Boston College hopes to build for the future

A win would pay big dividends for a BC program building momentum and on the verge of jumping into the top tier of the ACC.

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

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

They will 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 history,” O’Brien said. “In order for her to make the trip, to be there, she approached our team and she gave us a little tour of the place. She was part of the trip. It was just amazing.”

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

While the festivities are a big part of the experience, O’Brien and Co. allotted plenty of time against Nebraska.

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

“He has 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 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 are eager for the opportunity to prove themselves against an offense with big-play potential. For seniors like linebacker Joe Marinaro, it’s a chance to end their careers with a signature win.

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

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

He will 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 amassed at least 70 receiving yards in each of the last three games and is averaging 30.7 yards per carry. catch during the season.

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

While the Eagles have improved their passing attack, their running game is their biggest 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 may have an advantage.

“When you watch that football team, you think about Coach O’Brien, who he is,” Rhule said. “I think they are 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 is comfortable with and then just dress them up in different ways so the defense sees it in a different way.”

The Eagles hope to send their seniors off in style, but they will also continue to lay 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 training sessions and will have a chance to shine on a big stage.

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

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Trevor Hass can be contacted at [email protected].