Freshman walk-on John Fadule. Quarterback of the future, or just near future?

Sparked by the introduction of freshman walk-on quarterback John Fadule, BC’s offense showed more signs of life than in recent previous games, but the end result was similar — a 26-10 loss to Virginia Tech. The Eagles have now lost five straight games, are winless in the ACC, and cannot qualify for a post-season bowl game.

Otherwise, the game left many fans somewhat optimistic about upcoming games. While the difference was three scores, BC actually out-scored VaTech in the second half, 10-6. The Hokies led 20-0 at halftime. The Eagles had 15 first downs to VaTech’s 17 and gained 218 yards overall compared to 275 by VaTech.

Fadule entered the game on BC’s third possession, with the Eagles already down 10-0 and starting quarterback Troy Flutie leading BC to consecutive three-and-outs for negative yardage. On his first play, Fadule ran for 25 yards, laying his shoulder into the VaTech defender before going out of bounds.

BC’s new quarterback . . . at least for now . . . is a 6-1, 215 graduate of Wellesley High School who spent a postgraduate year at Choate last year, leading the prep school to the New England championship. He finished yesterday’s game leading the team in passing and rushing. He was 8-20 passing for 143 yards and one interception, and rushed for 53 yards.

The highlight video below, from the ACC, focuses on Virginia Tech understandably and shows only a fumble late in the game by Fadule. It does, however, show a play that seemed to take a BC touchdown away. Indeed, there were two such plays during the game, when VaTech appeared to have fumbled, the Eagles recovered and ran it for a score. Both were denied by the officials.

Next week, BC closes out its home season against NC State. Game time 9:30 am PT.

Good news in hockey
While the major fall sport of football has been disappointing, the Eagles’ men’s and women’s hockey teams are out to great starts.

The women, ranked #2 in the country, went to 10-0 with a weekend sweep of UConn, both 4-0 shutouts. BC has scored 52 goals in that span, allowing 11. Five of the last six games have been shutouts.

Sophomore defenseman Kali Flanagan had a goal and two assists in the 4-0 win over UConn.

The men are ranked #4 nationally with a 5-1 record. Their most recent game was Friday, a 4-3 win over then-#5 Denver. Matthew Gaudreau, younger brother of Johnny Gaudreau, BC’s Hobey Baker award-winner from 2014, scored the game winner in the final minute.

Eagles celebrate last-minute winning goal over Denver

You can see results in hockey and other BC sports on the Sports Schedules/Results page.

BC’s excellent defense scored one touchdown, a blocked punt return, and gave the offense the ball at the Louisville six-yard-line, which permitted another touchdown. But the BC’s offense could do little else, and Louisville won 17-14.

Elijah Robinson returns blocked punt for BC touchdown

The Eagles had four first downs, gained 83 yards total offense, and were 1 of 13 on third-down plays. Louisville gained 370 yards, had 21 more offensive plays, and had possession of the ball for nearly 12 minutes more than BC. The Eagles forced two Cardinal fumbles and intercepted two passes, which may have held Louisville’s scoring down.

Starting quarterback Jeff Smith was injured on BC’s offensive touchdown and was replaced by Troy Flutie for the remainder of the game. Smith’s ability to play Saturday against Virginia Tech is not certain.

Next up, on Halloween, Virginia Tech. The Hokies are 3-5, having lost to Duke, 45-43, in four overtimes yesterday.

Sometimes games end as Michigan-Michigan State did Saturday, with something happening that no one could have foreseen. And other games go pretty much as expected. The BC-Clemson game last night was the latter.

The Tigers, ranked #5 nationally, thumped the Eagles 34-17, with BC’s final touchdown coming with 1:29 left in the game. The Eagles still struggled on offense, gaining 246 yards, including 159 rushing. Quarterback Jeff Smith, selected to be the single BC quarterback, was 7 of 22 passing, for 87 yards and one touchdown. That touchdown, following a BC interception, improbably gave the Eagles the lead 7-0 in the middle of the first quarter.

Clemson was a much bigger challenge for BC’s defense than it had faced in performing well all season to that point, indeed being ranked the nation’s #1 defense statistically. The Tigers had 78 plays, 17 more than BC, and gained 532 yards, 420 through the air. It was a pleasant Homecoming game for Clemson fans.

Highlights

BC is now 3-4 overall and 0-4 in ACC play. The Eagles have five games remaining and would have to win four of them to become bowl eligible. (Only one of BC’s two wins over FCS schools, Maine and Howard, can count for bowl status.)

Next up, Louisville. Back to morning game watch!