CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – No. 20 Syracuse (9-3, 6-2 Atlantic Coast) closed out the regular season with a 42-21 road win over Boston College (7-5, 4-4) on Saturday afternoon. The win gives Syracuse nine wins heading into the bowl season, its most since the Orange had the same record entering December in 2001.

Eric Dungey torched the Eagles through the air and on the ground en route to a six-touchdown day. Dontae Strickland provided solid production on the ground and in the blocking scheme, and the Syracuse defense equaled their production on the opposite side of the ball.

Here are three takeaways from Syracuse’s regular season finale.

Dungey couldn’t be stopped

One week after needing help getting off of the field with an upper-body injury against Notre Dame, Dungey played one of the best games of his career against Boston College. The senior quarterback dominated the Eagles with 362 passing yards and three passing touchdowns through the air, in addition to three rushing touchdowns.

Dungey became just the seventh quarterback in ACC history with 90 career touchdowns, joining players such as Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson. He also is inching closer to Ryan Nassib’s all-time passing yards record in SU history.

This Saturday, Dungey played to the opposing crowd, blowing kisses and running to the SU fans for high fives. Dungey’s six touchdowns are a new career-high and place him in a tie with Jim Brown for second all-time in a single game by an SU player. Both trail Zack Mahoney’s seven.

Strickland has a career day

At points this season it looked like Strickland had been demoted to the third-string running back. Moe Neal ate up the most touches on the team, while Jarveon Howard received the goal-line carries. But Strickland has come alive of late, working as the team’s go-to back, splitting carries with Neal, but playing more snaps because of his abilities as a pass blocker and catcher.

This Saturday against BC, Strickland led the Orange with 20 carries, 10 more than Neal, and scampered for 129 yards, more than triple the next closest SU rusher. His 129 rushing yards were a new career-best, toppling his previous record of 127.

He blocked efficiently, protecting Dungey from being hit on more than one occasion, and caught a pass for a first down when Syracuse needed it to extend a drive on third and 10.

SU defense prevents a shootout

Last year, Syracuse surrendered 42 points to Boston College as AJ Dillon rushed for 193 of BC’s 333 total rushing yards. The Eagles ran roughshod over the Orange, scoring at will. At points this season – Clemson and Pittsburgh, in particular – other teams did the same, powering and slicing through the SU defense with ease.

Since the bye week following the loss to Pittsburgh, SU had looked like a different team defensively and appeared the same this Saturday. In a game that appeared would be a high-scoring duel, Syracuse’s defense held the Eagles in check while the offense coasted.

After scoring 14 points in the first half, Syracuse allowed just seven points in the second half, albeit without Dillon playing. Still, against a team that torched them one year ago, the Orange held firm and prevented BC from running up and down the field.

Syracuse forced four turnovers as well as a turnover on downs, continuing to win the turnover battle, which it has done so well all season long.

Published on November 24, 2018 at 3:31 pm

Contact Matt: mdliberm@syr.edu