If you just looked at the box score from late August 2025, you'd see a 66-10 blowout and probably move on. It looks like a classic "buy game" where a big Power Four school pays a smaller FCS program to come get beat up for three hours. But honestly, the Fordham football vs Boston College eagles football matchup was way weirder and more historic than a 56-point margin suggests.
The 2025 season opener at Alumni Stadium wasn't just a random game. It was the first time these two Jesuit powerhouses met on the gridiron since 1954. Back then, Eisenhower was in the White House and gas was a quarter. For seventy years, this rivalry—one that literally helped define East Coast football in the 1920s and 30s—just sat in a drawer.
The 71-Year Wait for Fordham Football vs Boston College Eagles Football
Football in the Northeast has this strange, insular history. Most fans today forget that Fordham used to be a national titan. We’re talking about the "Seven Blocks of Granite" era. In 1929, Fordham actually snapped a 17-game BC unbeaten streak. They were peers.
Then, the world changed.
BC stayed big-time, eventually landing in the ACC. Fordham dropped the sport, brought it back, and eventually settled into the Patriot League at the FCS level. When they finally took the field again on August 30, 2025, the gap was massive. But for the 40,000+ in attendance, there was a palpable sense of "it's about time."
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What Actually Happened in the 2025 Opener?
Boston College didn't mess around. Dylan Lonergan, the transfer quarterback making his debut, looked like a video game character. He threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns before the third quarter was even over. The Eagles' offense was a machine, racking up 555 total yards.
Fordham, to their credit, didn't just lay down. Bennett Henderson nailed a 46-yard field goal in the first quarter that actually had the Rams fans thinking, "Hey, maybe we can hang." It stayed 21-3 for a while. Then the floodgates opened. A pick-six by Bam Crouch early in the third quarter basically ended the competitive portion of the afternoon.
Why the Score Was So Lopsided
Let's talk about the trenches. That's where these games are won or lost. Fordham’s offensive line averaged about 290 pounds. BC’s defensive front averaged 315 and moved like track stars.
Basically, the Rams couldn't run. They finished with 16 net rushing yards. Sixteen. You can't beat a high school team with 16 rushing yards, let alone an ACC program looking to prove a point under a new coaching staff.
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- Total Yards: BC 555, Fordham 168
- Passing: Lonergan was 26-of-34. Efficiency personified.
- Defense: James Conway for Fordham was a bright spot. He had 17 tackles. The guy was everywhere, even as the score got out of hand.
The "Jesuit Bowl" Cultural Impact
You've gotta understand the vibe of this game. Both schools are Jesuit institutions. There’s a specific academic and social rivalry that exists between the Bronx and Chestnut Hill. It’s a "who’s the real flagship Jesuit school" kind of thing.
Even though the Fordham football vs Boston College eagles football series is now 15-12-2 in favor of the Eagles, those 12 Fordham wins mostly come from an era when they were the "Notre Dame of the North." Seeing the Rams back on the same field as BC felt like a nod to that history, even if the current talent gap is a canyon.
Surprising Stats You Might Have Missed
Everyone focuses on the 66 points. But look at the third down conversions. BC was 12-of-18. That is an absurdly high success rate. It means Fordham’s defense couldn't get off the field. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Rams' defenders were gassed.
Also, shout out to Lewis Bond. He caught 11 passes for 138 yards. He made it look easy. It sorta felt like a pro practicing against a scout team at times.
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Is This a Recurring Matchup?
Not exactly. These games are usually scheduled years in advance. While fans on both sides loved the regional convenience—Bronx to Boston is a quick trip—the reality of modern college football is that BC needs bigger wins for their resume, and Fordham needs games they can actually win to build momentum for a Patriot League title run.
However, the 2025 game proved there is a market for it. The TV ratings on ESPN+ were surprisingly strong for a non-conference blowout, mostly because of the alumni bases.
What to Watch for Next
If you're a Fordham fan, you don't look at the 66-10 score and cry. You look at James Conway’s 17 tackles. You look at Gunnar Smith’s toughness in the fourth quarter to punch in a touchdown when the game was already over. That’s the stuff that wins games against Lehigh or Holy Cross later in the year.
For BC, it was the perfect "tune-up." Lonergan found his rhythm, the young running backs like Turbo Richard got some carries, and they came out healthy.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the schedule: Fordham usually plays one "guarantee game" against an FBS opponent every year. If you want to see them play a big school, look for the early September slots.
- Watch the Patriot League: If Fordham can compete with BC's speed for even one half, they are usually a lock to be top-three in their own conference.
- Travel Tip: If these two ever play again in Chestnut Hill, take the Amtrak. Parking at Alumni Stadium is a nightmare, but the atmosphere near the "Heights" is top-tier for a tailgate.
Keep an eye on the recruiting trails. Often, players who don't quite make the cut for BC end up at Fordham. This "little brother" dynamic keeps the rosters linked in ways that don't always show up on the scoreboard.