DEKALB, Ill. - Anthony Brown threw for two touchdowns in his first career start and Colton Lichtenberg's 37-yard field goal with 2:13 to play lifted Boston College past Northern Illinois 23-20 in a season opener on Friday night.
Northern Illinois had a chance to tie it in the closing seconds, but Christian Hagan's 39-yard field-goal attempt hit the crossbar.
Brown was 26-of-42 passing for 191 yards, including a fourth-down toss that kept the game-winning drive alive.
Michael Walker and Ray Marten each had touchdown catches for Boston College, which scuffled on several late drives before putting together the decisive possession.
Ryan Graham threw for 190 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for the Huskies, who were seeking their fifth straight home win over a Power 5 conference opponent.
Boston College took a 13-10 lead to intermission after Brown connected with Walker in the final minute and the Eagles stretched it to 20-10 before Northern Illinois rallied to tie it early in the fourth quarter.