Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Boston College Eagles Picks and Predictions December 28th 2024

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Boston College Eagles December 28th 2024

ABC will be covering the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl matchup between the Boston College Eagles and Nebraska Cornhuskers as they kick off at 12:00 ET on Saturday, December 28th. The game is being played at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, with Nebraska technically being the home team. The point spread currently sits at -3.5 in favor of Nebraska, and the over/under line is 45.5 points. The Cornhuskers are 6-6 on the season, while the Eagles are 7-5. The money line odds are +144 for Boston College and -173 for Nebraska.

Boston College vs. Nebraska Key Information

• Teams: Eagles at Cornhuskers
• Where: Yankee Stadium Bronx
• Date: Saturday, December 28th
• Betting Odds NEBR -173 | BOSCOL +144 O/U 45.5

The Eagles Can Win If…

Boston College enters their Week 1 matchup against Nebraska with a 7-5 record. They’ve been strong at home, going 5-1, but have struggled on the road with a 1-4 mark. The Eagles are 4-0 as the favorite this season and 2-5 as the underdog.

Against the spread, Boston College is 7-4, with a +5.2 average scoring margin. They are 2-2 ATS as the favorite and 5-2 ATS as the underdog.

The over/under line for this week is 45.5 points. Boston College’s games have averaged 53.3 points, and their average over/under line is 50.7 points, with a 6-5 record against the total.

Boston College’s offense is averaging 29.2 points per game, placing them 44th nationally as they head into their matchup with Nebraska. They rank 54th in our offensive power rankings. The Eagles have focused on their ground game, averaging 180.9 rushing yards per game on 40.5 attempts, ranking 22nd in rushing attempts.

Kye Robichaux leads the rushing attack with 725 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 4 yards per carry. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos has thrown for 1,366 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 113.

Boston College’s defense has been solid against the run, ranking 29th nationally by allowing just 114.9 rushing yards per game. In their recent game against Pittsburgh, they gave up only 24 rushing yards on 27 attempts. However, the secondary allowed 299 passing yards and three touchdowns, despite forcing one interception.

Opponents have averaged a 60.8% completion rate and a passer rating of 77.7 against Boston College, while averaging 246.9 passing yards per game, ranking 138th nationally. The defense has faced the 26th fewest rushing attempts in the country, averaging 31 per game.

• Over their last three games, the Boston College Eagles have gone 2-1 straight up. In terms of betting, the team went 3-0 ATS in these matchups. Their over/under record in these matchups is 3-0.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Boston College Eagles have gone 5-5 straight up. Across these games, their ATS record was just 6-4, while posting an over-under record of 6-4.

The Cornhuskers Can Win If…

Nebraska enters their Week 1 game against Boston College with a 6-6 record. They’ve been strong at home, going 4-1, but have struggled on the road with a 1-4 mark. As favorites, the Cornhuskers are 5-1 this season.

Against the spread, Nebraska is 5-3-2, with a +4 average scoring margin. They are 4-1-1 ATS as favorites and 3-1-1 at home.

Their over/under record is 3-7, with an average total of 43.7 points per game. This week’s line is set at 45.5 points, slightly above their average over/under line.

Nebraska’s offense is averaging 23.8 points per game, placing them 72nd in the nation. However, they are ranked 49th in our offensive power rankings heading into week 11. Their rushing game has been underwhelming, with 131.8 yards per game, ranking 93rd nationally.

Dylan Raiola leads the passing attack with 2,582 yards and a 66.5% completion rate. Nebraska ranks 25th in passing completions and 35th in attempts. Raiola has thrown 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, with a passer rating of 85. Dante Dowdell has 614 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

Nebraska’s defense has been a strong point this season, ranking 15th nationally by allowing just 19.8 points per game. They’ve given up 108.2 rushing yards per game, ranking 21st, and 209.7 passing yards per game. Opposing quarterbacks have a 96.7 passer rating and a 65% completion rate against Nebraska.

In their recent game against Iowa, Nebraska’s defense allowed just 13 points but still lost 13-10. They gave up only 5 first downs and 164 total yards, including 49 rushing yards on 26 attempts and 115 passing yards.

• The Nebraska Cornhuskers have posted a 2-1 record in their previous three games. Across these games, they have put together an ATS mark of 1-1-1 as well as an over-under record of 2-1.
• Nebraska has put together a record of 6-4 in their last ten games (regular season). Across these games, their ATS record was just 5-4-1, while posting an over-under record of 4-6.

The Lean

Boston College is the road underdog in their week one matchup against Nebraska, with the Cornhuskers being favored by -3.5 points. We’re going against the spread, taking Boston College to not only cover but win the game straight-up. Our final score prediction is 27-24 in favor of the Eagles.

With the over/under line set at 45.5 points, we see a lot of value in taking the over, as our projections have these teams combining for 51 points.

Boston College, Nebraska Thrilled for Pinstripe Bowl Clash at Yankee Stadium

The Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium offers an exciting opportunity for Boston College and Nebraska to make statements as they aim to cap off their seasons with significant milestones. Set for Saturday, this matchup pits Boston College, seeking its first eight-win season since 2009, against Nebraska, returning to bowl action for the first time since 2016.

Boston College: Aiming for Momentum Under Bill O’Brien

First-year coach Bill O’Brien has rejuvenated Boston College, leading the Eagles to a 7-5 record and a strong finish in the ACC. With the Pinstripe Bowl, Boston College has a chance to build upon its success and solidify its standing as an improving program.

“To play a program like Nebraska in Yankee Stadium around Christmastime is a very, very cool opportunity,” O’Brien said.

Key Players for Boston College

1. Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE): The ACC Defensive Player of the Year and national leader in sacks (16.5) anchors a strong defensive line that will look to pressure Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola.
2. Kye Robichaux (RB): The senior has found his stride, rushing for 452 yards and six touchdowns in the past four games, providing stability in the backfield.
3. Grayson James (QB): The Florida International transfer has thrown for five touchdowns in his last four starts, guiding the Eagles to three ACC victories since taking over midseason.

Youth Movement

Boston College’s younger players, including running back Turbo Richard, wide receiver Reed Harris, and safety Carter Davis, have contributed significantly. O’Brien sees the bowl game as a platform for both honoring outgoing seniors and preparing for the future.

Nebraska: Back in Bowl Action with a Bright Future

Nebraska (6-6) returns to the postseason after a seven-year absence, led by second-year coach and New York City native Matt Rhule. The Cornhuskers endured a challenging season, with five of their six losses coming by eight points or fewer.

“We’ve worked really hard to get to this point,” Rhule said. “It’s been a tough schedule, but this opportunity is a testament to our players’ resilience.”

Key Players for Nebraska

1. Dylan Raiola (QB): The standout freshman ranks second among FBS first-year players with 2,595 passing yards and a 66.6% completion rate. Despite swirling transfer rumors, Raiola confirmed his commitment to Nebraska.
2. Rahmir Johnson (RB): The sixth-year senior adds a veteran presence to the offense and will relish the opportunity to play close to home.
3. Cameron Lenhardt (DE): The sophomore, hailing from New York, provides additional motivation for Nebraska’s defense as it looks to contain Boston College’s rushing attack.

Staff Adjustments

Rhule recently added Dana Holgorsen as offensive coordinator and promoted John Butler to defensive coordinator, signaling a push toward long-term stability and success.

What’s at Stake

• Boston College: A win would give the Eagles back-to-back bowl victories and their first eight-win season since 2009, continuing the momentum under O’Brien.
• Nebraska: A victory would cap off a remarkable turnaround season under Rhule and solidify their return to national relevance after years of struggle.

Key Matchups

1. Nebraska’s Defense vs. Kye Robichaux
   • The Cornhuskers must find a way to limit Robichaux, who has been pivotal for Boston College in the latter part of the season.
2. Boston College’s Pass Rush vs. Dylan Raiola
   • Ezeiruaku and the Eagles’ defensive line must pressure Raiola to disrupt Nebraska’s passing rhythm and force turnovers.
3. Special Teams Edge
   • Field position and kicking could play a vital role, especially in the unpredictable December weather at Yankee Stadium.

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Prediction

Both teams enter the game with something to prove, but Boston College’s balanced offense and disruptive defense may give them the edge. Nebraska’s ability to control the game with Raiola will be critical, but the Eagles’ knack for making big plays in key moments could be the difference.

Prediction: Boston College 27, Nebraska 23