#24 SMU Drop Fenway Bowl In Upset Loss To Boston College

In the second-ever Wasabi Fenway Bowl, the Boston College Eagles did not have to travel far to face the AAC Champion SMU Mustangs. It was the team from Chestnut Hill, however, that defied the 8.5-point spread to earn their seventh win of the season, and against their future conference mate to boot.  

The final score was a close one at 23-14. Here's what stood out in a disappointing end to the year for SMU as the move into the ACC. 

Fighting The Elements

As can happen on the East Coast in December, rainy, sloppy games have been a fairly common theme this postseason. Boston College did a better job of adjusting to them on Thursday. 

In the running game, the Eagles accumulated 263 yards, including 155 by UCF transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos. Castellanos had seven runs of at least ten yards in the game. In the second half in particular, the Eagles averaged 6.6 yards per carry.

On the other side, while Castellanos also made the occasional play with his arm, SMU freshman quarterback Kevin Jennings struggled. Jennings completed 50% of his passes, going 24 for 48 for 191 yards and a touchdown. On SMU's last few drives in particular, Jennings significantly overthrew several receivers while trying to make plays downfield. 

RELATED: Military Bowl: Virginia Tech Overcomes Heavy Rain To Beat Tulane 41-20

Let 'Em Play

In regards to pass interference in particular, there were several instances where the penalty could have been called by the officials. However, that particular penalty was never called on Thursday. Minus an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for celebrating an interception, all of BC's penalties were procedural on Thursday. SMU weren't so lucky, picking up a holding, a personal foul, an illegal block in the back, and a face mask call throughout the game.

See You Next Year

SMU and BC will see each other again in Dallas in 2024 as part of the ACC conference schedule. Rhett Lashlee preached to his team this week that the result in this game would not take away from the legacy of this championship season. 

SMU finish the year with 11 wins - their highest total since 1982.