Boston College hopes to build for the future

A win would pay big dividends for a BC program that is gaining steam and on the verge of moving into the upper echelons of the ACC.

“This is one of those opportunities that doesn’t come along very often,” O’Brien said.

This also includes the activities leading up to the game. The Eagles have welcomed newcomers and are looking forward to an eventful week in New York. After dinner together on Christmas Day, they visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on Thursday.

You play for 9/11 hero Welles Crowther, a Boston College graduate 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 family and story from Boston College,” O’Brien said. “So that she could survive the hike and be there, she turned to our team and gave us a little tour of the place. She was part of the tour. It was just great.”

On Friday morning, the Eagles rang the bell on the New York Stock Exchange.

While the festivities are a big part of the experience, O’Brien and company have planned plenty of time for the trip to Nebraska.

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

“He has a lot of Mahomes-like 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, he is precise, he is mobile enough. He’s not the slowest cat.”

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

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

“I’m just trying to take in every last moment and really enjoy the last few days playing soccer with my teammates,” Marinaro said. “I don’t think it’s entirely clear to me, but I’m beginning to clearly sense the gravity of the situation.”

Grayson James will have a chance to back up his recent success and increase his chances of remaining the starting quarterback next season. With the arrival of Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan, James will have to prove himself again.

He will continue to rely on wide receiver Reed Harris, who 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 this season.

“Grayson and I have been bringing representatives together since the summer,” Harris said. “Basically, we have grown together as the offense has developed. That 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 greatest asset. Kye Robichaux is a reliable threat in a balanced group and will rely on an impressive offensive line.

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

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

BC offensive coordinator Will Lawing will face a familiar opponent in newly appointed Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler. Butler coached under O’Brien and at Lawing, Penn State and the Houston Texans.

O’Brien said he’s sure Butler expanded his repertoire while in Buffalo with Bills coach Sean McDermott. Lawing, meanwhile, said he learned “a ton” under O’Brien and developed as a play-caller during his time 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 familiar with, and then just dressing them up differently so the defense sees it differently.”

The Eagles hope to send their seniors off in style, but also want to continue laying the foundation for the future. Aside from the seniors and a few possible transfers, Saturday’s group will largely provide an insight into next year’s squad.

Young players had the chance to prove themselves in additional training sessions and they will have the chance to shine on a big stage.

“What you’re going to see out there is largely a preview for 2025,” O’Brien said.

Trevor Hass can be reached at [email protected].