Coming into the Quick Lane Bowl, Boston College averaged 19.1 points per game, good for 123rd in the country. The Eagles nearly doubled that in a 36-30 win over Maryland that was as entertaining as it was hilariously mistake-riddled.
Boston College did most of its offensive damage in the first half, posting 29 points with a pair of missed extra points that would have given it 30 points for the first time in a half all season. Though quarterback Patrick Towles didn't post exceptional numbers -- he ultimately went 10 of 22 for for 151 yards, two touchdowns and a pick -- he did throw a couple of key passes during a touchdown drive in a one-minute drill to end the first half.
In a word, the Eagles' offense was explosive -- something that hasn't been said about this program in a long time.
The second half was a different story. Set back by an early fumble return for a touchdown, Maryland's offense scored two straight touchdowns on quick-strike drives to pull to within nine points. Boston College didn't score again for the rest of the second half, but instead relied on its defense to push the Terps around up front. The Eagles' defensive line, led by edge rusher Harold Landry, ended the game with seven sacks, two fumble recoveries with Landry notching an interception.
Still, despite the great play by Boston College's D-line, nothing signified Maryland's inability to capitalize like its nine-play, 15-yard drive off a Boston College interception that took 5:10 and ended with zero points when Maryland quarterback Perry Hills fumbled at the 1-yard line.
Yes, that's nine plays, 15 yards, zero points.
For as fun as the Quick Lane Bowl was to watch, it was just as hysterically full of mistakes. It was the game perfectly designed for the Monday after Christmas in the early afternoon, because that's when people are usually half-awake, drunk or both. And that's pretty much what this game was.