Takeaways after a 66-10 blowout over Fordham

First things first, I almost called it.

I had 53-3, but anyway, it’s hard not to like just about everything you saw on Saturday if you’re a BC fan. Bill O’Brien acknowledged postgame that there’s things to work on (run game specifically), but when you only get a chance to play 12 of them, everyone’s always pleased with a win.

Here’s a few takeaway’s I have after that show:

Strong atmosphere for the opponent

Student section was just about full by kickoff, if not minutes after. Saw kids getting after it at 10:30 navigating my way in to park. Really good buzz on the sideline with all of the recruits, families and others out by the tunnel too when the team came out pregame. Fairly full until it was in true ‘yikes’ territory on the scoreboard late in the third and then the fourth. It was an overall impressive representation for the fan base given the lackluster opponent and the whole Labor Day weekend thing.

Don’t sleep on the fact it’s just an FCS blowout

Bad or mediocre teams make this a close game. BC did not. Not only did they do what good teams are supposed to do against teams like Fordham, but they got contributions from everywhere, from young guys and veterans. All three phases. I mean, a 48-yard field goal even went through the uprights off the crossbar. The depth stood out and the team’s best players played like they were the best on the field.

Good teams do what the Eagles did on Saturday.

Lonergan & James have some fun

That was fun to watch. Dylan Lonergan’s debut couldn’t have gone much better, aside from the offense stalling for four drives in the first half. Lonergan finished 26-34 for 268 yards and four touchdowns and he didn’t turn the ball over. Grayson James came in and in the blink of an eye on a couple drives went 5-5 for 190 yards and a touchdown to freshman Dawson Pough. The offense as a whole was more efficient, although O’Brien said they’re not looking for long, 15-play drives. Still, when Lonergan was quick and decisive the Eagles marched up and down the field. Aside from the four fourth quarter drives, which O’Brien said they’d really look at, Lonergan’s first college start couldn’t have gone much better. James showed the team is more than fine if he ever has to step in.

Bond WR1 (as if there was any doubt)

The chemistry between Lewis Bond and Lonergan in-game was on point, with Bond hauling in 11 balls on 12 targets for 138 yards. If you go back and watch the Harris touchdown, Bond probably should have had a TD there too, with Lonergan making the more difficult throw. This offense will go as Bond goes. Other guys were open a lot (go back and watch Skeete throughout the day) and as Lonergan gets more and more game reps, others will produce because of Bond being on the field.

Running game

Really surprising. BC had 97 yards rushing, but on 39 carries. Turbo Richard got in and and Bo MacCormack III got in, but MacCormack’s was set up by a long James throw to VJ Wilkins and Turbo’s was from four-yards out to go up 45-3. Jordan McDonald over the middle for a TD catch was a nice surprise. I still think the run game will have a few big nights at some point, I’m surprised we didn’t see it get going more on Saturday though. They’re going to need it on the road in a hostile environment next Saturday night.

Young guys step up

You’ve read about Charlie Comella on this site since April and he not only took advantage of an opportunity on special teams, but set up a touchdown with the punt block and recovery. The more he plays, the more you’ll notice him. Bo MacCormack has also immediately made an impact throughout camp and it quickly translated, getting the opening kickoff, regular game reps and the late TD. Dawson Pough shined during his late game chances and you saw the speed Wilkins has to get behind a defense. Really good day for the development of the program.

Defense does it’s thing

Can’t ask for much more and after the game, you had Bam Crouch saying the 168 TOTAL yards the defense gave up was ‘too much,’ so you know they’re hungry. His pick-six in fairness was directly at him, but the reaction to snatch the football was impressive. Secondary looked as advertised (albeit against FCS receivers) and the pass rush was slightly underwhelming, but overall it was a great day for Tim Lewis’ crew.

Special teams already showing vast improvement

Whether it was a field goal from 48 going through, kickoffs, nice returns or just the overall fact that it didn’t totally change the game for BC, special teams was dare I say fun to watch on Saturday. A lot of contributors too, which is a great sign. I don’t remember if I called it officially, but I am saying MacCormack III will have one this season.

In closing…

Of course you take everything with a grain of salt given the opponent, but, again…they did what they were supposed to do. We don’t need to talk about NIU. The test coming in prime time against Michigan State will tell everyone a lot more about the 2025 Eagles, but this was an ideal start on an ideal day in Chestnut Hill.