In a thrilling second annual Wasabi Fenway Bowl, Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos stole the show, leading the Eagles to a 23-14 upset over No. 17 SMU on a soggy Thursday afternoon at Fenway Park. The victory marked BC's first bowl win since 2016 and showcased a remarkable performance by Castellanos, who rushed for 156 yards and secured offensive MVP honors.
Hailing from Waycross, Ga., the sophomore quarterback showcased his dual-threat abilities, rushing for two touchdowns on 21 carries and completing 11 passes for 102 yards. Castellanos' stellar performance earned him recognition as the offensive MVP, while BC linebacker Kam Arnold received the defensive MVP honors for his six tackles, two tackles for loss (TFLs), and the game's only sack.
With both players presented with silver baseball bats for their outstanding efforts, BC improved to 7-6, capping off the season with a memorable bowl win. On the flip side, SMU, entering the game with an impressive 11-3 record, was unable to secure its 12th win and experienced a tough loss in its final season in the American Athletic Conference.
The BC defense played a crucial role in the upset, limiting SMU's high-scoring offense to 309 yards of total offense and just 22 rushing yards. SMU, averaging 40.62 points and 466.6 yards per game, faced a formidable BC defense that rose to the occasion.
BC head coach Jeff Hafley expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating,
"To end the season like that with a bowl win over a ranked team like that when really nobody gave us a chance, let's just be honest, it is special."
The victory is expected to build momentum for the returning players and provide a fitting send-off for the graduating seniors.
SMU coach Rhett Lashlee acknowledged BC's superiority on the field, stating,
"Boston College played better than us, and they deserved to win."
Despite SMU's achievements, including capturing the American Athletic Conference title, the team fell short in its bid for a historic 12-win season..
The game saw SMU take an early lead with a masterful 78-yard drive, but BC responded with a 10-play, 77-yard drive to make it 10-7. The momentum swung back and forth, with SMU briefly taking a 14-10 lead at halftime. However, BC seized control in the second half, with Castellanos scoring a crucial 15-yard rushing touchdown, breaking the school record for rushing touchdowns in a season.
The turning point came with a crucial defensive stop by BC's strong safety John Pupel on a fourth-and-three attempt by SMU. This pivotal play set the stage for Castellanos' 14-yard run, securing BC's 23-14 lead with 9:48 remaining in the game.
In a game marked by standout individual performances, BC freshman defensive back KP Price made a special teams play of the game by blocking SMU's field goal attempt in the third quarter, preserving BC's lead.
As SMU, along with California and Stanford, prepares to become full members of the ACC next season, the stage is set for a rematch. BC will travel to Dallas to face SMU in Week 9 at Gerald J. Ford Field, creating anticipation for a thrilling continuation of this newfound ACC rivalry.
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