Orange Football Cannot Contain Eagles

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse football returned home Friday to the JMA Wireless Dome for the first time in over a month.

Despite its biggest crowd of the season, penalties and interceptions doomed the Orange, as Boston College defeated Syracuse 17-10.

After beating Boston College last season to snap a five-game losing streak, Syracuse has now lost its fifth consecutive game, while the Eagles have won five in a row.

The Orange remain winless against the ACC following four non-conference victories to begin the year.

Syracuse starting quarterback Garrett Shrader missed his first game of the season, as he suffered an undisclosed injury against Virginia Tech. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson made his second career start, and although the Orange ran for over 200 yards, the pass offense struggled.

Carlos Del-Rio Wilson looks to pass as the Orange offense couldn’t throw the ball deep against Boston College, where he had only one completion of 10 or more yards. Photos by Matt Hofman

On the first drive of the game for the Orange, the redshirt sophomore threw his first interception, which resulted in an Eagles opening field goal.

Near the end of the first quarter, LeQuint Allen broke a huge run for 32 yards, which set up a 27-yard rushing touchdown for Del Rio-Wilson.

To end the first half, Boston College would embark on a near eight minute drive that resulted in a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Thomas Castellanos to Owen McGowan.

During halftime, Syracuse alum Dwight Freeney was honored for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Syracuse Athletics announced that Dwight Freeney’s number 54 jersey will be retired next season.

Only down three points, the Orange relied on LeQuint Allen and he delivered. Allen exploded for a 56-yard run, which led to the game-tying field goal for Syracuse in the fourth quarter.

LeQuint Allen runs past the Boston College defense, as his big play ability resulted in both Syracuse scores during Friday night’s game.

The sophomore had a career-day, rushing for 142 yards on 18 carries, which helped the Orange offense stay afloat.

“The offensive line…they did a hell of a job today,” Allen said. “We came up short, but I feel for those guys. They played their hearts out today, and I was just following behind them.” With the game tied, Syracuse linebacker Justin Barron forced Boston College’s second fumble, after laying a big hit on Eagles running Kye Robichaux.

Justin Barron punches the ball free from Boston College running back Kye Robichaux, causing the Eagles second turnover of the contest.

However, the Orange couldn’t take advantage as Del Rio-Wilson threw his third interception after Elijah Jones snatched the ball away from Umari Hatcher.

Boston College would then take the lead for good, as Castellanos ran for a seven-yard touchdown late in the fourth.

Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos escapes the pocket as he combines for over 250 scrimmage yards in the victory.

Although Del Rio-Wilson only completed seven passes and threw for 37 yards with four interceptions, Syracuse had opportunities to win the game.

“Carlos did a good job,” head coach Dino Babers said. “I know there were a lot of interceptions, but when you’re playing with your backup quarterback the other guys have to find a way to win the game, and LeQuint almost found a way to do it.”

To make its second consecutive bowl appearance, the Orange will need to win two of its last three games.

Syracuse will play Pitt at Yankee Stadium next week to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first college football contest between these two teams. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.