CHESTNUT HILL, MA – Boston College dominated both sides of the ball in a convincing 41-21 victory over North Carolina on Saturday, controlling the clock and shutting down the Tar Heels' offense at Alumni Stadium.
The Eagles (6-5, 3-4) established their dominance early, mounting a methodical opening drive that culminated in a 49-yard field goal by Connor Lytton. That set the tone for what would become a masterclass in ball control, as BC held possession for nearly two-thirds of the game (38:02) while amassing 420 yards of total offense.
BC's rushing attack proved particularly effective, with running back Kyle Robichaux leading the charge with 93 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos added 38 yards and a score of his own, while orchestrating an efficient passing game that saw him complete 18 of 27 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown without any interceptions.
The Eagles' ground-and-pound approach wore down the North Carolina defense throughout the afternoon, with their offensive line establishing control early and maintaining dominance as the game progressed. This physical supremacy allowed BC to dictate the pace and keep the Tar Heels' offense off the field for extended periods.
The Eagles' defense was equally impressive, harassing North Carolina quarterback Conner Criswell throughout the game. BC recorded seven sacks and forced three interceptions, including a backbreaking 78-yard pick-six by Raylen Turner in the fourth quarter that pushed the lead to 34-7.
North Carolina (6-5, 3-4) struggled to find any offensive rhythm, managing just 212 total yards. Most telling was their ground game, which was limited to just 36 net yards on 25 attempts. Criswell, under constant pressure, finished 16-of-30 for 176 yards with three interceptions.
The Tar Heels' most explosive play came on special teams, when Caleb Culliver returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. However, that brief spark was quickly extinguished as BC responded with an efficient three-play, 32-yard drive, capped by an 18-yard touchdown pass from Castellanos to Ryan Harris just before halftime.
Boston College's Lewis Bond had a standout day receiving, catching nine passes for 81 yards, while Harris added three receptions for 76 yards and the touchdown. The Eagles' balanced attack kept North Carolina's defense off-balance throughout the afternoon, converting 7 of 15 third downs and controlling the line of scrimmage.
The Tar Heels mounted a late effort with running back Daemon Gause scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but by then the outcome was well decided. The Eagles' dominant performance was perhaps best illustrated by the first down disparity, with BC recording 24 to North Carolina's 13.
Both teams will conclude their regular seasons at home next week, with Boston College hosting Pitt while North Carolina hosts an in-state rival in NC State that needs to win to secure bowl eligibility.
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