Friday Night Grudge Match

After a Shocking Upset, Rutgers Travels to Boston College Seeking Their First Win of the 2026 Season.

Old Big East schools are set to renew their rivalry this Friday night. Rutgers, coming off a gut-punch loss to UMass, aim at getting on track this week with a win over Boston College. Heading home to start their 2026 home slate, Boston College also looks to obtain their first win of the season after falling in Cincinnati. If you are looking for a good old-fashioned head banger, this game should not disappoint.

What to Watch For?

• The QB Play

  • After starting Rutgers QB Dylan Lonergan went down late in the 4th quarter in the loss to UMass, QB AJ Surace stepped up. Only throwing the ball 9 times, Surace looked solid completing 6 of those attempts and connecting for a TD. How will the redshirt Sophomore step up in his first career start with his team almost desperate for a win early in the season?

  • Having struggled with the pressure from Cincinnati, can Boston College QB Mason McKenzie calm down to execute and create big plays? McKenzie will need to make his quick reads in order to control tempo and keep the Rutgers rush on their heels.

• Establishing the Line

  • With Surace making his first career start and Boston College looking to take pressure off McKenzie, both offensive lines need to establish themselves early. Whoever wins this battle will most likely win this game.

The Verdict and Early Bet Leans

• This is a game where field position is going to be king. I wouldn’t expect a lot of explosive plays in this one, with both defenses looking to rattle the opposing quarterbacks. Defensive stands and short field execution are the keys to this grudge match.

• Current Odds

  • Boston College (-3.5)

  • O/U 54.5

• Early Leans

  • Boston College -3.5 (Even with AJ Surace looking solid and WR KJ Duff running routes, I don’t believe this Rutgers team is going to be able to overcome their struggles in this away game; While they lost, Boston College has a full game of reps in with their starters and the home crowd behind them. Watch out for the hook, I would look to buy a point if possible)

  • Under 54.5 (I like a lot of short passes and early runs here, with both teams trying to establish themselves early. I expect a slow start with most of the workload transferring to the second half. I’m not sure it will be enough to push this over)

• Full Game Prediction

  • 27-23 Boston College