BOSTON — Mason McKenzie had an impressive night, throwing a 78-yard touchdown pass and scoring another on the ground as Boston College edged out Rutgers 28-21 in their annual Red Bandanna Game on Friday evening.
McKenzie finished with 17 completions on 24 attempts for 244 yards, though he did throw two interceptions for the Eagles (1-1).
In his first start, Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace went 18 for 27, tallying 230 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions (0-2).
One of the more concerning moments came when BC linebacker Bodie Kahoun, a 6-foot-2 redshirt sophomore, had to be taken off the field via ambulance after he led with his head during a tackle early in the second quarter. Fortunately, the school reported he had movement in all his limbs and was off to a local hospital for further checks.
Entering halftime down 20-7, the Scarlet Knights managed to narrow the gap to a single score after Surace connected with KJ Duff for a 4-yard touchdown.
However, after a costly interception, Rutgers was stopped on fourth-and-1 at BC’s 11-yard line late in the third quarter. This marked the second of three times the Scarlet Knights failed to convert on fourth down deep into Eagles’ territory.
Then McKenzie made a significant play, rolling out to his right and finding Dawson Pough, who was wide open about 10 yards behind the nearest defender. Pough caught the ball and easily scored, extending the lead to 28-14 with just over seven minutes remaining.
Duff was back in the spotlight for Rutgers, making a 60-yard touchdown catch that brought the score to 28-21 midway through the fourth. But BC’s Anthony Palano stepped up, making his second interception of the night at the Eagles’ 35-yard line with under two minutes to go, effectively sealing the win.
Earlier in the game, McKenzie had also executed a 10-yard scoring run that pushed the Eagles ahead 14-0 late in the first quarter.
The takeaway
Rutgers: After suffering an embarrassing loss at home to UMass last week, which routine coach Greg Schiano said left the program feeling like a “punchline,” the Scarlet Knights showed promise with a solid effort but repeatedly came up short in the red zone against BC.
Boston College: Coming off a lopsided defeat to Cincinnati in their season opener, the Eagles needed a rebound performance—and while they did get one, it was perhaps a little too close for comfort.
Special night
The Red Bandanna Game is a tribute to Welles Crowther, a former lacrosse player at BC who lost his life while saving others in the South Tower during the 9/11 attacks. He was well-known for carrying a red bandanna.
Up next
Rutgers: They will be hosting No. 14 USC next Saturday in Big Ten action.
Boston College: The Eagles will face Maine at home next Saturday.
