Boston College, bitten by the curse of the No. 2 ranking earlier in the season, closed out its first 11-win season since 1940 with a 24-21 victory over Michigan State in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, reports the AP. Quarterback Matt Ryan capped a brilliant college career with three scoring passes, including a 68-yarder in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State, already missing five players for rules violations, also had to fight the turnover bug as their signal caller, Brian Hoyer, threw four interceptions and lost a fumble. "Obviously, I'm disappointed in myself," said Hoyer. Eagles receiver Rich Gunnell burned freshman cornerback Chris Rucker for two scores, including the eventual game-winner. B.C.'s win was its eighth consecutive bowl triumph. (More Boston College Eagles stories.)