Stanford, Calif., September 15, 2025
News Summary
Boston College experienced a disappointing defeat against Stanford, losing 30-20 after leading 17-6 in the second quarter. A late interception returned for a touchdown and a critical fumble on the goal line shifted momentum to Stanford, which scored 24 points in the second half. Despite quarterback Dylan Lonergan’s strong first half performance, BC faltered offensively after halftime, ultimately suffering their second loss of the season. The Eagles will aim to regroup during their bye week before facing California.
Stanford, Calif.
Boston College falls 30-20 to Stanford after late turnovers and missed goal-line chance
Boston College (BC) lost to Stanford 30-20 in a game defined by late turnovers, a failed goal-line opportunity and a second-half offensive collapse. BC held a 17-6 lead with about three minutes remaining in the second quarter, but a returned interception and subsequent miscues allowed Stanford to seize momentum and hold on for the win.
Game summary
Stanford overcame an early deficit to score 24 second-half points, while Boston College managed only three points after halftime. The key turning point came late in the second quarter when BC quarterback Dylan Lonergan threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Stanford’s Collin Wright. That play turned a temporary BC advantage into a 20-17 halftime deficit and shifted the game’s momentum. BC then failed to convert several critical chances, including a goal-line fumble on the 1-yard line by tailback Turbo Richard that would have tied the game.
Key plays and turning points
- Interception returned for touchdown: A Lonergan interception returned by Collin Wright allowed Stanford to take a lead into the half.
- Bad snap and fumble: A poor snap by BC center Dwayne Allick resulted in the team’s second fumble of the season and disrupted offensive rhythm.
- Goal-line turnover: Turbo Richard fumbled on the 1-yard line on a critical drive, stopping a chance to tie the game.
- Second-half stall: Lonergan’s production dropped significantly after halftime, and BC failed to score a second-half touchdown.
Player statistics
Quarterback Dylan Lonergan had a strong first half, completing 19 of 27 passes for 268 yards and one touchdown. His second-half line was 11 of 17 for 65 yards and no touchdowns. Wide receiver Reed Harris recorded a career-high 141 receiving yards on seven receptions. On the ground, Stanford running back Micah Ford rushed for a game-high 157 yards, anchoring Stanford’s attacking balance and contributing to their comeback.
Coaching, execution and miscues
BC head coach Bill O’Brien summarized the loss as one that exposed several team weaknesses. The Eagles struggled with fundamentals in key moments, including arm tackling, missed assignments and miscommunications that compounded the effects of turnovers. The coaching staff acknowledged room for improvement in preparation and in-game adjustments. The combination of execution errors and crucial turnovers prevented BC from sustaining its early advantage.
Implications and standings
After the loss, Boston College stands 1-2 overall and 0-1 in ACC play. The defeat continues a troubling pattern on the road under O’Brien: BC is now 1-7 away from Alumni Stadium during his tenure. The team will use a scheduled bye week to regroup and prepare for its next game against California on September 27, 2025.
What went wrong, in short
Boston College’s offense started effectively but could not sustain performance after halftime due to turnovers, a bad snap, and a goal-line fumble. Defensive and tackling issues allowed Stanford to extend drives and convert opportunities. Special situations and execution errors at critical moments swung the game away from BC.
Next steps
BC will take the upcoming bye week to address communication, tackling fundamentals and ball security. The team will then travel to face California on September 27, 2025. Coaches plan to focus on correcting the specific errors that led to the turnovers and missed scoring chances.
FAQ
What was the final score?
The final score was Stanford 30, Boston College 20.
What were the decisive plays?
The decisive plays included a Lonergan interception returned for a touchdown by Collin Wright, a bad snap that caused a BC fumble, and a fumble by Turbo Richard at the 1-yard line during a crucial goal-line attempt.
How did Boston College’s quarterback perform?
Dylan Lonergan completed 30 of 44 passes for 333 total yards and one first-half touchdown. He was effective in the first half but struggled to move the offense in the second half, completing 11 of 17 passes for 65 yards after halftime.
Who were the statistical leaders?
Reed Harris led BC in receiving with 141 yards on seven catches. Stanford’s Micah Ford led the game in rushing with 157 yards.
What is Boston College’s record and next game?
Boston College is 1-2 overall and 0-1 in ACC play. The Eagles have a bye week and will play California on September 27, 2025.
Is there a worrying trend for BC on the road?
Yes. Under head coach Bill O’Brien, Boston College is 1-7 in road games away from Alumni Stadium.
Game snapshot
| Item | Boston College | Stanford |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 20 | 30 |
| Record (overall) | 1-2 | — |
| ACC Record | 0-1 | — |
| Leading passer | Dylan Lonergan — 30/44, 333 yards, 1 TD | — |
| Leading rusher | Turbo Richard — key carries; goal-line fumble | Micah Ford — 157 yards |
| Leading receiver | Reed Harris — 7 catches, 141 yards | — |
| Turnovers | Multiple (including a bad snap fumble and a pick-six) | Forced turnovers and capitalized on them |
| Next game | Bye week; next opponent California on September 27, 2025 | |
| Away record under O’Brien | 1-7 | |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nantucket Whalers Sports Roundup: Golf Team Shines
Nantucket Whalers Achieve First Golf Victory of the Season
Golf Fever Soars with Record-Breaking Scores
Lowell Golf Team Delivers Impressive Victories
Rutgers and Mizzou Kick Off College Golf Season with Strong Performances
Boston Latin School Named Massachusetts’ Best High School
High School Football Returns to Boston Metro Area
US Junior National Team Shines at Sahalee Players Championship
Michigan State Edges Boston College in Double Overtime Thriller
Massachusetts High School Golf Season Kicks Off
Additional Resources
- BC Interruption: Game Thread Boston College Eagles vs Stanford Cardinal
- Sports Illustrated: The New Era of Stanford Football
- Boston College Athletics: Boston College Drops ACC Opener at Stanford
- MassLive: Boston College Loses to Stanford in ACC Opener
- Boston.com: Boston College vs Stanford College Football Preview
- Wikipedia: Boston College
- Google Search: Boston College football
- Google Scholar: Boston College football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston College
- Google News: Boston College football
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
