Boston College Eagles running back Jon Hilliman's performance over the first three games left much to be desired, however, the sophomore rebounded this Saturday with a scintillating performance, showcasing just why he was named to ESPN's Pre-Season All-ACC squad.
Receiving a season-high 24 carries, Hilliman gained 119 yards and a touchdown on the ground to lead the Eagles to a 17-14 victory over the Northern Illinois Huskies. Boston College improved their record to 3-1 on the season.
Following a season-ending ankle injury to starting quarterback Darius Wade in last week's loss to the Florida State Seminoles, the quarterback position was filled with a plethora of questions entering today's contest. Predictably, the Eagles rushed 60 times while throwing on just 13 occasions, however, backup Troy Flutie, the nephew of Boston College legend Doug Flutie, performed respectably, completing five of his 11 attempts for 92 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Quarterback Jeff Smith also received playing time in rushing situations, carrying nine times for 56 yards.
Running back Tyler Rouse rushed for 42 yards on 12 carries as well for Boston College, concluding their four-game homestand to begin the season with a win before heading to Durham, N.C. to face the 3-1 Duke Blue Devils next Saturday.
Boasting the nation's top-ranked defense, the Eagles pitched another stellar outing, limiting Northern Illinois to just 153 total yards, 10 first downs, a third-down conversion rate of 3-of-14, and a time of possession of just 22:09.
Contrastingly, with the offense churning yards (and the clock) on the ground, Boston College held possession of the football for 37:51, gained 329 total yards, recorded 18 first downs, and had a 7-of-19 third-down conversion rate. They outgained the Huskies on the ground by a sensationally large margin, 237-72.
Northern Illinois quarterback Drew Hare completed 11 of his 25 attempts for 81 yards and an interception, while struggling to rush the football, gaining just 15 yards on 12 rushing attempts. Running back Joel Bouagnon led the team in rushing, gaining 56 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
On the receiving end, Huskies wideout Tommylee Lewis caught six passes for a game-high 42 yards.
After the two squads traded possession to little avail for the entirety of the first quarter, garnering nine punts and a Northern Illinois fumble in their first 10 possessions combined, the Eagles finally broke through with a 10-play, 68-yard touchdown drive on their first possession of the second quarter.
Piloted by a 36-yard rushing drive by Hilliman, Boston College set up shop at the Northern Illinois 27-yard line after a two-yard, third-down rush by Flutie that created a first down opportunity. Flutie then connected with wide receiver Charlie Callinan for his first collegiate touchdown pass, giving his team a 7-0 lead with 8:54 remaining in the first half.
Flutie's promising first half performance quickly turned sour, however, as, after throwing a 30-yard pass to wide receiver Sherman Alston to set up his team at the NIU 22-yard line, his next possession ended in an interception by Huskies cornerback Shawun Lurry, who returned it all the way to the BC four-yard line.
Northern Illinois quickly capitalized, with Bouagnon scoring from two yards out on third-and-goal to knot up the score at seven heading into halftime.
After a 29-yard field goal by Huskies kicker Christian Hagan went awry on Northern Illinois' second drive of the first half, Boston College asserted control of the contest, marching 80 yards on 12 plays over 6:33 on their ensuing possession for a score.
Hilliman ruptured the Huskies' front seven on the possession, garnering 14 yards on a second-and-six from the NIU 36-yard line before rushing 21 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 1:07 left in the third quarter.
The Eagles continued their defensive dominance, forcing consecutive Northern Illinois punts to begin the fourth quarter. Boston College then erupted for an 11-play, 58-yard drive concluding in a 25-yard field goal by kicker Colton Lichtenburg with 4:47 remaining in the contest, the drive punctuated by a 20-yard rush by Smith.
With a 17-7 lead, Boston College appeared to have the game in hand, however, Huskies kick returner Aregeros Turner ran back the ensuing kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown, cutting the Northern Illinois deficit to 17-14 with 4:27 still to go in the game.
A three-and-out by the Eagles gave the Huskies possession of the football at their own 34-yard line with 2:20 left, increasing the heart rates of the Boston College faithful in the crowd. Following a 26-yard connection between Hare and wideout Chad Beebe to begin the drive, the Huskies appeared to have an excellent chance of at least putting Hagan in range for a game-tying field goal, however, Hare hit Lewis for a five-yard gain on first down to move the ball to the BC 35-yard line. The momentum who come to a screeching halt as his final three attempts fell incomplete, ending the chance for a Huskies comeback.
Northern Illinois will begin their in-conference slate next week, traveling to face the Central Michigan Chippewas (1-3).