Chestnut Hill, Mass. — The roster lists Michael Walker from Naples, Fla., suggesting that his forays with our corner of the world wouldn't go beyond flying over it, en route to Boston College.

Note the last name, however: Walker. And is there a surname that better distinguishes sporting excellence around here than the Walkers?

Michael Walker is a Walker. As in one of our Walkers, who live in East Lyme and Waterford. Grandson to John and the late, great, Kathy. Son to Mike and Bonnie. Nephew to the rest of the gang. And he was pretty darn good Saturday at Alumni Stadium, helping the Eagles tap dance on the Apocalypse Formerly Known As UConn Football, 30-0.

Walker may own the most speed on the team. He even ran down former BC running back and Norwich Free Academy great Marcus Outlow from behind in practice last year. He caught four passes for 45 yards Saturday, including a 10-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Towles early in the third period.

Walker was in a unique spot, too. It's hard to get the BC folks to admit the UConn game is a "rivalry," or at least to the degree UConn loyalists see it. But just try being an Eagle from Connecticut. Lose to UConn in football — which BC has still never done — and return home under the cover of witness protection.

Walker is an honorary Connecticut guy, joining his coach, Steve Addazio (a Connecticut native once coached at Cheshire High), defensive line coach (and former UConn head coach) Paul Pasqualoni and others.

"Honestly," Walker said, "it was pretty big. Our head coach is from Connecticut. My family is from Connecticut. Pretty big game in general. Lots of energy and intensity. Amazing game to be a part of."

In spite of the foibles of each team, the game drew 36,220 to the Heights. UConn fans were sprinkled among the maroon and gold, as were members of Walker's family, including Aunt Liz Sutman, the former three-time state championship coach of Waterford High softball.

Walker's extended family has been good for ticket sales this season.

"I always wanted to go to the northeast for some reason," Walker said, alluding to his decision to attend BC. "I've spent Christmases up here, seeing my family in Connecticut. I love the winters, all the seasons. Academics were a big part of it as well, with BC being a top tier academic school."

Walker's acumen for football drew a late suitor in the recruiting process: Arizona. This just in: Rich Rodriguez does not recruit slow people. Arizona pulverized BC in a bowl game a few years ago. And yet, the small school in the northeast won.

"Obviously, Arizona makes you think, but it's kind of in the middle of nowhere," Walker said. "My family being up here is a big part of it. Once I visited, I loved it."

Walker was the owner of a 50,000-watt smile after the game. This has not been an easy season at BC. The 5-6 record has come with pronounced losses to Clemson, Florida State and Louisville. And yet, a win at Wake Forest next season means a bowl game. A modest one, sure. BC's program has miles to go. But it's sure not UConn.

"That's the look of a team that's still fighting hard for every inch right now," Addazio said of his Eagles.

Can the same be said for UConn? And even if the kids are still fighting, is the fight being hijacked by the wacky decisions coach Bob Diaco makes every week?

No matter to the Eagles. Especially the Connecticut Eagles. It was a happy Saturday.

"Just like our win at NC State, this means the world," Walker said. "I can't explain the feeling. It's amazing. I'm really glad I'm a part of this."

This is the opinion of Day sports columnist Mike DiMauro.