BC upsets No. 9 USC; Notre Dame survives sloppy start

Boston College finally earned its first signature win under second-year coach Steve Addazio – a victory that could help rival Notre Dame slide into the Top 10.

After several close-but-no-cigar games last season, the Eagles (2-1) finally broke through on Saturday night, topping No. 9 USC, 37-31, at Alumni Stadium. It also marked the school’s first victory over a Top 10 opponent since 2002.

“Coach really challenged us as a team this week,” said quarterback Tyler Murphy. “It’s a big win for our program, and we’re taking things in the right direction.”

Murphy — a transfer from Florida — didn’t do much through the air (5-13, 54 yards, 1 interception), but then again, he didn’t have to. The senior had his way on the ground, rushing 13 times for 191 yards, including a game-sealing, 66-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Although Murphy received the game ball, it was the Boston College defensive front that really shined. After conceding 302 yards to Pittsburgh a week ago, the unit buckled down, limiting the Trojans to just 20 yards on 29 carries.

“We had a great game plan to run the ball, but Boston College did a great job of loading the box,” said USC quarterback Cody Kessler, who was sacked five times. “They did a good job of getting to me. We missed some assignments up front, and we should have made some better calls both offensively and by me.”

Meanwhile, No. 11 Notre Dame shook off a slow start to beat Big Ten foe Purdue, 30-14.

Down by four late in the first half, quarterback Everett Golson took matters into his own hands, scrambling for a 15-yard score to put the Irish (3-0) on top at the break. He would add a passing touchdown in the third, putting the game out of reach.

“He just understands the game,” coach Brian Kelly said of Golson, who finished with 259 yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-40 passing while rushing for another 56 and a score. “The game is slower for him than it was when he was here in his first year. He sees the field better.”

Golson was aided by strong play from the Notre Dame defense. The unit forced three turnovers and continued its stifling play against the run, holding the Boilermakers to just 56 yards on 26 attempts.

With No. 6 Georgia and No. 9 USC both losing, the Irish could very well crack the Top 10 for the first time this season.

Results for Catholic colleges around the US

Catholic schools, in italics below, went 19-15 this weekend

Division I FBS

Boston College 37
USC 31

Notre Dame 30
Purdue 14

Division 1 FCS

Duquesne 33
Dayton 13

Fordham 54
Rhode Island 7

Georgetown 27
Marist 7

Holy Cross 20
Cent. Conn. St. 7

North Dakota St. 58
Incarnate World 0