Boston College Eagles vs Holy Cross Crusaders: A rivalry renewed
The Boston College Eagles host the Holy Cross Crusaders as these once bitter rivals meet on Saturday for the first time since 1986.
Rivalries are on display in college football starting with week one and stretching all the way to the final week. Some of these even extend across college football subdivisions, as is the case when the Boston College Eagles (FBS) take on the Holy Cross Crusaders (FCS) on Saturday.
It will mark the 83rd meeting between the two schools, but their first since 1986. The Eagles have won eight straight against the Crusaders, with Holy Cross not winning since 1978.
Out of the Patriot League, Holy Cross (0-1) will be looking to get first-year head coach Bob Chesney his first victory. The Crusaders fell to Colgate 24-17 last week.
Boston College, meanwhile, took care of business with a 55-21 victory over the UMass Minutemen.
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All phases of the game clicked for the Eagles while opening 2018 with a victory. And both the associated press (31 votes) and coaches’ polls (21 votes) are taking notice.
The Eagles offense totaled 598 yards, going for 272 yards on the ground. Offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom was recognized for his effort in being named ACC Co-Offensive Lineman of the week.
Time, location and where to watch
- Location: Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, MA
- Time: 1:00 pm EST
- TV: ACC Network Extra
Boston College Eagles: On the radar
AJ Dillon, who carried the ball 20 times for 98 yards in last week’s victory, will be one to watch come game day for the foreseeable future. He was also involved in the passing game last week, hauling in two catches, including a touchdown.
Anthony Brown made a triumphant return to the field, throwing for 279 yards and four touchdowns. Building off of that performance is a must and he should have plenty of opportunities against the Crusaders.
A few years ago, Myles Jack was quite the two-way sensation for the UCLA Bruins. Boston College linebacker Davon Jones might be on his way to doing similar things. Jones was solid on defense, collecting five tackles. He joined the offense as well, carrying the ball six times for 15 yards and two touchdowns.
Jones might be used in more red zone and short-yardage situations, but Travis Levy should see plenty of opportunities as well. Having a couple of productive backs behind Dillon is a must and, if the game plays out like last week, Levy should be able to have similar stats (11 carries, 41 yards).
Holy Cross Crusaders: Who to watch
The Crusaders had a tough go of things in the first half of their season opener, falling behind Colgate 24-0. Colgate was aided by three Holy Cross turnovers, which led to 17 points.
Showing true grit, Holy Cross battled back, controlling the ball and the clock in the second half. Unfortunately, their comeback bid fell just short.
The Crusaders ran for 169 yards in the game, buoyed by the effort of three players, all juniors. Miles Alexander led the way, carrying the ball 17 times for 98 yards.
Boston College will have to keep an eye on Domenic Cozier, who scored both touchdowns for Holy Cross. Cozier ran for 65 yards and had 54 receiving yards, scoring a touchdown via each aspect.
Quarterback Emmett Clifford is a dual threat. Clifford was 14-23 for 113 yards with an interception and a touchdown. He also ran for 45 yards.
On defense, senior linebacker Ryan Brady had 14 tackles and 2 sacks, so you can bet the Eagles have their eyes on him.
Prediction
The rivalry has been dormant for decades but that doesn’t mean this will be a cakewalk for the Eagles. Holy Cross is underdogs and, coupled with regional bragging rights, could make this a close game.
Boston College Eagles: Experienced core to anchor defense in 2018. dark. Next
By recognizing this and not taking the game for granted, Boston College should be able to control both sides of the ball, especially with a defensive line led by Zach Allen. Allen and company will wreak havoc and the offense will keep clicking, meaning a final score of Boston College 45 Holy Cross 14.