Boston College football visits the 9/11 Memorial.
(Photo courtesy BC Football/Anthony Garro)
December 27, 2024

Boston College, Nebraska Participate in Team Festivities Leading up to Pinstripe Bowl

By Adriana Leone

We are hours away from kickoff at the 14th matchup in Pinstripe Bowl history between the Boston College Eagles and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In the days leading up to the game, both teams had the opportunity to explore New York City. 

On Wednesday both teams visited the 9/11 memorial and museum to honor and remember all those who were lost that day. Alison Crowther, the mother of Welles Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player who died in 9/11 saving people from the towers, joined the team for their visit. 

On Friday both head coaches and a few players had the opportunity to ring the bell at the New York stock exchange, visiting yet another historic landmark New York City has to offer.

Each team also had their own team bonding experiences as Boston College had a team mass and Christmas dinner while Nebraska attended a Giants practice and Knicks game. 

At the head coaches press conference on Friday, both coaches were grateful for the bonding experiences that their teams got to experience this week, but both are hungry to leave the big city with a win.  

Boston College Head Coach Bill O’Brien on the team’s experience at the 9/11 memorial.

“That was incredible to be there with Alison where obviously she lost her son Welles, a BC grad and BC lacrosse player. An incredible Boston College family and story and for her to make the trek over and be there. She addressed our team and she gave us a little tour of the place. She was part of the tour and it was just awesome. I mean, the 9/11 memorial is very moving, very touching, especially for those of us that experienced that.”

Boston College Head Coach Bill O’Brien talked about the culture in the Boston College Football program being a reason as to why many players haven’t entered the portal.

“We’re not a big portal team. That’s just not who we are. We’re gonna sign some guys out the portal, but the majority of the team will be built through high school recruiting and guys that really understand what Boston College can do for their lives. BC is a life changing place right? It’s an incredible degree, you get a chance to play great ACC football, and then, you know, you do a lot in the community of BC. So, we do a lot for these guys and they do a lot for us and I’m proud of the guys that’ll be playing there tomorrow.”

Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule on the opportunity the Pinstripe Bowl provides for the team. 

“We’ve done a lot of cool things, celebrating Christmas together, but at the end of the day, this is an opportunity for us to finish our season the right way versus an excellent football team in Boston College. So, I think these guys are ready to go.”

Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule on getting the opportunity to play at Yankee Stadium. 

“To be here is amazing. To be in the Yankee’s locker room is amazing, you’re surrounded by greatness. Seeing it for the first time from the upper deck, you know, a lot of times they play a football game in a baseball stadium and it’s kind of shoe horned in there and you know, when they rebuilt Yankee Stadium they certainly did it right because it fits perfectly. I think it’s going to be a great sightline for people, it’ll be a great football game.”

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