Photo by: Charles Wainwright
Sunday Sidebar: Orange Takes Away the Pass
11/29/2015 11:25:00 AM | Football
BC's nine yards through the air the fewest against SU since 1989
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – In the last game of the 2015 season, the Orange defense forced Boston College to remain one-dimensional and emerged with a 20-17 victory on Saturday, Nov. 28 at the Carrier Dome, sending Scott Shafer out a winner in his final game as head coach.
The Eagles totaled 53 offensive snaps, only 13 of which were passing plays.
"We didn't throw the ball," BC head coach Steve Addazio said. "There was a lot of pressure being put on (quarterback) Jeff Smith and we were not very comfortable with that. It was a struggle."
Smith managed only one completion in the game, a 9-yard strike to Thadd Smith that didn't come until there were less than eight minutes to play.
Smith was 0-for-5 throwing the ball in the first half with two interceptions. Cordell Hudson and Antwan Cordy both had picks for the Orange. The interceptions ended consecutive BC possessions in the second quarter. Hudson's INT resulted in a 49-yard field goal by Cole Murphy that gave the Orange a 10-7 lead late in the first half.
The nine yards allowed through the air were the fewest for a Syracuse opponent since Sept. 16, 1989 when Army finished with zero passing yards.
With Smith under pressure and Syracuse defenders covering up BC receivers, the Eagles struggled on third down, converting only once on 12 opportunities. Boston College punted seven times and had six three-and-outs on 13 possessions.
The inefficiency created an opportunity for Syracuse and Cole Murphy seized it, splitting the uprights from 35 yards out as time expired to end the team's eight-game losing streak.Â
For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.
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The Eagles totaled 53 offensive snaps, only 13 of which were passing plays.
"We didn't throw the ball," BC head coach Steve Addazio said. "There was a lot of pressure being put on (quarterback) Jeff Smith and we were not very comfortable with that. It was a struggle."
Smith managed only one completion in the game, a 9-yard strike to Thadd Smith that didn't come until there were less than eight minutes to play.
Smith was 0-for-5 throwing the ball in the first half with two interceptions. Cordell Hudson and Antwan Cordy both had picks for the Orange. The interceptions ended consecutive BC possessions in the second quarter. Hudson's INT resulted in a 49-yard field goal by Cole Murphy that gave the Orange a 10-7 lead late in the first half.
The nine yards allowed through the air were the fewest for a Syracuse opponent since Sept. 16, 1989 when Army finished with zero passing yards.
With Smith under pressure and Syracuse defenders covering up BC receivers, the Eagles struggled on third down, converting only once on 12 opportunities. Boston College punted seven times and had six three-and-outs on 13 possessions.
The inefficiency created an opportunity for Syracuse and Cole Murphy seized it, splitting the uprights from 35 yards out as time expired to end the team's eight-game losing streak.Â
For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.
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Players Mentioned
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Vince Kehres Press Conference | Spring Ball Day 3
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Demetres Samuel Jr. Press Conference | Spring Ball Day 3
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