Grayson James Takes the Helm: A Profile of Boston College's Quarterback Change

Boston College football has seen a shift at the quarterback position. Redshirt senior Grayson James has stepped into the starting role, replacing redshirt sophomore Dylan Lonergan, who began the season as the starter. This change was announced prior to the game against UConn. ESPN college football senior writer Pete Thamel reported the news via X.

The Decision Behind the Change

Two months prior to the change, Boston College football head coach Bill O’Brien named Dylan Lonergan the program’s starting quarterback. O’Brien stated, “We feel like [Lonergan] gives us the best chance to win right now.” However, after Lonergan's 1-5 start to the season, O'Brien decided to make a change.

Following James’s start against UConn on Saturday, O’Brien commented, “I felt like the team needed a spark, and I thought that Grayson gave us a spark today.” This suggests that the decision was made in an effort to revitalize the team's performance.

James's Impact Against UConn

In the game against UConn, BC rushed for a season-high 191 rushing yards. James’s ability to run provided a significant difference from Lonergan’s play. Through six games, Lonergan rushed for -47 yards. The Huskies had to account for that ground production, opening up scoring opportunities for BC.

James also threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Reed Harris with less than 30 seconds to play in the first half. The first half performance marked the most first-half points that BC has scored since scoring 20 in its loss at Stanford on Sept. 13.

Read also: From College Star to NFL Hopeful

James's Perspective

“I prepare every week as if I’m the starter, no matter what position I’m in,” James said. This highlights his readiness and dedication. James also commented on the offensive line, stating, “Sacks aren’t always on the O-line at all.”

Lonergan's Performance Prior to Change

Before being replaced, Lonergan went 106-for-166 for 1,202 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions, with 37 rush attempts for 79 yards and three touchdowns.

James's Previous Appearances

This year, James has seen time in a pair of games off the bench, Fordham and Pitt, and has gone 6-of-13 for 89 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Game Details: BC vs. UConn

The game took place on Saturday, Oct. 18 at noon ET at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass. It was broadcast on the ACC Network and WEEI 850 AM.

Team Records and Previous Games

Last Outing, UConn: The Huskies earned a 51-10 win over the FIU Panthers at home on Oct. 4.
Last Outing, Boston College: The Eagles lost their fifth straight game to the Clemson Tigers 41-10 on Saturday night.
Last Meeting: The last time these two teams met was in the regular season on Oct. 28, 2023. Boston College defeated UConn 21-14 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Boston College's 2024 Season Schedule

Aug. 30: vs. Fordham- W 66-10
Sept. 6: at Michigan State- L 42-40 (2OT)
Sept. 13: at Stanford- L 30-20
Sept. 20: BYE
Sept. 27: vs. Cal- L 28-24
Oct. 4: vs. Pitt- L 48-7
Oct. 11: vs. Clemson- L 41-10
Oct. 18: vs. UConn
Oct. 25: at Louisville
Nov. 1: vs. Notre Dame
Nov. 8: vs. SMU
Nov. 15: vs. Georgia Tech
Nov. 22: BYE

Challenges Faced

But what was working for the Eagles in the first half wasn’t in the second. The Eagles lost that game after the Cardinal silenced them completely in the second half. James found a way to fight through the pressure at some points, connecting with Lewis Bond for big gains at the start of the fourth quarter.

O'Brien's Resolve

“I’m gonna keep trying,” O’Brien said. “Anybody that knows me knows I’m a fighter. I’m not a quitter-I’ve never quit anything in my life. So I’m going to keep fighting."

Read also: Grayson County Education

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