Image courtesy of Boston College Athletics.
BOSTON — The Boston College Eagles came into today’s Fenway Bowl as 10-point underdogs to Southern Methodist. They were not supposed to win. Thanks to a punishing running game and a stout defensive effort, the Eagles beat SMU, 23-14, in the second annual Fenway Bowl.
The bowl win was the Eagles’ first since 2016, and only their second bowl win since 2007. If local sports fans had forgotten about this program in recent years, today’s win should put them back on people’s radars.
Coming off a tumultuous 6-6 season which saw the Eagles win five in a row and then lose three in a row to end the season, there was some uncertainty as to how the Eagles would respond. They responded by playing arguably their best game of the season.
Head Coach Jeff Hafley said after the game that he his team prepared hard and that he was proud of their effort.
“Really proud of our team today. I thought we had some of our best practices. We went pretty hard. We kind of changed up the way we practiced a bit. We really focused on fundamentals. We had some guys step and play their best games of the year. That is a really good team that we just beat.”
Quarterback Thomas Castellanos has been the centerpiece of the Boston College offensive attack all season long and today was no different as he led the way with 156 yards and two rushing touchdowns. On a day where being more physical and tougher could pay dividends, the Eagles leaned on Castellanos and their offensive line to lead them to victory.
Castellanos has never been short on confidence and swagger and after the game he talked about how today’s win is a spring board for the Eagles going into next season.
“To get this one feels the right way, to carry it over to next year. You guys will see next year, Boston College will be different next season.”
The past two weeks have been good for the Boston College program. Hafley and his staff brought in a strong recruiting class highlighted by eight recruits in the transfer portal. All eight are expected to make a big difference next season just like Castellanos, running back Kye Robichaux and safety John Pupil did this past season.
Today’s win should also help in recruiting. Winning bowl games on a national stage helps a program in a myriad of ways, especially on the recruiting trail. The Eagles will get a boast once their staff gets back on the road and starts meeting with recruits.
Winning the Fenway Bowl will also reignite some interest in this football program again. It has been a long time since the Eagles have been relevant on the local sports scene. Winning a bowl game at Fenway Park should at least get people’s attention enough to start following this program moving forward.
Some question the importance of bowl games and whether or not they have any value. Don’t tell Hafley, Castellanos and linebacker Kam Arnold winning this game isn’t important. It means the world to them to win a bowl game at Fenway Park.
“I don’t think you can ever call a game meaningless” said Hafley. “These guys work way too hard and sacrifice way too much in their lives. Every day they are there practicing. They weren’t home with their families for Christmas. So I think it is disrespectful for someone to say or to even think that bowl games are meaningless.”
Regardless of what anyone’s viewpoint on bowl games is, they matter to the programs that play in them. Winning them has a ripple affect and today’s win in the Fenway Bowl will change the narrative of the Boston College Football program heading into next season.