Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer, left, argues a call with an official in the first quarter of NCAA college football game against Boston College in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi)
The Associated Press
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - Cole Murphy kicked a 35-yard field goal as time expired, giving Syracuse a 20-17 victory over Boston College on Saturday in coach Scott Shafer's final game as head coach of the Orange.
Shafer was fired on Monday but coached the finale of his third season at Syracuse (4-8, 2-6 ACC). The Orange had lost eight straight games, but they rallied around their coach one final time, carrying him off the field in celebration.
Boston College (3-9, 0-8 ACC) has lost eight straight.
The game featured 17 penalties for 174 yards - including 11 by BC for 119 - and that helped spell doom for the Eagles. BC had only nine first downs and 239 yards offensively, all but nine of that on the ground.
Ervin Philips rushed for 73 yards and scored on a 2-yard reception, and Steven Ishmael had a 1-yard TD catch for the Orange.
Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer runs off the field before an NCAA college football game against Boston College in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi)
The Associated Press
Boston Collegeâs Jeff Smith looks to pass the ball in the second quarter of NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi)
The Associated Press
Boston College head coach Steve Addazio calls to his player in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi)
The Associated Press
Boston Collegeâs Tyler Rouse runs in the first quarter of NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi)
The Associated Press
Syracuseâs Zack Mahoney throws a pass in the second quarter of NCAA college football game against Boston College in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi)
The Associated Press
Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer, left, greets Syracuseâs injured starting quarterback Eric Dungey, right, before an NCAA college football game against Boston College in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Nick Lisi)
The Associated Press