Pinstripe Bowl offers BC an opportunity to send seniors off with a win, build for the future

When the Boston College football team faces Nebraska in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at noon, the Eagles will have an eye toward honoring the past, maximizing the present, and fortifying the future.

With a chance to cement the program’s first eight-win season since 2009, the Eagles (7-5, 4-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) will try to make a statement at Yankee Stadium.

BC will be without standouts Donovan Ezeiruaku (defensive end) and Ozzy Trapilo (right tackle) as they gear up for the NFL Draft. While coach Bill O’Brien is grateful for their contributions, his focus is on preparing for the Cornhuskers (6-6, 3-6 Big Ten).

A win would pay major dividends for a BC program building momentum and on the cusp of vaulting into the upper echelon of the ACC.

“It’s one of those opportunities that don’t come along very often,” O’Brien said.

That includes the activities leading up to the game. The Eagles have welcomed newcomers while cherishing an action-packed week in New York. Following a team dinner on Christmas Day, they visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on Thursday.

They’ll play for 9/11 hero Welles Crowther, a Boston College alumnus who is credited with saving at least a dozen people in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Crowther’s mother, Alison, was there to greet the Eagles.

“Obviously an incredible Boston College family and story,” O’Brien said. “For her to make the trek over, to be there, she addressed our team and she gave us a little tour of the place. She was part of the tour. It was just awesome.”

The Eagles then rang the ball at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday morning.

While the festivities are a major part of the experience, O’Brien and Co. have allocated plenty of time toward Nebraska.

O’Brien praised Dylan Raiola, the former No. 1 quarterback recruit in the country, for his natural abilities.

“He’s got a lot of Mahomes-type qualities,” O’Brien said. “I’m not saying he’s Patrick Mahomes, but he’s very, very good. He’s an instinctive player.”

BC defensive coordinator Tim Lewis echoed O’Brien’s outlook.

“He can throw it, can touch-pass it,” Lewis said. “He can drop the bombs on you, he can drill it, he’s accurate, he’s mobile enough. He’s not the slowest cat.”

Emmett Johnson is a catalyst at running back, and Jahmal Banks highlights a deep receiving corps.

The Eagles know other players will have to step up with Ezeiruaku absent, and they’re eager for the opportunity to prove themselves against an offense with big-play potential. For seniors such as linebacker Joe Marinaro, it’s a chance to cap their careers with a signature win.

“I’m just trying to take in every last moment and really enjoy these last few days with my teammates, playing football,” Marinaro said. “I don’t think it’s sunk in completely, but I’m starting to definitely feel the gravity of the situation.”

Grayson James will have a chance to punctuate his recent surge and bolster his chances of remaining the starting quarterback next season. With Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan coming in, James will have to prove himself again.

He’ll continue to lean on wide receiver Reed Harris, who has emerged as a deep threat late in the year. Harris, a 6-foot-5-inch redshirt freshman, has totaled at least 70 receiving yards in each of the last three games and is averaging 30.7 yards per catch on the season.

“Grayson and I have been getting reps together since the summer,” Harris said. “We’ve basically grown together as the offense has evolved. That definitely helps a lot when we’re trying to connect on passes.”

While the Eagles have improved their passing attack, their run game is their top asset. Kye Robichaux is a reliable threat in a balanced group and will lean on a formidable offensive line.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said the Eagles can run the ball “as well as anybody” and are physical, tough, and creative. On a day that may be wet and will be cold, BC could have an advantage in that area.

“When you see that football team, you think of Coach O’Brien, who he is,” Rhule said. “I think they’re a mirror image of him.”

BC offensive coordinator Will Lawing will be up against a familiar foe in newly minted Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler. Butler coached under O’Brien, and with Lawing, at Penn State and with the Houston Texans.

O’Brien said he’s sure Butler added to his repertoire when he was in Buffalo with Bills coach Sean McDermott. Lawing, meanwhile, said he’s learned “a ton” under O’Brien and has grown as a play-caller while at BC.

“We try not to do too much,” Lawing said. “It’s more about having core plays that you believe in, and that the quarterback’s comfortable with, and then just dressing them up different ways so the defense sees it a different way.”

The Eagles are hoping to send their seniors out in style, but they also want to continue laying the foundation for the future. Outside of the seniors, and some potential transfers, the group on the field Saturday will largely offer a glimpse into next year’s team.

Young players have had the chance to prove themselves during extra practices, and now they’ll have a shot to shine on a grand stage.

“For the most part, what you’ll see out there is a 2025 preview,” O’Brien said.