Eagles Aim to Ground Tar Heels and Secure a Spot in Postseason Play
Chestnut Hill, MA — The Boston College Eagles return to the friendly confines of Alumni Stadium this Saturday for a pivotal matchup against the North Carolina Tar Heels. With bowl eligibility hanging in the balance, the Eagles are determined to seize the opportunity to clinch their sixth win of the season and continue their progress under first-year head coach Bill O’Brien.
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon ET, and the game will be broadcast nationally on The CW.
At 5-5, Boston College finds itself at a crossroads in a season defined by resilience and growth. Despite injuries and midseason adversity, the Eagles have maintained a competitive edge and now face one of their toughest challenges yet in the 6-4 Tar Heels, led by one of the nation’s top running backs, Omarion Hampton.
“Everybody kind of knows if you get six wins, you’re eligible for a bowl,” O’Brien said earlier this week. “But at the end of the day, it’s all about North Carolina. They’ve got one of the best backs in the country, and we’ve got to tackle well and play really well up front. It’s a big challenge.”
The Stakes Are High
Boston College’s postseason hopes rest on its ability to outlast a North Carolina team that is coming off an impressive win over Wake Forest. The Tar Heels are led by Hampton, who rushed for a staggering 250 yards in last week’s victory and poses a significant threat to any defense.
“He’s very, very good,” O’Brien said. “I think he’s one of the best backs in the country. That’s why you come to play Division I football—you want these challenges. Hopefully, we’re up to it.”
For Boston College, this game is about more than just containing Hampton. The Eagles must also find a way to exploit a Tar Heels defense that ranks among the ACC’s best in quarterback pressure. Protecting quarterback Grayson James, who has steadily grown into his role as the starter, will be critical.
“[North Carolina] does a really good job,” O’Brien said of the Tar Heels’ pass rush. “We have to be on high alert for four-man rush, five-man rush, six-man rush. Look, at the end of the day, we feel good about our protection system, but it has to hold up.”
Key Matchups to Watch
Boston College’s ability to stay competitive will hinge on a few critical matchups. The first is up front, where the offensive line, led by veterans Drew Kendall and Ozzy Trapilo, will face a relentless North Carolina pass rush.
In the secondary, the Eagles will rely on safety Carter Davis and linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku to neutralize Hampton’s impact. Davis, who has emerged as one of the team’s top playmakers, continues to earn praise from O’Brien.
“He’s a really good player,” O’Brien said. “Very instinctive, great ball skills, great tackler. He’s just a really great member of the team.”
On offense, James will look to build on his chemistry with wide receiver Reed Harris and tight end Kamari Morales. Harris has stepped up in recent weeks, delivering key plays in the passing game, while Morales—a graduate transfer from North Carolina—adds an intriguing subplot to Saturday’s contest.
“I consider Kamari a BC guy,” O’Brien said. “He’s one of the leaders of the team. I’m sure there’s motivation for him playing North Carolina, but he’s done a really good job for us.”
Momentum and Motivation
While North Carolina presents a formidable challenge, Boston College has reasons for optimism. The Eagles are 4-1 at home this season and have consistently risen to the occasion in front of their home crowd.
“For whatever reason this year, we’re better at home,” O’Brien said. “I know our guys enjoy playing at home. We’ve had some good home crowds this year, and hopefully, we get another really good home crowd.”
Saturday’s game also marks the 40th anniversary of Doug Flutie’s legendary Hail Mary pass against Miami—a moment that continues to inspire the program. O’Brien, a lifelong fan of Boston College football, reflected on the significance of that historic play.
“The game was after Thanksgiving, and we were eating Thanksgiving leftovers in my family room,” O’Brien recalled. “My mom was saying a Rosary in the kitchen because she didn’t like Miami. It’s going to be awesome to welcome that team back.”
Prediction
The Eagles face a tough task in slowing down Hampton and containing a North Carolina team with postseason aspirations of its own. However, with home-field advantage and the resilience they’ve shown all season, Boston College has the tools to make this a closely contested game.
Look for the Eagles to lean on their defensive leaders, capitalize on key opportunities, and feed off the energy of a passionate Alumni Stadium crowd.
Final Score Prediction: Boston College 35, UNC 34
How to Watch the Game
Game Time: Noon ET, Saturday, November 23, 2024Location: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
Broadcast: The CW
Announcers: Evan Lepler (play-by-play), Steve Smith Sr. (analyst), Carla Gebhart (sideline reporter)
Radio Coverage: Boston College Sports Network on WEEI 93.7 FM
Announcers: Jon Meterparel (play-by-play), Pete Cronan (analyst), Scott Mutryn (sideline reporter)
Final Thoughts: Meeting The Moment When It Matters Most
When the Boston College Eagles take the field on Saturday, they aren’t just playing for bowl eligibility—they’re fighting to solidify the foundation of a program on the rise. A sixth win would mark a critical turning point, not only securing an invitation to a bowl game but also setting the stage for even greater possibilities: a seventh or even eighth win to cap off the season. These victories represent far more than just numbers in the win column; they signify progress, exposure, and an investment in the future of Eagles football.
The opportunity to compete in a bowl game provides the team with invaluable time for additional practices—a luxury that would give head coach Bill O’Brien a chance to continue developing the roster he inherited. Every extra session, every rep, and every opportunity to refine this team translates into momentum heading into his first full offseason.
Bowl eligibility also sends a strong signal to recruits and transfer portal prospects that Boston College is a program on the upswing. With NIL opportunities now playing a significant role in attracting talent, the success of this season could directly influence O’Brien’s ability to build a roster capable of competing at the highest level in the ACC.
But Saturday’s game is about more than just preparing for the future. For a team that has battled through adversity all season, this is a chance to finish strong in front of their home crowd—a fanbase that has endured its share of frustration and heartbreak in recent years.
There’s something uniquely meaningful about delivering a victory at Alumni Stadium, where loyal supporters have waited for moments like this. A win would restore confidence, energize the program, and give fans a reason to believe that the Eagles are finally on the right path. Wouldn't it be so fitting to believe this again on the 40th anniversary of Doug Flutie's Hail Mary?
Bill O’Brien has spoken often about the importance of seizing opportunities, and this is the moment for Boston College to do just that. A victory Saturday would not just be a step toward bowl eligibility; it would be a declaration that this team is capable of meeting the moment and delivering when it matters most.
Boston College Football Fans (BCFF) will be covering the game live at Alumni Stadium.
Please follow @BCFootballFans on X/Twitter for live updates before, during, and after the game.
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