Boston College football accepted the challenge given to it - show the ACC it can compete. After a somewhat rocky start to the season and many close games, Boston College has finally established itself as a threat in the ACC with the ability to compete against the stronger teams in the conference.
On Saturday, BC beat Pitt 31-30 in overtime. This was a big in-conference win for the Eagles and gives more insight into how they can find success throughout the rest of the season. Here’s what we can take away from this game.
How Boston College surprised Pitt
Pitt’s stats coming into this game were intimidating, and it looked like its defense would quickly shut down Boston College. However, the Eagles went for 229 yards and scored 17 points in the first half alone. After three games of late starts, Boston College finally got on the board early. This was essential in its eventual win, as Pitt is not a team that would let the Eagles come back in the fourth quarter. BC has learned how to read its opponents and play against them accordingly.
It is lucky for Boston College to score early because its play became sloppy. In fact, the game probably did not have to be as close as it was, and if the Eagles had been a bit more consistent, they could have locked down the game earlier. Luckily for them, they have practice this season coming back under pressure at the end, and it seems to have served them well in this game.
Zay Flowers has shown up
Wide receiver Zay Flowers has emerged as an offensive leader, a component who was essential to Boston College’s win. He totaled three touchdowns on Saturday with the first being on the first possession for 77 yards, making a good team with quarterback Phil Jurkovec. This season, Flowers has gathered 405 receiving yards, an impressive number as BC has moved to become more of a passing team this season. There may not be a need to rush if Flowers continues to play the way he did on Saturday. If Flowers continues to step up on the offensive side, he will be a new threat for the rest of the season.
Boston College still needs to find its stride
Boston College is now 3-1, but has had three close, yet exciting, games in a row now. The Eagles are establishing themselves as a team that cannot only play, but can hang in there. They are almost becoming something of a spectacle, as their games have consistently been more entertaining than football tends to be. This win was an important one, but the team needs to be able to get the job done in a clear, efficient way. If it can do this, Boston College football will become a team that is respected and feared. As the Eagles approach their game against Virginia Tech on Saturday, they need to figure out how to play four quarters of good football. If they can do this, they will come out on top.
I am a junior Communication major at Villanova University, with specializations in Journalism and Media Production. My Instagram is @bridgethyland_.