BC and Holy Cross set to play for first time since 1986

CHESTNUT HILL — For more than 82 years, Boston College and Holy Cross would wrap up the regular season with a cross-state showdown, reflective of the rivalry between two Catholic schools in Massachusetts. 

As BC's football program grew and gained national stature, the matchup was no longer equitable and the schools parted ways, with Holy Cross ultimately settling in the Patriot League, while BC landed in the ACC.

For a generation of fans now brushing grey hair and relishing in memories from 30+ years ago, there is still a nostalgia associated with BC/Holy Cross that makes this year's rivalry renewal meaningful. The Eagles will enter heavy favorites, but seeing the maroon and gold on the same field with the purple and white will be significant and emotional.

BC coach Steve Addazio recalled memories from more than three decades ago, when the Eagles and Crusaders regularly battled on the gridiron.

"I remember going into the stadium at Holy Cross, and to me, it was like -- it may have been, may not have been, but to me it was this like huge big-time college football environment," said Addazio. "It was a cold fall day and everything smelled of cigar smoke, the hot dogs, the whole bit. We'd go in there like wow, this is awesome, and go watch that game. It was big-time, Northeast New England college football. It was fun."

One of the most memorable matchups came on November 30, 1984, when the Eagles, ranked #8 in the country and riding high after beating Miami the previous week on the famous Hail Mary pass from Doug Flutie to Gerard Phelan, beat Holy Cross 45-10.

Immediately following the game, Flutie and his family, along with a number of coaches and supporters, flew to New York City, where he was awarded the 1984 Heisman Trophy.

The final game of the 82 previously played between BC and Holy Cross was held in Worcester on Nobember 22, 1986. The Eagles capped off an 8-3 regular season with a 56-26 win over Holy Cross and went on to beat Georgia in the Hall of Fame Bowl.

Holy Cross last beat BC forty years ago, in 1978, when the Crusaders traveled to Chestnut Hill and beat the Eagles 30-29. BC finished the 1978 season 0-11.

BC leads the all-time series 47-32-3.

Cox Media Group