SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 18 Notre Dame has celebrated its football partnership with the ACC routinely over the last five seasons.
In fact, it seems to happen every time the Fighting Irish put a conference opponent on the schedule.
Advertisement
Notre Dame has won 27 straight regular-season games against ACC foes, including three against ranked teams this season — North Carolina, Syracuse and Clemson.
The Fighting Irish can extend that streak Saturday when they play host to Boston College, which snapped a streak of its own — finally beating a ranked opponent after 25 tries.
Advertisement
It hasn’t been the season Boston College coach Jeff Hafley or the Eagles (3-7) envisioned, but Saturday’s 21-20 upset of No. 17 North Carolina State provided a glimmer of hope.
“We haven’t won since 2008,” Hafley said, referring to an eight-game losing streak in the series. “We’ve got to do our part and make sure it becomes more of a rivalry by winning some of these games.”
If Boston College beats a ranked team back to back, it would give the program an even bigger boost. It won’t be easy considering the Irish (7-3) dealt No. 9 Clemson and No. 13 North Carolina their only losses of the season and the victory over Syracuse sent the Orange’s season into a tailspin.
Notre Dame also has won four straight and seven of eight overall after losing their first two games. And the Eagles have the worst rushing offense in the country, averaging 61.4 yards per game.
BC quarterback Phil Jurkovec missed the last two games with an injured right knee, and it’s unclear if he’ll play Saturday against his former team. After he left, Jurkovec told The Boston Globe that former Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly “lied” to his family before leaving for LSU last year.
Freshman Emmett Morehead stepped in the last two games; he has thrown for 885 yards with eight TDs and three interceptions this season.
“I’m sure it’s emotional,” Morehead said of Jurkovec. “It’s where he started his career. He’s had his injury to deal with the last couple weeks. I know the guy wants to play.”
Notre Dame, which plays No. 7 USC on Nov. 26, promises to be ready for either quarterback.
Advertisement
“There’s some similarities between Phil Jurkovec and Morehead,” coach Marcus Freeman said. “I don’t think defensively you’ll change depending on who’s going to be at quarterback, but Moorhead does a really good job of extending plays with his legs.”
Chicago Tribune Sports
Weekdays
A daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute.
Jurkovec isn’t the only Boston College player with Notre Dame ties. Tight end George Takacs played for the Irish from 2018-21 and has 24 receptions for 248 yards and one touchdown this season.
“I have great relations with a lot of guys, so I’m excited to go back and compete,” he said.
Eagles offensive coordinator John McNulty spent two seasons on Notre Dame’s coaching staff and still talks frequently with Irish offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
“He’s somebody I trust as much as anybody in this profession,” Rees said.
Boston College receiver Zay Flowers had seven receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns Saturday, becoming the school’s career leader with 2,900 yards. With 10 touchdown catches — four for 50 yards or more — Flowers is a weapon.
Advertisement
“He’s a deep threat that runs by defenders,” Freeman said. “He’s quick. The speed that he brings to Boston College’s offense is going to be a huge challenge for us to match up with.”
Morehead’s biggest challenge might be staying upright long enough to find Flowers. Boston College allows 3.9 sacks per game, the sixth-most in the country, and has allowed five in each of the last two games. Even worse: Notre Dame averages 2.9 sacks per game and ranks in the top 20 nationally.
