By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Ahead of the start of conference play, Boston College is now one of the leading names in the ACC.

Boston College is 4-0 for the first time since the Matt Ryan era.

Saturday against Missouri was a step into the spotlight for the Eagles, who shined in a dramatic 41-34 overtime victory against the Tigers. Even without quarterback Phil Jurkovec, Boston College compiled 450 yards offensively and scored clutch touchdowns with 25 seconds remaining and on the first drive of overtime. Dennis Grossel threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns, Pat Garwo III rushed for for 175 yards and two scores. Travis Levy ran for the go-ahead touchdown, while Grossel found Zay Flowers for what became the winning conversion. Brandon Sebastian walked it all off with an interception on the very next play.

From there, the celebration was on.

It was a thrilling triumph for Boston College, the program’s first win over an SEC foe dating back to 2001, which may be ranked next week. In his second season, head coach Jeff Hafley has the Eagles soaring. This is a team now getting more and more attention. After week four, Boston College is one of just three undefeated teams left in the ACC. The Eagles have national momentum entering Saturday’s showdown with Clemson; Boston College played the Tigers within one score last season.

A former starter who has scored 22 touchdowns for the Eagles, Grossel has done a nice job for the Eagles in replacing Jurkovec. He, after Missouri took the lead with 6:18 remaining, rallied Boston College to a 15-play, 60-yard drive. Grossel finished the game 6-of-7 passing with the aforementioned overtime touchdown to Flowers. From Grossel and Flowers to Garwo and Levy and the entire offensive line, the Eagles had a balanced and productive offensive performance against Missouri. A highlight interception from Sebastian won the game.

Given the struggles of the ACC out of conference, the Boston College win is meaningful one for the Eagles and their league. Ahead of the start of conference play, Boston College is now one of the leading names in the ACC.

With contributions from all over, the Eagles have made an early season statement.