Boston College Football will be squaring off against the Syracuse Orange to conclude their regular season. With the game being the last for both teams, it has the potential to be a highly anticipated match-up.
Game Notes
Saturday, November 29 at TBD
JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY
Series
The Eagles are 23-34 versus the Orange all-time, dating back for a one hundred year history.
2024 Recap:
Boston College found themselves victorious in the 100th year anniversary game versus Syracuse in 2024. Despite struggles
from their passing game (only 65 total yards from Grayson James and Tommy Castellanos combined), the Eagles run game was the story of the contest, as they ran for 313 yards on the ground. Running backs Kye Robichaux and Jordan McDonald both rushed for over 100+ yards and added 3 total touchdowns – the Orange simply had no answer for either of them. Syracuse had a very productive day in the passing game from QB Kyle McCord, who passed for 392 yards and 2 touchdowns. The game went back and forth through three separate lead changes, but the Eagles defense stepped up on a last minute drive by Syracuse, forcing them to take a field goal which spelled victory for Boston College – a fitting end for a 100th year anniversary game.
Offense
Kyle McCord is now an Eagle, but not the Eagles you are used to reading about. With McCord now a Philadelphia Eagle, it leaves an open competition for starting QB between former LSU’s Rickie Collins and former Notre Dame’s Steve Angeli. Based on who wins the starting job in camp and throughout the season, fans should have a strong sense of who to expect to be under center when the Eagles travel to Syracuse, but this game is a long ways away. The receiving corps features Dan Villari, Darrell Gill Jr, Justus Ross-Simmons, Johntay Cook, and newcomer Emanuel Ross – it’s a steady group with upside.
For the run game, it remains to be seen how sophomore Yasin Willis handles being the new RB1 after LeQuint Allen was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars this past April. Willis did not see many touches as a freshman so he could be utilized in a number of ways.
The offensive line remains a mystery for the Orange with many of the projected starters being transfers. By the time BC visits Syracuse, the line will have basically a full season under their belt and will probably be looking much better than in their first few weeks at a new program.
Defense
Defense is perhaps the largest question mark for Syracuse. Their D-Line appears thin with DE David Reese and DT Chris Thomas likely leading the group, with unproven talent after those two. The Orange’s strong suit on defense will come from their secondary, with star safety Duce Chestnut returning to lead an experienced group.
Matchup vs BC
This game could easily go either way. In the recent ACC rankings, Syracuse is ranked one spot (12th) ahead of BC (13th), so both teams may end up in the same boat record-wise and from a talent perspective. Offensively, the Eagles should be able to figure out Syracuse’s defense. With a brand new OL, it may not be another 300+ yard day rushing, though. The make-or-break for Syracuse comes from running the ball, and fans will find out how improved (or worsened) their defense will be come November. However, BC’s inexperience on both sides of the trenches this year may not work in their favor. Still, I’ll go out a limb and lean BC winning this one.
