Thomas Castellanos connected with Lewis Bond for a 42-yard touchdown pass with 88 seconds remaining, helping Boston College come back to defeat Michigan State 23-19 on Saturday night in a memorable Red Bandanna Game.
Bond caught six passes for 102 yards, making the game-winning catch at the Spartans’ 13-yard line. He then celebrated by running across the field before entering the end zone, marking the sixth lead change of the game.
“It was my first game-winner, ever,” Bond said. “That’s why I kind of took a lap of glory before going in.”
Aidan Chiles led Michigan State into Boston College territory, but Max Tucker intercepted him in the end zone, allowing the Eagles to run out the clock. Boston College students rushed the field in celebration and enjoyed the rain while the band played the school’s fight song, “For Boston.”
Boston College improved to 5-6 in this game, which honors the memory of former lacrosse player Welles Crowther, who died while rescuing people in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11. He was known for carrying a red bandanna.
“It’s a special night. The crowd, the students and a great tribute to Welles Crowther and his family,” BC coach Bill O’Brien said. “It’s one of those games, though, you’ve got to win. You’ve got to win to make it a real special night. So I was happy our guys were able to pull it out.”
Treshaun Ward rushed for 102 yards on 14 carries, including a 36-yard touchdown run that gave Boston College a 16-13 lead early in the third quarter.
Jonathan Kim kicked four field goals for Michigan State, including a 51-yarder that tied the game at 16 in the third quarter and a 27-yarder that put the Spartans (3-1) ahead with 4:12 left.
Castellanos completed 10 of 16 passes for 140 yards and led the Eagles across midfield before finding Bond for the touchdown.
Chiles was 17 of 35 for 241 yards, but he also threw three interceptions.
