Eagles Aim for Eighth Win in Iconic Yankee Stadium Showdown
Bronx, NY — The Boston College Eagles are gearing up to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2024 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. With kickoff set for noon on Saturday, this matchup offers Boston College a chance to close out a transformative season under first-year head coach Bill O’Brien with a statement victory. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC, showcasing the Eagles’ pursuit of their first eight-win season since 2009.
Playing at Yankee Stadium, in the heart of New York City, Boston College seeks not only to solidify its place among the nation’s rising programs but also to set the tone for the future. O’Brien, who has already made significant strides in his first season, emphasized the significance of this game.
"I think it's fantastic for us to be able to play in New York City at an iconic venue, Yankee Stadium," O’Brien said. "We have a lot of our fan base that lives in that area, lives in the Tri-State area and New York City, have some great alums in that area. So it's a great opportunity for us. We're playing an iconic program in Nebraska, led by Matt Rhule, who I've known for a long time. Got great respect for Matt. So it's really an excellent opportunity for us at BC."
The Stakes Are High
Boston College (7-5, 4-4 ACC) enters the game riding a wave of momentum after a strong November capped off with victories over North Carolina and Pittsburgh. The Eagles’ 34-23 win over Pitt secured a 6-1 home record, the program’s best since 2009, and highlighted the team’s growth throughout the season.
O’Brien reflected on what this bowl game means for the program and the opportunity it presents.
"To win three out of our last four, and to get to seven wins, and now to have a chance to go to this bowl game and play Nebraska, that was the big thing for me," O’Brien said. "To be able to go to a bowl where we could play an opponent like Nebraska, a Big Ten opponent. The history of Nebraska and college football in this country is fantastic. So, to be able to go down there, it's a great opportunity for our guys."
The Cornhuskers (6-6, 3-6 Big Ten), led by head coach Matt Rhule, are no strangers to high-stakes football. Nebraska boasts a rich history and enters the game with talent across the board, including standout quarterback Dylan Raiola, whom O’Brien described as “one of the top players in the country at that position.”
Key Players to Watch
Boston College will be without two of its captains, defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku and offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo, who have declared for the NFL Draft. Ezeiruaku leaves behind a legacy as one of the program’s best-ever pass rushers, finishing the season as the FBS leader in sacks with 16.5 and earning Consensus All-American honors.
"Those guys, they did an incredible job for us at Boston College. They were captains. Ozzy comes from a great BC family. Donovan broke the single season sack record. We wish them the best," O’Brien said.
While their absence will be felt, the Eagles have the depth and talent to step up. Quarterback Grayson James has steadily improved since taking over as the starter, capping the regular season with a career-high 253 passing yards and two touchdowns against Pitt. Running back Kye Robichaux, who has rushed for 442 yards and six touchdowns in the last four games, anchors a ground game that has been Boston College’s offensive identity all season.
Reed Harris has emerged as one of James’s favorite targets, making highlight-reel catches and providing a deep threat for the Eagles. Harris, who averages 30.7 yards per reception, will look to make a significant impact against Nebraska’s secondary.
On defense, linebacker Joe Marinaro and safety Carter Davis have stepped up in key moments. Davis leads the team with three interceptions, while Marinaro’s leadership and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations have been invaluable.
The Venue and Legacy
This will be Boston College’s third appearance in the Pinstripe Bowl and its first ever matchup against Nebraska. Yankee Stadium provides a grand stage for the Eagles to showcase their growth and resilience under O’Brien. For many players, this game is a chance to create lifelong memories while representing a program on the rise.
"I've never been to Yankee Stadium. So this is very, very cool to have a chance to go coach a football game in Yankee Stadium," O’Brien said. "As a football coach who's been around a long time, who has a baseball background, it's an unbelievable opportunity."
The team also visited the 9/11 Memorial this week, accompanied by Alison Crowther, whose son Welles Crowther—“The Man in the Red Bandanna”—is a Boston College legend. O’Brien called the visit a moving experience.
"It was incredible to be there with Alison, where obviously she lost her son Welles, a BC grad, a BC lacrosse player," O’Brien said. "It was a great experience. I was there with my family, with my son Michael and my wife Colleen, so it was a very memorable experience."
Final Prediction
Boston College’s steady improvement throughout the season and its ability to close out games in November bode well for a strong showing in the Pinstripe Bowl. While Nebraska presents challenges with its physicality and talented quarterback, the Eagles’ balanced attack and disciplined defense should prevail.
Expect Grayson James to continue his upward trajectory, supported by a dynamic rushing attack led by Robichaux. On defense, the Eagles’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and create turnovers will be pivotal.
Final Score: Boston College 34, Nebraska 17
How to Watch the Game
Game Time: Noon ET, Saturday, December 28, 2024
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Broadcast: ABC
Announcers: Mike Monaco (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst), Dawn Davenport (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)
A Pivotal Moment for the Program
This game is more than just an opportunity to cap off a successful season; it’s a launching pad for the future of Boston College football. A win would not only mark the Eagles’ first eight-win season in 15 years but also solidify the foundation O’Brien has laid in his first year.
The extra practices and exposure from a bowl game like this are invaluable for player development and recruiting. With Signing Day just behind them and the transfer portal open, Boston College is positioned to make significant strides heading into 2025.
As O’Brien emphasized, this game serves as both a conclusion to the 2024 season and a preview of what’s to come.
"I'm excited about this team," O’Brien said. "There are some guys that will be playing their last game for Boston College, like a Joe Marinaro, like a Kye Robichaux and other guys, but for the most part, what you'll see out there is a 2025 preview, and I'm excited to watch these guys play."
The future looks bright for Boston College. Saturday’s game is more than just a bowl game; it’s a defining moment in the program’s journey toward sustained success.
Boston College Football Fans (BCFF) will be covering the game live at Yankee Stadium.
Please follow @BCFootballFans on X/Twitter for live updates before, during, and after the game.