Turbo Richard’s 171 Rushing Yards Not Enough as Boston College Eagles Drops Thriller to Cal
By Tiffany Williams –
Boston College came up just short in a wild back-and-forth at Alumni Stadium, falling 28-24 to California in a game that had everything—long runs, big plays, and heart-stopping finishes. Turbo Richard stole the show for the Eagles, racking up a career-high 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 71-yard dash that brought BC within striking distance late.
The Eagles jumped out fast, engineering an 84-yard opening drive capped by a seven-yard rushing score from Dylan Lonergan, who went 6-for-8 for 65 yards on the drive. A quick strike on their next possession came after Omar Thornton’s interception gave BC the ball at the Cal 27. Richard did the rest, racing 27 yards to the end zone to put Boston College up 14-0.
Cal responded with two touchdowns before halftime to tie the game at 14-14, but Luca Lombardo’s 52-yard field goal as time expired gave BC a slim 17-14 lead going into the locker room. The fourth quarter turned into a see-saw battle: BC’s defense stood tall on a fourth-and-1 at their own three-yard line, only to give up a short-field touchdown after a Lonergan interception put Cal at the two. Richard answered with a career-long 71-yard touchdown run on the very next play, keeping the Eagles alive.
Despite forcing two turnovers on downs in the final frame, BC couldn’t finish. Cal struck one last time when Mason Mini hauled in a 51-yard touchdown with 1:30 left. Boston College’s final drive ended heartbreakingly when a red-zone interception sealed the Golden Bears’ victory.
The Eagles showcased a potent rushing attack and moments of defensive brilliance, but untimely turnovers and big plays by Cal proved the difference. Boston College will look to bounce back next Saturday at Pitt, hoping to turn those explosive moments into a complete 60-minute performance.
