs linebacker, hauled in his first profession reception at a essential second.

“I don’t suppose they have been anticipating me to go for a cross,” McGowan mentioned. “It was a straightforward walk-in.”

The Orange missed a 56-yard area purpose as time expired in a half during which BC possessed the ball for practically 22 minutes and ran 48 performs to Syracuse’s 25.

The groups traded punts the majority of the third quarter. Castellanos went airborne and thought he transformed on fourth and 1, however the referees deemed him brief.

SU’s LeQuint Allen instantly ripped off a 56-yard run, and the Orange entered the purple zone late within the third quarter. Brady Denaburg nailed a 36-yard area purpose to tie it at 10 with 14:18 remaining.

The Eagles moved into SU territory, however Justin Barron trucked Robichaux, compelled and recovered a fumble, and ran it into BC territory. Jones picked off one other cross, although, then the Eagles efficiently executed a faux punt as Sam Candotti scampered six yards for the primary down.

Candotti, a sophomore from Australia, screamed in pleasure as he galloped off the sector. Moments later, Candotti punted for actual, however BC acquired one other cease.

The Eagles, taking part in with out their prime three working backs in Robichaux, Pat Garwo, and Alex Broome, leaned on Hines — who isn’t listed on the depth chart — to salt it away.

“It’s like taking physique shot after physique shot after physique shot,” Hafley mentioned of defending BC’s run recreation, which totaled 185 yards on 57 carries Friday. “Finally, you’re going to fall down.”

Batson leaped as much as corral a remaining decide and that was that. The streak continues, and the trail to an ACC championship recreation look may be very a lot alive.

“This crew has grown collectively,” Castellanos mentioned. “We’re getting nearer and nearer.”