Running back AJ Dillon secured the win for the Eagles.

Pitt had more first downs than BC in yesterday’s game. The Panthers also gained more yards in total. They had a higher number in another category, however, that spelled their doom — turnovers.

Pitt lost the ball four times — three fumbles and a pass interception. The mishaps thwarted Panther drives and at least once gave the Eagles a short field and three subsequent points on their way to a 26-19 victory.

Near game’s end, when Pitt had kicked a field goal to make it a one-score game, BC got the ball on its 25-yard line with 5:26 remaining on the clock. It seemed likely that Pitt could get the ball back to try to tie or win the game. Instead, the Eagles asked running back AJ Dillon to secure the win and he answered the call.

Carrying the ball on eight straight plays, gaining 48 yards, Dillon got BC four first downs and allowed the Eagles go into victory formation with QB Dennis Grosel taking a knee three times to run out the clock.

Overall, Dillon gained 178 yards on 32 carries. In the third quarter, Dillon scored on a 61-yard touchdown run, his longest of the season. It was the seventh time this season that Dillon gained more than 150 yards in a game. 

As this was the regular season finale, Dillon finished with 1,685 yards, the fourth-highest season total in Eagles history. Already BC’s all-time leading rusher, after three seasons, Dillon’s career total rose to 4,382 yards.

Here are highlights.

The win brought the BC season record to 6-6, making the Eagles eligible for a bowl game. Announcement of which bowl game will take place December 8. The bowl game will feature an interim coach. BC fired coach Steve Addazio today and wide receivers coach Rich Gunnell ’10, MS’14 will prepare the team for their next game.