CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- It could have been better. But it could have been worse

Notre Dame stunned Boston College with three touchdowns in the first quarter before the Eagles made a game of it before halftime. But Notre Dame running back Armando Allen capped a 14-play, 76-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown in the third quarter and the Irish defense pitched a shutout in the second half for a 31-13 victory Saturday night before 44,500 at Alumni Stadium.

Dayne Crist threw touchdown passes to Kyle Rudolph and Theo Riddick and scored on a seven-yard run as Notre Dame (2-3) ended a three-game losing streak. Freshman Prince Shembo had a sack and  Robert Blanton and Harrison Smith had interceptions in the second half.

Crist was 24-of-44 for 203 yards. Allen rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries.