While not a traditional high-flying offense, Syracuse used a trio of long-distance touchdowns in the third quarter to claim a 21-6 home win over Boston College. The three scores in under five minutes by the Orange (5-4, 2-3 ACC) covered 163 yards, essentially delivering a knockout punch to the freefalling Eagles (4-3, 0-3 ACC) who lost their fourth straight game.
Highlighted by starting SU’s third quarter firework show, Sean Tucker had a massive game, ringing up a personal-best 207 yards on 26 carries. Tucker’s big game was punctuated by 37-, 41-, and 51-yard gains.
The longest of those runs came on the heels of Boston College’s second field goal of the game. Tucker exploded up the middle with a handoff for a 51-yard touchdown just before the midpoint of the third quarter to get the Orange on the board. Andre Szmyt’s extra point nudged SU in front at 7-6.
A little over three minutes later, Shrader faked a handoff and took off down the right side, bouncing outside and going down the sideline for a 48-yard touchdown run. The score and Szmyt’s conversion gave the team some breathing room and a 14-6 lead.
Following the ensuing BC drive, Courtney Jackson tore through the Eagles punt coverage unit for a 65-yard score, ripping the top off the game with three minutes left in the third. The third Syracuse touchdown in less than five minutes extended the lead to 21-6.
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The Orange defense made the lead stand up, icing the game with a fourth-and-goal start at their own one with just over four minutes remaining in the game. The stand marked the third time SU stopped Boston College inside the red zone, the first two times resulting in Eagle field goals.
Kingsley Jonathan was the headliner of the day for the Syracuse defensive unit, racking up three sacks in the game after entering the contest with just half that number on the season. Stefon Thompson also had a sack while sharing team-leading tackle honors with Eric Coley and Garrett Williams, who all had seven stops apiece.
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