Boston College showed no signs of stumbling in their home opener, delivering a resounding 56-0 victory over Duquesne at Alumni Stadium. This game was a stark contrast to last year’s close call against Holy Cross, as BC dismantled the Dukes with a dominating first-half performance that left no room for doubt. By halftime, the Eagles had built a 42-0 lead, cruising to their second straight win of the season.
Junior quarterback Thomas Castellanos was nearly flawless, completing 9 of 10 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns—all in the first half. His explosive start, combined with BC’s aggressive defense, quickly set the tone for the rest of the game. Castellanos’ ability to deliver big plays, including three touchdown passes of 30 yards or more, showcased his improved decision-making and footwork, vital for the Eagles’ offensive surge. Despite his standout performance, the quarterback remained self-critical, focusing on a missed opportunity to connect with wide receiver Jaedn Skeete.
BC’s wide receiver Lewis Bond also had a day to remember, with five catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, while his teammate, Treshaun Ward, opened the scoring with a 3-yard run. Redshirt freshman Reed Harris followed up with a 72-yard touchdown catch, propelling BC to a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter. On the defensive side, Boston native Khari Johnson snagged a key interception, returning it 45 yards for a pick-six, giving the home crowd even more to celebrate. Johnson’s enthusiasm after the play, where he tossed the ball into the stands, made for a memorable moment.
The Eagles overwhelmed Duquesne at the line of scrimmage, averaging 6.4 yards per rush and 26 yards per completion. The defense suffocated the Dukes, holding them to just 87 yards in the first half and forcing multiple turnovers, including a second-half interception by Jalen Cheek. While BC’s backups saw action in the second half, the game had long been decided.
Head coach Bill O’Brien praised his team for staying focused, emphasizing the importance of treating every opponent with the same level of respect. "I don’t know the difference between FBS, FCS, NCIS," O’Brien quipped. "I just know Duquesne is a tough football team. We had to be ready to play." That mantra of treating every game as a battle paid off, as BC remained energized and consistent from start to finish.
While O’Brien was pleased with the overall execution, he pointed out a few areas for improvement, including penalties and special teams. Still, with a crowd of 38,441 in attendance and a student section that O’Brien described as "unbelievable," the Eagles made the most of their home-field advantage. The energy in the stadium, fueled by a sea of gold-clad students, was a fitting backdrop for BC’s dominant performance.
Next up for the Eagles is a much-anticipated clash with No. 9 Missouri. Castellanos, who has yet to turn the ball over this season, knows that staying humble and focused is key. "We have a big matchup this week. It’ll really show how good we are," he said. If BC continues on their current trajectory, their trip to Missouri could be another opportunity to make a major statement on a national stage.
With back-to-back wins and an offense firing on all cylinders, Boston College is poised to carry this momentum into the heart of their season, as they look to turn more heads in the college football world.
