Boston College vs SMU: Fenway Bowl - Preview & Final Prediction
The 125th year of intercollegiate football competition for the Boston College Eagles will come to a close at the historic Fenway Park for their first-ever appearance at the Wasabi Fenway Bowl against SMU at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 28th.
Most sports fans know that Fenway Park serves as the home of the Boston Red Sox, but what many are unaware of is that Boston College called Fenway its home field for the majority of 21 seasons from 1936-45 and again from 1953-56. The history of BC playing at Fenway goes back 109 years with a 28-6 win over Norwich University on Halloween in 1914.
Boston College (6-6. 3-5 ACC) will be playing SMU (11-2, 8-0 AAC) a few days after Christmas to kick off the Thursday slate of bowl games. The Eagles are still looking to win their 7th game of the season for the first time since 2018, while the Mustangs are pursuing their first 12-win season since 1935. Kickoff will be at 11 a.m. ET from Fenway Park (Boston, MA) and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
BC will be playing in its first bowl game since 2019 (2021 Military Bowl canceled due to COVID-19 cases) and hoping to win its first since 2016. These few extra weeks of practice have allowed the Eagles to work on the passing game which struggled to fully develop this 2023 season. Thomas Castellanos is using this opportunity to get more comfortable with his receivers and use the Fenway Bowl as momentum into the new year.
"I can’t leave, but why leave? This is the school that gave me an opportunity to come in and show the world what I can do. They have faith in me." - Thomas Castellanos on staying at Boston College
Current Line: BC +10.0 (O/U 48.0)
Chance Of Winning: 16.4%
According to ESPN Analytics, Boston College has a 16.4% chance of winning this game. The spread for this game is currently 10 points in favor of SMU, with the over/under around 48 points.
Does BC Cover The Spread?
Boston College will cover the spread, but the confidence level is very low for this game.
The over/under looks low. Expect the total to go over. However, significant rainfall may take place Thursday morning throughout the game, so it may be wise to stay away from this bet.
(If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Final Score: 30-28 (Boston College Wins)
As Boston College gears up to face the SMU Mustangs in the Fenway Bowl, the Eagles find themselves at a pivotal moment for the future of the football program. Boston College Football Fans, here are your five keys to victory that could lead to a triumphant end to the season and much-needed hope for the future.
1. Rally Behind the Rushing Game:
Our ground game has been our bread and butter, and against SMU, it's time to dominate the trenches. With our offense averaging close to 200 rushing yards per game, we've got the power to take on SMU's defense. Let's see Castellanos and the running backs control the clock, wear down the Mustangs, and keep their offense sidelined. This is our turf, and our ground game can dictate the pace.
2. Disrupt the Mustangs' Offensive Juggernaut:
SMU's offense is nothing to scoff at, but our Eagles have faced tough opponents before. The key to slowing down their high-scoring game is pressure — pressure on the quarterback and tight coverage on receivers. We've seen flashes of brilliance from our defense this season, and it's time to bring that intensity to every play. Let's rattle them early and keep it up all game long. The D-line needs to finally step up big and be consistent.
3. Seize the Moment with Turnovers and Special Teams:
In big games, it's often the little things that make the biggest difference. A well-timed interception, a blocked kick, a game-changing return — these are moments that can swing momentum and energize the team. Our Eagles need to be alert and ready to capitalize on any opportunity. It's time for the special teams to step up and for the defense to hunt for that game-changing turnover. Our fans deserve to see something special happen in America's most beloved ballpark.
4. Commanding Performance from Castellanos:
Thomas Castellanos has shown he's a leader on the field, and his performance in the Fenway Bowl needs to be nothing short of commanding. We know he's capable of dazzling plays and solid decision-making. Protecting the football and making smart plays, both on the ground and through the air, will be crucial. He will simply need to be dominant and finish drives constantly. We cannot afford to settle for field goals and we cannot afford turnovers.
5. This is Our City:
It's about heart, it's all about the fight. The team needs to enter the game with the same resilience and determination that has defined Boston College football throughout its years. In 76 games played at Fenway Park, the Eagles are 55-16-5. It's about playing with the pride of Boston, nothing else matters.
For Boston, For Boston!
Depth Chart:
How To Watch The Game:
Go to Fenway Park and bring your family and friends. Tickets are still available!
The Fenway Bowl will be broadcast on ESPN. Chris Cotter (play-by-play) and former BC linebacker Mark Herzlich (analyst) are in the booth with Sherree Burruss (reporter) on the sideline.
Coverage on the Boston College Sports Network begins 30 minutes before kickoff on WEEI 850 AM. Jon Meterparel (play-by-play) is joined on the call by former BC linebacker Pete Cronan in the booth and quarterback Scott Mutryn on the sideline.
Boston College Football Fans (BCFF) will be covering the Wasabi Fenway Bowl live from Fenway Park!
Coverage of the Wasabi Fenway Bowl has already started. Please follow @BCFootballFans on X/Twitter for live updates before, during, and after the game.
Mac Hutchinson (publisher on X/Twitter) will be in the press box during the game with Ben Linteris (photography/videography) on the sideline.