In January 1962, Jim Miller was signed to a three-year contract as the team's head coach. Miller had led the Detroit Titans football team to an 18–10 record from 1959 to 1961.[1] The Eagles opened their 1962 season with a 27–0 victory over Miller's old team.[2]
The team's defense gave up only 236.2 yards of total offense per game, a figure that ranks fourth best in school history.[3] The defense also recorded a school record 26 interceptions (45 total turnovers) in only 10 games.[3]
The Eagles' sole losses were to Syracuse (0–12) and Navy (6–26). Navy's sophomore quarterback Roger Staubach threw two touchdown passes against Boston College.[4] In the team's October 27 victory over Houston, the defense set a single-game record by allowing the Cougars to gain only 72 yards of total offense.[3]
Quarterback Jack Concannon completed 97 of 181 passes for 1,450 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions.[14] Concannon's 15 touchdown passes tied for the most among NCAA major college players.[15]
End Art Graham was the team captain and led the team with 823 receiving yards and 42 points scored.[16] His 823 receiving yards set a Boston College, single-season record that stood for Graham also 21 years.[17] Graham also received the Thomas F. Scanlan Memorial Trophy as the senior player outstanding in scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability.[18]
The team's other statistical leaders included fullback Harry Crump with 641 rushing yards and Jim McGowan with seven interceptions and 182 interception return yards.[16] McGowan's 182 return yards remains a Boston College, single-season record.[19] McGowan also set the school's single-game record with 136 interception return yards (on two returns for touchdowns) against Texas Tech on November 10, 1962.[19]
Two Eagles (Harry Crump and Art Graham) were named to the 1962 All-East football team selected based on voting conducted by the Eastern College Athletic Conference.[20] Three Eagles (Crump, Graham, and guard Lou Cioci) were also named to the 1962 All-New England football team; quarterback Jack Concannon and end Dave O'Brien were named to the second team.[21]