Boston College (7-5) and Nebraska (6-6) still have a week to prepare for the Pinstripe Bowl, which kicks off Dec. 28. However, the betting markets are open for the first-ever clash between the Eagles and Cornhuskers.
A Pinstripe Bowl victory would be Boston College’s eighth win of the year, a mark that was last met in 2009. The Eagles are 0-2 in previous Pinstripe Bowl appearances. First-year head coach Bill O’Brien is hoping for a better result in the upcoming trip to Yankee Stadium.
Continue reading to see my three best bets for Boston College versus Nebraska.
Editor’s note: New to sports betting? Our beginner’s guide is an excellent resource to learn the ropes.
Boston College vs. Nebraska predictions and best bets
Note: Odds are based on the best value our experts find as of publication; check lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds.
Boston College +3
Best odds: -112 at DraftKings
The Eagles finished with the ninth-best record against the spread, per TeamRankings. Boston College went 8-3-1 and covered in five consecutive games to end the regular season.
After QB Grayson James became the starter in early November, the Eagles went 3-1 straight up. The only loss came against SMU, and the Mustangs earned a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Nebraska could get a spark from playing in its first bowl game since 2016. However, the Cornhuskers finished the regular season with only one win in the last six games.
To make matters worse, Nebraska will be without leading rusher Dante Dowdell. His 12 touchdowns were far more than any other Cornhusker.
Nebraska players already have flooded the transfer portal, and defensive depth could be an issue. Boston College has much positive momentum heading into the Pinstripe Bowl, and I like the Eagles with the points.
Over 45.5
Best odds: -110 at Caesars
Betting the over in Boston College games went 7-5 this season, including five consecutive overs to finish the season. James only suited up in five games but made the most of his limited playing time, finishing with nine total touchdowns and two interceptions.
DL James Williams had the second-most sacks for Nebraska, and LB Mikai Gbayor had the fourth-most tackles. Moving the ball on the Huskers should be easier after both players hit the transfer portal.
Even at full strength, Nebraska’s defense wasn’t what you’d expect from a Big Ten team. The Cornhuskers allowed at least 20 points in five of the final six games.
Boston College’s defense was spotty at times, too. The Eagles surrendered 27 points per game against power-conference opponents. If DE Donovan Ezeiruaku sits out, it’ll be a massive blow for BC but a positive for the over. Ezeiruaku was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and his 16.5 sacks were the second-most in FBS.
Boston College to win race to 20 points
Best odds: +140 at BetMGM
Considering how tight the spread is, getting this wager at +140 odds comes with tremendous value. FanDuel offers the same market but at +106.
The Cornhuskers score only 23 points per game and winning the race to 20 should be challenging without Dowdell. Nebraska’s offense looked clunky for much of the season, and QB Dylan Raiola has dealt with the struggles you’d expect from a true freshman. The five-star recruit’s 10 interceptions are tied for third-most in the Big Ten.
James rarely turns it over, and Boston College can rely on the rushing attack to spark the offense. The Eagles pick up 176 yards per game, and Nebraska is strong against the rush but faces depth issues due to transfer portal departures.