SMU cruised past BC 45-13 in the Red Bandana Game to hand BC a ninth straight loss. Grayson James got the start, but like many games this season, Bill O’Brien had a short leash and switched over to Dylan
Lonergan before the first quarter ended.
SMU QB Kevin Jennings comfortably took care of business throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdown passes. The BC defense started out strong, sacking Jennings and forcing a punt. But James quickly fumbled on their first two possessions, setting up the Mustangs twice to take a 10-0 lead by the first quarter’s end.
With O’Brien livid, Lonergan took over and the Eagles were able to march down the field. The first time, they made it to the goal-line but the Eagles fell short on fourth down. After getting the ball back, BC once again found themselves staring at fourth down at the SMU 25. O’Brien again elected to go for it, but Lonergan took a sack. It took SMU just four plays to find the endzone and make it 17-0. BC responded with a field goal to show signs of life. In the waning minutes of the first half, BC’s defense stood tall and deflected multiple passes. On the third attempt, defensive end Josiah Griffin took matters into his own hands, tipping and picking off a pass on his own. Luca Lombardo capitalized for 3 more for BC to make it 17-6 at the half.
Much like most BC games this season, the second half was a blowout. SMU would score touchdowns on their next four possessions. The first was a 61 yard pass from Jennings. BC’s defense continued to allow explosive plays. Lonergan threw a bad interception, and Jennings responded with a 37-yard pass for another score.
It was the same story for the Eagles. Lonergan took another sack on fourth down in SMU territory, and this time SMU responded with a 53 yard rush to set up another score. Down 32, the Eagles finally put together a 13-play, 72 yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Jordan McDonald.
Shaker Reisig got the nod for the final stretch of the game, but was also picked off on his second drive attempt.
Lewis Bond and Reed Harris had strong outings, combining for 180 yards on 15 catches. Both were able to find pockets and help move the chains, but BC just couldn’t come away with 6 enough. Boston College stays home to play a ranked Georgia Tech next week.
