Vernon hauled in 12 passes for 134 yards, but Duke falls short at home against Boston College - Lance Images for BDN
DURHAM – The long out stretched arm of Boston College DE Max Holloway batted down a Sean Renfree pass intended for Conner Vernon on 4th down and the play sealed a 21-16 win for the Eagles. It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Blue Devils who were energized by a 95 yard fumble return by true freshman August Campbell for a score.
That play now stands alone in the record books as the longest fumble return for a touchdown in Duke Football History. Duke then held Boston College twice after that on defense and got the ball back on their 37 yard line and started a 12 play 59 yard drive, but it ended at the four yard line where Duke turned the ball over on downs and that allowed the Eagles to come out with a close win.
Chase Retting threw two touchdown passes for the Eagles while Sean Renfree went 35 of 49 for 285 yards. , but no scores. The Eagles defense held Duke to just 4 yards rushing but nine Duke wideouts caught passes led by Conner Vernon who had 12 catches for 134 yards.
They scored again on another Retting pass to Ifeanyi Momah putting them ahead 21-6 and the game suddenly seemed out of reach until August Campbell’s big play. After all, the Eagles were about to score again before that play but Duke swung the momentum back their way but just couldn’t close the deal.
The loss knocks Duke out of bowl contention and they next travel to Atlanta to play Georgia Tech before finishing the season against North Carolina in Durham. Duke dropped to 3-7 on the season while Boston College climbed even at 5-5.
Cutcliffe post game comments (just press play) -
We’ll have more on the game and a look ahead in our weekly Sunday Quarterback article.
