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After opening the season with back-to-back Power 4 matchups, the Boston College Eagles (1-1) return home Saturday afternoon to host the FCS Maine Black Bears (1-2, 1-0 CAA) at Alumni Stadium.
The Eagles secured their first victory of the season last Friday, gutting out a 28-21 win over Big Ten foe Rutgers. The BC offense delivered a balanced attack, amassing 408 total yards (150 rushing, 258 passing). Dual-threat quarterback Mason McKenzie spearheaded the performance with 346 yards of total offense. McKenzie ran for a team-high 95 yards (7.2 yards per carry) and a 19-yard touchdown, while going 18-for-29 for 252 yards through the air. Receiver Dawson Pough proved to be McKenzie’s top target, snagging four passes for 106 yards—his first career 100-yard receiving day as an Eagle—highlighted by a 78-yard fourth-quarter touchdown strike.
Defensively, linebackers Marcus Upton and Anthony Palano anchored the unit. Upton racked up a team-leading 10 tackles (8 solo). Meanwhile, Palano generated three sacks and two interceptions, earning ACC Linebacker of the Week honors. Palano’s performance highlighted a four-takeaway day for the defense—BC’s first four-turnover outing since November 3, 2023, against Syracuse. Head coach Bill O’Brien improved to 3-0 in home openers at BC, overseeing a night-and-day improvement from their Week 1 trip to Cincinnati.
The visiting Black Bears travel to Chestnut Hill following a disappointing 23-14 loss to Merrimack in their home opener. Maine’s defense allowed 290 total yards—211 on the ground—and gave up 23 unanswered points after a scoreless first quarter. Offensively, the Black Bears sputtered all afternoon, managing just 199 total yards (3.4 yards per play) while going 1-for-12 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth down. Quarterback Eddie Buehler (12-of-25 for 130 yards, 2 INTs) was one of three signal-callers used by Maine, also leading the team in rushing with 35 yards on 10 carries. Linebacker Noah Carpenter paced the Maine defense with 10 tackles (6 solo), a sack, and two interceptions.
Boston College holds a 7-3 advantage in the all-time series against Maine, including seven consecutive home victories at Alumni Stadium in a rivalry dating back to 1929. The Eagles will be seeking their first victory over a New England school since defeating Connecticut 21-14 in October 2023.
Author Profile
- John is VP of NGSC Sports and head of our New England operations. He covers sports in the America East, Big East, ACC, Hockey East conferences.
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