Boston College and Rutgers Honor 9/11 Heroes in Red Bandanna Game

A Night of Remembrance

Boston College hosted Rutgers on Friday night for its annual Red Bandanna Game. The matchup took place on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, carrying deep meaning for both programs. The Eagles use the game to honor the memory of Welles Crowther, a former BC lacrosse player. Crowther died while rescuing more than a dozen people in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. He was known for carrying a red bandanna.

Welles' mother, Alison Crowther, spoke on the field before the game as fans entered Alumni Stadium holding red bandannas. She said she wants people to think about the power they have to bring good into the world. Her son was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously by President Trump.

Special Uniforms and Tributes

Both teams wore special gear to mark the occasion. Boston College wore uniforms decorated with bandanna paisley. Instead of player names, the backs of their jerseys read "FOR WELLES." The field also featured two No. 19s inside the 20-yard lines on the BC side, which was Crowther's lacrosse number.

Rutgers also paid tribute with their uniforms. The Scarlet Knights wore pants with "Never Forget" written down the right side. Their helmets featured the Stars and Stripes inside the number 37 to honor the 37 Rutgers alumni who died in the September 11 attacks.

A Shared Bond

Boston College coach Bill O'Brien emphasized how much the game means to the school, its alumni, and the fans. "This is an incredibly important game at Boston College because of the memory of Welles Crowther and what he did on that fateful day," O'Brien said. He added that playing Rutgers was fitting because of the school's New Jersey and New York City connections.

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said playing in the game was an honor. The tragedy touched both schools deeply. Along with the Rutgers victims, 22 Boston College alumni died in the attacks. Family members of the victims and Crowther's lacrosse teammates were recognized on the field during the game. BC linebacker Anthony Palano noted that players quickly learn how much this tradition means to the campus.

What it means for the next game

USC Trojans at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (College Football, Sat, 19 Sep): Rutgers Scarlet Knights win 51%, USC Trojans win 49%; projected score Rutgers Scarlet Knights 30, USC Trojans 30. Our safest pick: USC +10.5.