College sports

British Columbia’s Red Bandanna competition honors Eagles alumnus Welles Crowther, who saved at least a dozen people in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

By Trevor Hass, The Boston Globe

September 20, 2024 | 4:19 PM

Before the season, Boston College football coach Bill O’Brien spoke via Zoom with Alison Crowther, mother of the late Welles Crowther, as he delved into the tradition of the Red Bandanna Game.

O’Brien heard her version of what happened on September 11, 2001, and gained insight into her son’s life and legacy. Crowther, a 1999 Boston College graduate who often wore a red bandana, saved at least a dozen people in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

Crowther guided victims to safety and then returned to the fire to rescue more people. He returned after escorting a second group down. Since 2014, BC football has honored Crowther with its annual game to keep his heroic spirit alive.

“For us to be able to go there and play a game in his honor is a big accomplishment,” O’Brien said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for Boston College to showcase who we are.”

This year’s Red Bandanna Game, the 11th, will pit the Eagles (2-1) against Michigan State (3-0) at Alumni Stadium on Saturday at 8 p.m. BC’s players and coaches are treating it like any other game from a football perspective, but they remind themselves daily that this game carries extra weight.

“What he did was spontaneous and outstanding,” wide receiver Jaedn Skeete said. “We’re playing with him in mind. I feel like this is a very special game, probably the biggest game of the season.”

Here are three reasons for optimism ahead of the match:

O’Brien knows the Eagles will generate emotion, but at the same time it’s important they adapt quickly and play with confidence.

Defender Cam Horsley believes the best approach is to express Crowther’s heroism in the way they compete.

“How we can apply that to the football field is I can look my teammate in the eye and say, ‘I support you. I love you,'” Horsley said. “Play for each other, really love each other.”

Special teams captain Joe Marinaro, playing in his fifth Red Bandanna game, said it’s a privilege to have the entire BC community behind him.

“You’re not just playing for your team, you’re not just playing for BC, you’re not just playing for your family,” Marinaro said. “There’s something else you’re playing for.”

2. They play with aplomb.

BC has the sixth-fewest penalty yards per game (26) in the country – a sign that O’Brien’s disciplined approach is paying off.

Even as Missouri fell apart and tried to bait BC, the Eagles remained calm. At one point, the Tigers had an unimaginable second-and-59, and BC turned away from the antics and got the necessary stop.

It is a mature, experienced team with a down-to-earth coach.

“We’ve been stressing it,” O’Brien said. “It’s only three games, but I think that’s a big goal for us. It’s part of our formula to win, not to commit pre-snap penalties.”

3. They have shown that they can be great players.

Thomas Castellanos is one of two FBS quarterbacks with nine touchdown passes and a passing efficiency rating above 200.

Five of those nine TDs were 30 yards or more. Missouri was generally sharp on defense, but when gaps opened up in coverage, Castellanos made the Tigers pay.

Redshirt freshman Reed Harris has hauled in scoring passes of 72 and 67 yards. Graduate student Kamari Morales has scored in each of the past two games.

“Hungry dogs run faster,” Morales said. “This team is a very hungry bunch.”

…

While the BC product has been clean in many facets, there are still areas that need work. Here are three for Saturday:

1. Castellanos needs to take fewer risks.

Castellanos played well for most of the season, but two costly mistakes against the Tigers proved decisive.

“We did not execute on our own behalf, we defeated ourselves,” Castellanos said.

If Castellanos can combine his playmaking skills with poise, as he did in Weeks 1 and 2, BC should be in an ideal position.

2. They must return to their roots.

After a strong start in the trenches, BC struggled to get up front against the Tigers. Granted, Missouri is one of the most physically imposing teams in the country, but the Eagles really see themselves in that same echelon.

BC had just 49 total rushing yards and allowed 176 against Missouri. The Eagles will have to regain their identity against a Michigan State team with similar values.

The Spartans rank first in the Big Ten with 27 tackles for loss, so preventing negative plays is a particular focus.

“We have to communicate well and get the right people involved,” O’Brien said.

3. Kicks and points can play a role.

The Eagles have yet to attempt a field goal, partly due to their efficiency in the red zone, but placekicking remains a relative unknown.

O’Brien said both Luca Lombardo and Liam Connor are fully capable and it’s a luxury to have both. Lombardo has never attempted a field goal in a college game, and Connor was 11 of 14 last year.

The Eagles have struggled to punt consistently, averaging just 32.9 yards (16th in the ACC). O’Brien said he has four or five punters, and they need to continue to work on their technique.

“Ultimately, if we’re struggling for points, we’ve got to go for it,” O’Brien said.