In the Fenway Bowl, Boston College (BC) and Southern Methodist University (SMU) faced off at 11 a.m. ET in a game that highlighted the strengths and strategies of both teams. BC aimed to show versatility on offense and control the clock, while SMU prepared to play four downs on defense and trust their proven strategies. SMU, with a record of being 10-0 when scoring at least 30 points, faced BC's robust rushing offense that has achieved 147 rushing first downs. SMU's defense, ranked second in the nation with 47 sacks, was tested against BC's history of close games, with eight of their 12 games decided by one score. The game started with a turnover by SMU, as Donovan Ezeiruaku forced a fumble recovered by Neto Okpala, giving BC possession. BC took an early lead with a 45-yard field goal from Liam Connor. However, SMU responded with LJ Johnson Jr. scoring a touchdown, giving them a 7-3 lead over BC. The game was marked by a series of punts from both sides, with BC leading 3-0 after the first quarter in front of what was expected to be the largest crowd at Fenway for the year.
LJ Johnson Jr. plunges into the end zone from 1 yard out, and SMU takes a 7-3 edge over BC with 9:14 left in 2Q. Conversions on third and 17 and fourth and 4 were critical.
Overheard waiting on the elevator: This is the biggest crowd Fenway will have this year and next Boston College 3, SMU 0 after a punt palooza first quarter https://t.co/7OZ3SX1NFS
Former Catholic Memorial standout Max Tucker breaks up a pass on third and 3. Two penalties later, and SMU punts it away. Then the Eagles go three-and-out and have to punt. SMU has it late in the first. Still 3-0 Eagles.
Eagles get to the SMU 22. Easy decision to go for it, but a false start curbs the drive. Liam Connor attempts another 45-yard FG, and this one is no good. Still 3-0 Eagles, 2:47 left in 1Q.
Boston College takes a 3-0 lead over SMU with 6:21 left in 1Q on a 45-yard field goal from Liam Connor. Thomas Castellanos with 3 carries for 21 yards, and Lewis Bond a 9-yard reception.
#SMU squanders a great opening drive with a Kevin Jennings fumble. Turnover battle was key heading into the matchup with BC. https://t.co/F9miWcmPtM
Donovan Ezeiruaku sneaks in, rips the ball away from Kevin Jennings and forces a fumble, and Neto Okpala recovers. Eagles take over at their own 43. Big-time play to curb a promising SMU drive. 0-0, 10:03 1Q.
Boston College and SMU will tee it up at 11 a.m. ET. Here's our preview and pick https://t.co/32vtgLarG2
A few stats to monitor: - SMU is 10-0 this year when scoring at least 30 points. - BC has 147 rushing first downs, compared to 98 for its opponents. - The Mustangs' sack total of 47 this year ranks second in the nation. - Eight of BC’s 12 games have been decided by one score.
Keys for BC: Show versatility on offense and control the clock. Keys for SMU: Prepare to play four downs on defense and trust what's worked. That and more here in a Fenway Bowl preview: https://t.co/eAA428uLou