BCSNN — On a night meant to honor heroism, sacrifice, and the legacy of Welles Crowther, Boston College delivered a performance worthy of the Red Bandanna. And, in predictable fashion, Rutgers provided little resistance.
In front of more than 40,000 at Alumni Stadium, the Eagles controlled the 13th annual Red Bandanna Game from the opening snap, dispatching Rutgers 28-21 in a contest that looked far closer on the scoreboard than it ever felt on the field. For BC, it was a meaningful first win of the season. For Rutgers, it was yet another reminder of how far the Scarlet Knights remain from competing with competent FBS programs.
Quarterback Mason McKenzie finished 18‑of‑29 for 252 yards, adding a rushing touchdown and 94 yards on the ground. Running back Evan Dickens contributed 56 yards and a score, while Dawson Pough hauled in four passes for 106 yards and a highlight‑reel 78‑yard touchdown that effectively sealed the game.
But the story - as it often is when Rutgers shows up - was Boston College’s defense. The Eagles forced four interceptions, their most in a game since 2023, and repeatedly stifled Rutgers’ attempts to look like a functional offense. Anthony Palano led the charge with two picks and four tackles, including two for loss, while Marcus Upton posted a game‑high 10 tackles.
Rutgers’ opening drive set the tone for the night. Facing fourth‑and‑one at their own 34, the Scarlet Knights tried to assert themselves physically - a bold choice for a program that rarely wins at the line of scrimmage. BC stuffed the attempt with ease, turning the ball over on downs and immediately capitalizing with Dickens’ 19‑yard touchdown run.
On Rutgers’ next possession, Charlie Comella snagged his first career interception, and BC again turned the mistake into points. McKenzie scrambled for 11 yards, then found Landon Wright for a 53‑yard strike before punching in a 10‑yard touchdown run to make it 14-0. Rutgers looked stunned, though anyone familiar with their recent history wouldn’t have been.
BC added a 30‑yard field goal from Luca Lombardo early in the second quarter, stretching the lead to 17-0. Rutgers finally found the end zone late in the half, but the Eagles responded immediately, marching downfield for a 46‑yard Lombardo field goal as time expired. The halftime score - 20-7 - reflected BC’s dominance, even if Rutgers’ lone touchdown felt more like a brief interruption than a momentum shift.
The Scarlet Knights managed the only score of the third quarter, a touchdown pass from Surace to KJ Duff, trimming the deficit to six. But BC restored order in the fourth when McKenzie escaped pressure and found Pough wide open for a 78‑yard touchdown - a play emblematic of Rutgers’ chronic defensive breakdowns.
To their credit, Rutgers answered with a 60‑yard touchdown on the next drive, again connecting Surace with Duff. But when given a chance to tie the game late, the Scarlet Knights reverted to form. With 1:46 remaining, Palano intercepted Surace for the second time, ending Rutgers’ hopes and reminding everyone why BC - and most of the FBS - rarely fears the Knights in crunch time.
McKenzie found Dickens for a first down on the ensuing possession, allowing BC to run out the clock and secure a win that felt comfortable from start to finish.
Boston College continues its three‑game homestand next Saturday against Maine, while Rutgers returns home searching for answers - and perhaps a program identity that doesn’t involve being outclassed by teams with actual FBS pedigree
