He could have pondered the fates that probably cost Boston College the game yesterday, a 20-19 loss to Duke at Alumni Stadium,

He did none of that. He answered questions and took responsibility. Freese’s missed 23-yard field goal in the final minute and missed extra point in the second quarter were key elements in BC’s third consecutive loss to start the season.

“I’m very proud of the offense and what they did at the end,’’ said Freese.

Led by quarterback Chase Rettig, the Eagles moved from their 21 to the Duke 5 in the final 2:24 without a timeout.

Only Freese’s attempt at the winning field goal hit off the left upright.

“[The offense] did a great job there at the end to give my field goal unit a chance,’’ he said.

Freese’s teammates were not about to point fingers.

“I’ll trust Nate on any kick,’’ said middle linebacker Luke Kuechly. “He’s one of my best friends and I trust that on every kick, no matter what the situation, he’ll put it through.

“If it’s out there again, I’m going to let him kick it again.’’

Freese said he appreciated the support of his teammates.

“Every loss is tough,’’ he said. “But you have to play the next play, go out to the next practice tomorrow and get back to basics, go out next week and get a win.’’

Pulling out all stops Kuechly had a career-high 23 tackles. He has had 10 or more tackles in 25 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the Bowl Subdivision. It was the third time he has had 20 or more tackles . . . Freshman defensive back Spenser Rositano blocked a punt in the first quarter, the first by a BC player since Ifeanyi Momah did it in 2008 against Notre Dame . . . Freshman running back Tajh Kimble scored his first touchdown . . . Wide receiver Colin Larmond Jr. had a career-long reception of 57 yards.

Forward progress The Eagles had 328 yards of total offense in their first game under interim coordinator Dave Brock, who is filling in while Kevin Rogers takes a health-related leave of absence. BC had 141 total yards against Central Florida last week . . . BC is 2-5 in its last seven ACC openers . . . The Eagles face UMass of the Championship Subdivision next week at Alumni Stadium.

Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com.