QB Patrick Towles on the run. Steve Flynn – USA TODAY Sports

How do you say deja vu in Gaelic?

Perhaps an unfair characterization, as BC’s offense today against Georgia Tech was more effective than during most of last season. But some factors — missed field goals, debatable coaching decisions among them — seemed familiar as the Eagles gave up a 4-point lead in the last 4 minutes to lose to Georgia Tech, 17-14.

The first half was a muddled affair, as well as somewhat muddied. Conditions — rainy, temperature below 60 — were typical for Dublin but unusual for either team in September. New quarterback Patrick Towles, grad student who had played at Kentucky, lost the ball twice (interception and fumble) and Colton Lichtenberg continued his difficulties with two missed field goals (one was low and blocked, the other wide left from the start). Georgia Tech had a 7-0 halftime lead.

Jonathan Hillerman started BC’s second half off right with a 73-yard touchdown run on the Eagles’ first play. Just up the middle and then outrunning the Yellow Jacket defenders.

A 6-yard rush by Towles in the fourth quarter for the touchdown gave the Eagles a 14-7 lead. BC’s defense held Georgia Tech to a field goal with just under six minutes to play. BC then ran the ball twice into the middle for no gains, botched the next snap, and kicked a 32-yard punt to give Georgia Tech the ball on its 41 with 3:33 left.

Georgia Tech then avoided a massive loss when its quarterback was able to spin out of a tackle far behind the line and throw the ball out of bounds. Worse still, the Yellow Jackets converted a 4th-and-19 with a 22-yard pass as BC rushed only four. The final tally came on a 4-yard run with 35 seconds remaining.

BC outgained Georgia Tech, 313-238, holding the Yellow Jackets to 119 yards rushing and the same total passing. The Eagles rushed for 176 yards and Towles was 11-17 for 137 passing. BC had three turnovers (2 fumbles, 1 interception) to Georgia Tech’s single fumble and 7 penalties to Georgia Tech’s 3.

Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech coach, said of the Eagles’ defense, “”I tell you, they’re as good defensively as anybody we’ve played, including Clemson or anybody. They’re good and we had a hard time getting anything going consistently.” Georgia Tech’s touchdowns came on their first and last drives. That was consistent enough.

Highlights

In less than 24 hours, the Boston College football team opens its 2016 season nearly 3,000 miles from home . . . but in the “wrong” direction. The Eagles’ initial game is against ACC foe Georgia Tech, in Dublin, Ireland, which is about the same distance east of Chestnut Hill as San Diego is west of campus.

Aviva Stadium, Dublin, site of the BC-Georgia Tech game Saturday, September 3.

There is no BC Alumni San Diego game watch for this contest. Kickoff is at 4:30 am Pacific Time. ‘Nuff said. The game is on ESPN2. Get those DVRs ready!

This is the inaugural Aer Lingus College Football Classic and the first time BC and Georgia Tech have met on neutral ground. (Really, BC in Ireland is on neutral ground?) The Eagles last played the Yellow Jackets in 2012, with Georgia Tech winning 37-17.

Both teams were among the weakest in the ACC last season. BC went winless, 0-8, in conference play, while Georgia Tech was 1-8. BC’s vaunted defense, #1 statistically in the nation last year, will face Georgia Tech’s distinctive “flexbone” option offense. It’s the offense that is of most concern to most BC fans. Coach Steve Addazio says he knows who will start between quarterbacks Darius Wade and Patrick Towles, a grad student who previously started at Kentucky, but has left the announcement of his choice until game day. Here is the depth chart for tomorrow’s game.

Hunh?

There will be at least two chapter members in Dublin for the game. Chapter leader Lissa Tsu ’00, along with husband Brian Tsu ’00 and daughter Margot (honorary chapter member) will represent us at the game and pre-game rally. Maybe they can bring back some of the “unusual” teeshirts promoting the game, as at right. Not always easy to communicate clearly across the pond.

Never fear, there will be game watches during the rest of the season, at The Beer Company, 602 Broadway, San Diego. We know the kickoff times for the next two: UMass, 9 am; Virginia Tech, 12:30 pm.

Go Eagles!