Notre Dame Football at Boston College Eagles Review: Studs and Duds
By Andrew Hall
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defied history and defeated Boston College, 45-31, during the historic “red bandana” game in Chestnut Hill.
Boston College lucked into a few big plays in the first half while the Irish gifted the Eagles with 2 fumbles to make the game interesting initially. The Fighting Irish, led by Ian Book, went on a 28-6 run to take a 31-16 lead into halftime.
The Eagles, inspired by first year coach Jeff Hafley, continued to fight until the last moments of contest. They actually outscored Notre Dame in the second half, 15-14. However, the Irish knelt to run out the clock at the conclusion of the game inside the Boston College 4-yard line. Another score was imminent if not for the choice to kneel.
Despite not the final score not looking atheistically pleasing for the scoreboard watchers, Notre Dame did what they needed to do to avoid a major letdown against the Eagles. Following huge and potentially program changing wins against Florida State in 1993 and 2002, the Eagles played spoiler the following the week. Along the way, Book developed more confidence and more chemistry with wide receivers Ben Skowronek and Javon McKinley.
Notre Dame (and Ian Book) also proved that the Irish coaching staff was correct in their assessment of highly touted quarterback Phil Jurkovec who had some moments of brilliance and many moments of inconsistent accuracy.
The Fighting Irish now enter an open-week where they can rest and prepare for their showdown with North Carolina in Chapel Hill on the Friday following Thanksgiving.
Here are the three studs of Notre Dame’s 45-31 victory over the Eagles.