Bill O’Brien Faces Tough Questions After Boston College’s 38-23 Loss

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — Boston College football continues to struggle as the team fell to UConn with a score of 38-23 on Saturday, marking their sixth consecutive loss of the 2025 season. The Eagles now sit at 1-6 overall and 0-4 in conference play. Following the game, head coach Bill O’Brien expressed his disappointment during the post-game press conference, where he notably crumpled the final stat sheet before leaving the auditorium.

The defeat was characterized by a poor performance on both sides of the ball. UConn capitalized on their offensive opportunities, converting on crucial third downs after gaining significant yards on first and second downs. Although Boston College led at halftime, they managed only a single field goal in the second half, allowing UConn to secure the victory.

O’Brien Reflects on the Team’s Performance

In his remarks, O’Brien acknowledged the need for a change, stating, “After the game last week, I felt that the best thing for the team was to go with Grayson [the quarterback], to give us a little spark.” He praised Grayson’s effort, attributing some positive moments to his performance while emphasizing that the team needed a boost.

O’Brien also addressed the defensive struggles, noting, “We don’t generate a lot of pass rush. We just can’t get off the field.” He pointed out that allowing too many yards on early downs resulted in favorable third-down situations for UConn. “It’s not a recipe for good defense,” he said, recognizing that the Connecticut team executed well, particularly in the red zone.

He acknowledged specific areas needing improvement, stating, “I’ve got to do a better job with the defense and try to get these guys to execute better.” Despite the challenges, he remained committed to finding solutions, stating, “I’m a fighter. I’m not a quitter.”

Analyzing the Game’s Turning Points

O’Brien was critical of the team’s second-half performance. “We came out in the second half and didn’t do anything on offense,” he said, reflecting on the difficulties the Eagles faced after halftime. The team allowed a touchdown on UConn’s first drive of the second half, which O’Brien described as a significant setback.

He highlighted the positive contributions from players like running back Jordan, who “ran hard” and was able to create opportunities despite playing through injury. O’Brien mentioned the offensive line’s performance as a bright spot, noting that they “blocked well” and were able to rush for considerable yardage.

Despite the loss, O’Brien expressed a commitment to the team’s development. “We’re only halfway through the second year of our program. We’re building,” he stated. He acknowledged UConn’s strong performance, crediting their coaching and preparation.

As Boston College looks to regroup, O’Brien’s focus remains on improving the team’s execution and fostering resilience among the players. “There’s not a kid in this team meeting room that I don’t respect,” he said. “They’ll show up tomorrow, they’ll fight, and I’ll just keep coaching.”

With the season continuing, the Eagles will need to find their footing to turn their fortunes around and build momentum heading into the next games.