BC’s ground attack offset Syracuse’s vaunted passing game led by quarterback Kyle McCord, an Ohio State transfer who is among the national leaders in key statistical categories. McCord completed 31-for-48 for 392 yards and two touchdowns.

Castellanos exited in the third quarter and Grayson James entered in place of him. He went 5-of-6 for 51 yards, and a touchdown. James shared his thoughts about preparing and entering the game.

Backup quarterback Grayson James threw an 18-yard TD to tight end Jeremiah Franklin on a fourth-and-1 play late in the game, and Boston College held off Syracuse 37-31 on Saturday in the 100th anniversary of the schools’ first meeting.