Boston College scored the only touchdown in the game against Duke yesterday, which belies the offensive power shown by the Eagles in the 9-7 loss. The low score said much more about BC’s defense, which held the Blue Devils to three field goals, all in the first half; held Duke scoreless on first-and-goal from the one in the second half; limited the Dukies to only 73 yards total offense in the second half; and held Duke to a total of 33 yards rushing for the game.

Troy Flutie

With BC down 6-0 in the second quarter, Eagles freshman quarterback Jeff Smith threw what appeared to many to be a 25-yard touchdown pass to freshman Thadd Smith, but the pass was ruled incomplete by officials on the field. Replay officials sustained the call, which was vociferously and vigorously opposed by Coach Steve Addazio, A BC field goal attempt from the 25 then was muffed and Duke took over on downs.

Holding Duke at the beginning of the third quarter, BC mishandled the ensuing punt, which Duke recovered on the BC 15. Two plays later, Duke was on the 1. Four rushing attempts failed and BC took over on downs.

Troy Flutie, above, threw a 66-yard touchdown pass to the same Thadd Smith late in the third quarter to bring the Eagles within 2, at 9-7. The Eagles reached the Duke 27 late in the fourth quarter, but freshman kicker Colton Lichtenberg missed a 45-yard field goal.

Flutie had a career high 129 yards passing, completing 5 of 8 attempts. Smith was 3-13 for 12 yards, but led the team with 60 yards rushing on 11 carries. BC overall gained 305 yards to Duke’s 228, and had 9 fewer plays than the Blue Devils.

Next up, Wake Forest, which fell by 8 to Florida State on Saturday.