Boston College Football Countdown: 51 Days to Go

The halfway point of this 100-day countdown nears, with just 51 days until kickoff on August 31.

Who Wears 51 Now

Connor Galligan, LB, junior

Galligan is entering his third year as a member of the Boston College football team, but up until now, he has not appeared in any contests. Linebacker is usually a difficult spot in which to break in on this team, but there is perhaps hope of him seeing time somewhere as a junior this year.

He is from north of Boston in Wenham, near Beverly. He played his high school ball at the Brooks School in North Andover.

Notables Who Wore 51

• Erik Storz, LB, 1994-97. One of the top sackers in BC history.
• Mike Panos, LB, 1990-93. Played during the Tom Coughlin glory days.
• Jack Geiser, LS, 2006-09. Long snapper during the Matt Ryan glory days.

Out-MACtioned MACtion

51 is the number of points Boston College scored in the 2002 Motor City Bowl when they beat the Toledo Rockets. For those wondering how MACtiony the game was, there was a combined total of 924 offensive yards.

A Game So Ugly, We Shall Not Speak Its Name

51 points was also scored last season by that other team in that one game, you know.

Individual Effort

Though the Eagles lost to Miami in Week 1 last year, Chase Rettig had what many believe to be his best game as an Eagle. Rettig had 51 pass attempts and threw for 441 yards.

The team also had a total of 51 pass attempts in the losing battle against Wake Forest.

The Hall Call

Former Boston College head coach Gil Dobie was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in ’51. BC was the last stop in “Gloomy Gil’s” head coaching career, and here he went 16-6-5 in three seasons.

Random Fact

In his best season, 2005, Will Blackmon recorded 51 receptions for 763 yards, leading the Eagles in both categories.