It wasn't pretty, in fact, it was downright ugly. But Notre Dame plowed its way to a 21-6 victory over Boston College on Saturday evening at Alumni Stadium. 

The Irish were paced by 184 rushing yards, 104 of which came from running back Theo Riddick. 

Yet the most impressive offensive figure was that of quarterback Everett Golson. The redshirt freshman connected on 16 of his 24 pass attempts for 200 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 39 rushing yards on 11 carries. Most importantly, Golson did not turn the ball over. 

While the offense did its part, the defense was the true hero of tonight's victory, as it held the Eagles to 53 rushing yards. Bob Diaco's unit also forced two turnovers, including Manti Te'o's sixth interception of the season, which is more than any defensive back in the country. 

Unfortunately, the Irish did not win the turnover battle, as they also committed two turnovers of their own—both Theo Riddick and George Atkinson lost a fumble. 

Regardless, the Irish defense suffocated the Boston College offense en route to the gritty 21-6 victory. 

Notre Dame has defeated Boston College, 21-6. Here's the box score. 

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And that should seal it. Stephon Tuitt sacks Chase Rettig and recovers the forced fumble. It was ugly, but Notre Dame will walk away with the 21-6 victory. 

Boston College offensive lineman Bobby Vardaro is crying on the sidelines. Yeah, that's real. 

Things are getting out of control here, as both teams have been flagged for personal fouls. 

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Another botched Notre Dame special teams play, as the Irish punt coverage team lets the ball bounce into the end zone to give the Eagles possession at the 20-yard line. 

Keith Arnold of NBC Sports is in agreement with me about Notre Dame's style of play in the second half. 

 

I'm sorry, but this is disappointing. A win is a win, but style does matter. Running up the gut just doesn't cut it.

— Keith Arnold (@KeithArnoldNBC) November 11, 2012

Manti Te'o records his sixth interception of the season, which gives the Irish offense the ball back near the 50-yard line. 

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It's clear that Notre Dame lacks the killer instinct found in championship-caliber teams. Brian Kelly is content to run the clock out, rather than step on Boston College's throat. 

That type of "just run the clock out" mentality won't get the job done against a team such as USC in Los Angeles. 

Two straight Notre Dame rushing attempts get blown up in the backfield. This play-calling is just abysmal. 

The Notre Dame offense showing another example of disorganization, as it hurries to call a timeout with quarterback Everett Golson looking frantic. 

I think all Notre Dame fans feel the same way. 

 

The is the most boring ND game I've seen in a while. Don't even feel like writing a recap.

— Eric Murtaugh (@EMurtaughOFD) November 11, 2012

Notre Dame gets a critical fumble recovery on the sack of Chase Rettig, which just let all the air out of Boston College's tires. 

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This is typical of Notre Dame. Entering the game as 20-point favorites, the Irish are letting Boston College back in this game late. Playing down to the level of competition has been such a frustrating trend that Notre Dame has suffered through. 

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And Boston College stays in this game as the Irish fumble the ball for the second time this evening. 

Notre Dame faces a critical third down here that, if not converted, could let the Eagles back in the game. 

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Notre Dame 21, Boston College 6—14:53, 4th quarter

The Eagles knock in the field goal to come within 15 points of the Irish. 

And that is how I feel about watching this game. I feel lifeless. 

 

End of the third quarter, Notre Dame up 21-3 and completely sucking the life out of Alumni Stadium.

— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) November 11, 2012

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Spiffy Evans was WIDE open on that play, and all of a sudden, the Eagles are on the verge of making things interesting. 

As this game has taken on a sluggish feel, the Irish need to have a killer instinct to put the Eagles away. It starts on the defensive side of the ball. Yet the Eagles just converted a 3rd and 7 play. 

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Notre Dame is currently out-gaining Boston College in total yards, 345-159. 

Everett Golson continues to impress me with his great decision making. On that play, he kept the ball and picked up a yard or two rather than throwing it into traffic. 

Ah, the joys of the working press. 

 

Boston College throws incomplete on 4th-and-14. Requests of a running clock filed from the press box.

— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) November 11, 2012

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That was not a fumble, if you ask me. It didn't appear that the Boston College receiver had possession of the ball. 

If Notre Dame can hold Boston College on this drive, it may be the nail in the coffin.