FINAL: BC Tops UMass 26-7

Boston College picked up its first win of the season Saturday, besting in-state rival UMass 26-7 at Gillette Stadium.

It was an auspicious start for the Eagles (1-1, 0-1 ACC), however, as a blown coverage led to a 58-yard UMass (0-2) touchdown pass from Ross Comis to Adam Brenemen, putting the Minutemen up 7-0 late in the first.

It would be all BC from there though, as the Eagle defense forced a three-and-out, leading to a 46-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Towles to Jeff Smith. A false start on the PAT try led to a missed extra point, however, so UMass maintained a 7-6 lead.

It wouldn't last.

Moments later, junior corner Isaac Yiadom blasted a scrambling Comis, sending the ball flying into the arms of BC linebacker Connor Strachan. The Eagles would score the next play on another Towles to Smith connection, this one a 36-yard touchdown.

Towles finished the day 12/22 for 191 yards and an interception to go with those two touchdowns, while Smith led the Eagles with 5 catches for 98 yards and a pair of scores. 

In the third quarter, kicker/punter Mike Knoll would redeem himself, nailing kicks of 40 and 38 yards to extend the BC lead, before Jon Hilliman's 15-yard touchdown run closed the door in the fourth.

The BC defense played well, especially up front, forcing three turnovers on the day, sacking Comis eight times, and holding UMass to negative 23 yards on the ground. Strachan led the team with 2.5 sacks, while Matt Milano made a game-high eight tackles.

BC will now prepare for a date with Virginia Tech next Saturday in Blackburg, as the Eagles re-enter ACC play.