BC fans hold up cellphones as candles last night to honor the memory of Welles Crowther ’99, who died saving others during the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. It was the annual “Red Bandana” game.

College football fans — supporters of Clemson and BC as well as just overall fans — must have been surprised to see that the Eagles and #5 Tigers were tied 3-3 deep into the first half of their game yesterday.

With Clemson’s first touchdown coming with only 45 seconds remaining in the half, their 10-3 lead at halftime was far below the pre-game spread of 20.5 points.

The folks who establish pre-game odds, however, know their job well. And Clemson knew it was important to re-establish their top-five status in the national rankings.

In the second half, the Tigers held the Eagles to fewer than 100 yards total offense and zero points while gaining 233 yards and scoring three touchdowns to finish a workmanlike 31-3 victory. 

BC quarterback Phil Jurkovec was a mediocre 19 of 40 passing for 188 yards. He completed no touchdown passes, but also had no interceptions. Jurkovec was sacked three times and pressured often. Wide receiver Zay Flowers was again the best of the receiving corps, catching eight passes for 75 yards. 

The Eagles rushing attack was negligible, with their two running backs — Patrick Garwo and Xavier Coleman — running 22 times for 52 yards. Jurkovec, backup quarterback Emmett Morehead, and Flowers netted a negative 18 yards.

The Eagles were missing five significant contributors for yesterday’s game due to injury. BC’s next game is not until October 22, at Wake Forest and at a time to be announced.

BC fell to 2-4 overall, 1-3 in conference play. Season is half over!

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