STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford secured a 30-20 victory over Boston College Saturday night in their Atlantic Coast Conference opener, marking the first collegiate win for interim head coach Frank Reich.A dominant rushing attack and a pivotal defensive stand propelled the Cardinal to their first win of the season.
The win provides a crucial boost for Reich, hired in the offseason to lead the program, after stanford began the season with losses to Hawaii and BYU. For Boston college, the defeat comes despite a strong passing performance from quarterback dylan Lonergan and highlights ongoing challenges on the defensive side. Both teams now turn their attention to upcoming conference matchups as they seek to build momentum.Micah Ford led the Stanford offense with a career-high 157 rushing yards and a touchdown. His 75-yard run in the third quarter proved instrumental in setting up a score after a Boston College fumble. Ben Gulbranson added 186 passing yards, completing 13 of 22 attempts.
Boston College’s Dylan Lonergan finished with 333 passing yards and a touchdown on 30-of-40 completions, showcasing a potent aerial attack. However, the Eagles’ defense struggled to contain Stanford’s ground game and ultimately yielded crucial points.Stanford’s defense played a key role, highlighted by Collin Wright’s 19-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first half and a critical goal-line stand in the third quarter. Emmett Kenney contributed three field goals for the Cardinal.boston college will host California on Sept. 27, while Stanford will travel to Virginia on Sept. 20.
