Not even Sinkovec expected to make the splash he did.

“It all came quickly today,” he said.

His first catch of the day — the first of his career — was a 36-yard burst up the right side on a play fake, the signature play in the first scoring drive of BC’s 41-32 loss on Saturday.

His second was a 15-yard touchdown that capped a 70-yard drive.

Sinkovec finished with three catches for 67 yards, an unexpected weapon in an offense that piled up 542 yards.

“I think just to get me out in space and try to get me the ball out in the flat was the goal,” Sinkovec said. “Luckily it opened up for me.”

Sinkovec’s role, he said, can change by the week, depending on how new offensive coordinator Doug Martin decides to use him. After studying the Hurricanes, quarterback Chase Rettig said the Eagles knew that if they used Sinkovec in play-action, there would be plays for him.

“That’s just understanding what Miami is trying to do on third and short,” Rettig said. “Every time Jake had a big play, it was play-action. We got them with the play-action, he just ran after.”

After playing all 12 games last season on defense, the adjustment to the other side of the ball, Sinkovec said, has been smooth.

“All the offensive guys have been helping me make the transition, and I feel like I’m starting to find a role over there,” he said.

Rettig said this could be the start of a strong season in a new spot for Sinkovec.

“I think he’s going to be a really fun guy to watch in our offense,” Rettig said.

Something missing

For the first time in four seasons, the Eagles’ defense took the field without Luke Kuechly, and his absence was evident. Aside from allowing 376 yards and 20 straight points in the second half, BC let freshman running back Duke Johnson pile up 135 yards on seven carries, including two home run plays (a 54-yard touchdown in the second quarter and a 56-yarder in the third).

“Defensively, we have to play better,” coach Frank Spaziani said. “No one made a play.”

On the 54-yard carry, Johnson shook off five would-be tacklers, stiff-arming the last on his way to the end zone.

“We weren’t disciplined enough to be in the right position,” said Spaziani. “He’s an explosive back and you can’t give him areas like that to get through. You’ve got to be a little better positioned and you’ve got to be more precise.”

Quite a catch

Spaziani was looking for Alex Amidon to break out in the opener, and the receiver didn’t disappoint.

He caught a career-high 10 passes for 149 yards.

“Alex was one of those guys that had a very good preseason and was ready to step up,” Spaziani said. “There were some balls that he dropped, but he made some nice plays.”

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