The Huskers are bowling for the first time since 2016 and in their first appearance in almost a decade they will take on Boston College at Yankee Stadium this Saturday at 11am. The Boston College Eagles got off to a great start this year, starting off 4-1 and their only loss came to a current Top 25 ranked Missouri by 6 points. After the Missouri loss BC faltered dropping three of their next five games before a quarterback change and a win over Syracuse (Ranked 21) and a close loss to SMU who would later find their way into the playoffs. Having a hot hand rolling into this Saturday, Boston college will be a tough opponent for the Huskers. Boston College may not have the most productive offensive line, but their defensive line is outstanding. With one of the top pass rushers in the country Boston College led the ACC with 30 total sacks so far in 2024. Potentially causing a problem for a weakened and young Nebraska offensive line.
This will be BC’s third trip to the Pinstripe Bowl since 2014, making them well acquainted with the prep for this bowl game. The pinstripe bowl is unlike most bowl games because of its travel restrictions and unique requirements due to its location in NYC. BC head coach Bill O’Brien will look to make a statement with his Grayson James led squad to end 8-5 on the year but Rhule and the stout Husker pass rush may have something to say about that. James is agile but not super dangerous with his feet, making Nebraska’s pass rush salivate as BC’s offensive line is sub-par. The Cornhuskers finished the regular season as one of the best scoring defenses in the country (19.8 points allowed per game). This edge should be exactly what Nebraska needs to pull out a victory in their first bowl game since 2016.
The Raiola-Holgerson led offense will have had plenty of time to prep and install new packages for the bowl game, but don’t forget that Nebraska will be without standout receiver Isaiah Neyor who is foregoing the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. Even though Neyor is out, Nebraska will still have Banks, Barney, Fedone, Nelson and Lloyd to target. Just like how Nebraska is without a top receiver they will also be without their top running back Dowdell who transferred to Kentucky. Even with Dowdell gone, Emmett Johnson played some of his best football in November. Johnson had 113 rushing yards against the Badgers and led the team in rushing in its last three games. I expect Emmett to continue that trend as Rhamir and Ives also pick up some carries. I would expect to see Raiola have a great game if the offensive line can keep him clean, leading to over 300 yards passing.
The Cornhuskers are poised for victory with Dylan Raiola at the helm. Despite the roster changes, Nebraska’s defense remains formidable, and Raiola’s recent performances have been nothing short of impressive. His ability to connect with top receiver Jahmal Banks and his consistent play, especially in crucial games like the one against Wisconsin, showcases his potential to lead Nebraska to a win in the Big Apple. With a disciplined defense and a strong run game, Raiola’s leadership could be the key to overcoming Boston College’s challenges and securing a win at Yankee Stadium.
