How Bill O’Brien Fared in Boston College Debut after Brief Ohio State Stint

Mixed Results for Former Buckeye Coach

Offensive Success, Defensive Struggles

Former Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien had a bittersweet debut as Boston College head coach on Saturday. The Eagles offense, led by star quarterback Phil Jurkovec, put up impressive numbers in a 38-17 road victory over Rutgers.

Jurkovec threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns, hitting 20 of 29 passes. The Eagles offense also rushed for 196 yards, led by sophomore running back Alex Broome’s 93-yard performance.

However, the Eagles' defense struggled throughout the game. Rutgers’ offense, led by true freshman quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, racked up 460 total yards, including 328 passing yards. Wimsatt threw for two touchdowns and one interception.

O'Brien's Coaching Debut

O'Brien, who was hired by Boston College in December after a brief stint as offensive coordinator at Alabama, made his head coaching debut in Chestnut Hill on Saturday.

O'Brien has a long history of success as an offensive coach. He was the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots from 2007 to 2011, helping lead the team to three Super Bowl victories.

O'Brien also served as the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions from 2012 to 2014 and the Houston Texans from 2015 to 2019.

Game Recap

The Eagles took an early lead in the game, forcing a three-and-out on Rutgers' opening possession and then driving 75 yards for a touchdown.

Rutgers responded with a touchdown of their own on their next drive, but the Eagles scored again on their next possession to take a 14-7 lead.

The two teams traded touchdowns in the second quarter, and the Eagles went into halftime with a 21-14 lead.

The Eagles extended their lead to 28-14 in the third quarter, but Rutgers came right back with a touchdown of their own to make it 28-21.

The Eagles put the game away in the fourth quarter with a field goal and a touchdown.

Outlook for the Season

The Eagles are now 1-0 on the season and will host Maine next Saturday at Alumni Stadium.

Boston College is hoping to improve on their 6-6 record from last season and earn a bowl berth.

O'Brien will be looking to turn around a program that has struggled in recent years. The Eagles have not had a winning season since 2014.