The Storied Rivalry Between Boston College and Syracuse: A Gridiron Clash
The rivalry between Boston College and Syracuse University is a recurring topic among fans, bloggers, and sports commentators. While rivalries are common across college sports, the Syracuse-Boston College matchup holds a unique place, particularly in football. Although some fans may consider teams like West Virginia, Rutgers, or Pittsburgh as rivals, the Boston College Eagles stand out as a consistent and competitive opponent for the Syracuse Orange.
A History of Battles: Football
Syracuse University and Boston College have a long history, having faced each other 57 times on the football field. Syracuse leads the overall series 31-22. However, since Dino Babers became Syracuse's head coach in 2015, Boston College has won 3 of 5 of those matchups, including the last two.
Memorable Moments: Diamond Ferri's Standout Performance
One memorable moment in the rivalry occurred in 2004. Boston College featured a young quarterback named Matt Ryan, while Syracuse had Diamond Ferri, a versatile player who played both defensive back and running back. Ferri had an exceptional game, highlighted by a 44-yard interception return for a touchdown, along with 141 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
2013: A Bowl-Eligible Comeback
Another significant game took place in 2013, where Syracuse needed one more win to qualify for a bowl game. In a thrilling contest, Syracuse secured a comeback victory with a touchdown in the final six seconds. This win propelled the Scott Shafer-led Syracuse Orange to the Texas Bowl, where they defeated Minnesota 21-17.
Big East Days and the ACC Era
The Syracuse-Boston College rivalry felt more intense during their time together in the Big East Conference. While West Virginia could have been a strong contender for a rival, the lack of frequent head-to-head games diminishes that feeling. In recent years, the rivalry has taken on new importance, especially with both teams often needing a win to become bowl eligible.
Read also: Gridiron Showdown: Missouri vs. Boston College
Women's Lacrosse: A More Recent, Yet Fierce Competition
While Syracuse's men’s basketball rivalry with Georgetown has waned since Syracuse joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2013, SU women’s lacrosse has quickly developed a rivalry with Boston College. Despite Syracuse leading the all-time series 17-13, recent games have been dominated by the Eagles, who have won six straight meetings since the 2021 National Championship game.
The 2021 National Championship and Beyond
The 2021 season marked a turning point in the lacrosse rivalry. Syracuse and Boston College met four times, setting a program record for the most matchups against a single opponent in a season. The series included a regular-season split, an ACC Tournament semifinal victory for Syracuse, and a National Championship showdown where Boston College emerged victorious with a 16-10 win.
Coaching Connections: Treanor's Impact
Following the 2021 National Championship, a key coaching change added another layer to the rivalry. Kayla Treanor, a Syracuse alumna and former assistant coach at Boston College, returned to Syracuse as the head coach. Her transition has brought offensive success to Syracuse, but Boston College has continued to be a formidable opponent.
Recent Battles and High Stakes
In recent years, the Syracuse-Boston College lacrosse games have been high-stakes affairs, often determining regular-season titles, ACC Tournament championships, and Final Four berths. The Eagles have had "a lot of real estate in our heads," as former SU attack Megan Carney noted, and have proved to be Syracuse's kryptonite.
Syracuse Football: A Program with a Rich History
The Syracuse Orange football team has a long and storied history, dating back to 1889. As members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the Orange compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Read also: ACC Showdown: Virginia Tech Battles Boston College
Early Success and National Prominence
Syracuse achieved early success in the 1890s and 1900s. The construction of Archbold Stadium in 1907 marked a period of national prominence under coach Frank "Buck" O'Neill. The 1915 team received a Rose Bowl invitation, which they declined. The 1920s saw continued success with players like Doc Alexander and Vic Hanson, the latter being a three-sport athlete and All-American in football and basketball.
Breaking Barriers: Wilmeth Sidat-Singh
In the 1930s, Syracuse was among the first collegiate teams to feature African-American players in starting roles. Wilmeth Sidat-Singh, a basketball star, joined the football team and faced discrimination due to his race. Despite the challenges, Sidat-Singh led Syracuse to a significant victory over Maryland in 1937.
The Schwartzwalder Era and the 1959 National Championship
Ben Schwartzwalder coached Syracuse from 1937 to 1945. In 1959, Syracuse achieved its first consensus national championship, finishing No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches' Polls. The team, led by Ernie Davis, defeated Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Davis later became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961.
The Number 44 Legacy: Brown and Davis
The number 44 at Syracuse is legendary, associated with great running backs like Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. Syracuse officially retired the number in 2005. Jim Brown, a consensus All-American in 1956, had a Hall of Fame career in both football and lacrosse. Ernie Davis, the only Orange player to win the Heisman Trophy, led the 1959 team to a national championship and faced discrimination during his career.
Recent Years: Challenges and Transitions
In recent years, the Syracuse football program has experienced periods of struggle and transition. After a series of mediocre seasons in the early 2000s, the program saw changes in coaching and athletic direction. Doug Marrone, a Syracuse alumnus, took over as head coach in 2008 and led the team to its first winning season since 2001. Dino Babers was hired as head coach in 2015, and Fran Brown in 2024, each aiming to rebuild the program.
Read also: History of the BU Bridge
The Modern Rivalry: More Than Just a Game
The Syracuse-Boston College rivalry extends beyond the field. With both teams vying to establish themselves in the ACC, the matchup carries recruiting implications. The coaches are actively recruiting players from the Northeast region, making each game an opportunity to gain an edge in securing commitments from top prospects.
Recruiting Battles and Regional Pride
Both Syracuse and Boston College heavily recruit from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The competition for these athletes adds another layer to the rivalry, as each program seeks to build a strong foundation for the future.
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