Boston College secured its first Atlantic Coast Conference victory of the season with a 27-21 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday at Alumni Stadium, overcoming an early deficit to claim a hard-fought triumph.

The Eagles (3-3, 1-2 ACC) faced adversity from the opening moments, trailing 12-0 before their offense could gain momentum. The Panthers (5-2, 2-2), missing injured starting quarterback Mason Heintschel, struck immediately as freshman QB Corey Dailey connected with Cataurus Hicks on a 75-yard touchdown pass on Pittsburgh’s first play. Additional early setbacks for Boston College included a blocked punt resulting in a safety and a field goal from Pitt kicker Antonio Chadha, putting the Panthers ahead 12-0 midway through the first quarter.

“We didn’t start well at all,” said Boston College head coach Bill O’Brien. “The first play was a touchdown. Then the blocked punt and safety. These guys are tough. They’re resilient. They hung in there.”

Boston College’s offense responded before the quarter closed, with running back Bo MacCormack III scoring on a one-yard touchdown run, capping a 14-play, 75-yard drive. Despite a critical interception thrown by quarterback Mason McKenzie that gave the Panthers momentum, the Eagles regained control quickly when defensive back KP Price intercepted a pass, setting up an 11-yard touchdown catch by Javarius Green that gave Boston College a 14-12 halftime lead.

“We owe a lot to KP,” O’Brien said of the senior defensive back, who remains committed to the program despite having other professional opportunities.

The Eagles extended their advantage in the second half early when McKenzie completed a 69-yard touchdown pass to receiver Landon Wright, whose speed has injected new life into Boston College’s offense. Wright, who declined to confirm if he is the fastest player on the team, said he was ready to seize his opportunity.

Pittsburgh countered with two field goals by Chadha in the third quarter, keeping the game close at 21-18 going into the final quarter. Boston College then pulled ahead on a sustained drive aided by a 53-yard completion from McKenzie to Wright, culminating in a one-yard touchdown run by running back Evan Dickens that made the score 27-18.

Chadha responded with another field goal for Pitt, narrowing the gap to 27-21 with just over eight minutes left. Boston College’s defense held firm in the closing moments, with linebacker Charlie Comella intercepting Dailey’s pass with 1:34 to play to prevent a potential late rally.

“Charlie’s a do-everything type of player, and on top of it, he’s a Boston guy,” O’Brien said. “He comes from a great family. Love Charlie.”

The Eagles ran out the clock to secure their best win of the season after rebounding from a difficult start and the recent departure of general manager Kenyatta Watson. Boston College now looks ahead to a matchup against Georgia Tech, aiming to improve its record above .500.

“We know what we can do,” Wright said. “We’re just trying to put our best foot out there and show that we can do it.”