Four things to watch in BC-Pitt as the Eagles look to clinch a winning season

BC running back Kye Robichaux (left) has racked up 381 yards on the ground and five scores in the last three games. Barry Chin/Globe Staff

By Trevor Hass, The Boston Globe

November 29, 2024

4 minutes to read

Before this week, whenever the subject of reaching eight wins arose, members of the Boston College football team insisted that the milestone wasn’t on their minds.

But on Tuesday morning, captains Donovan Ezeiruaku and Ozzy Trapilo acknowledged that while beating Pittsburgh Saturday is of course their top priority, hitting No. 8 (including the bowl game) for the first time since 2009 is something they think about now.

“It’s very important,” said Ezeiruaku, a standout defensive end. “We’ve been stressing that we have to win this game first before we can think about what’s to come in a bowl game. But it’s definitely something I look forward to, because I haven’t experienced that. I want to go out my senior year with eight wins.”

Momentum is with the Eagles (6-5, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) after a dominant showing against North Carolina last week. To cap the regular season, they welcome to town a reeling Panthers squad (7-4, 3-4) that has lost four straight.

They’ll worry about their bowl opponent when it comes, but for now, their mission is to reach seven regular-season wins for the first time since 2018.

“We really want to finish on a winning note,” coach Bill O’Brien said.

Here are four story lines to follow:

1. The rushing attack has been formidable.

Ever since the Syracuse game Nov. 9 — when the Eagles erupted for 313 rushing yards — their run game has been one of the best in the conference. BC totaled 180 yards and three touchdowns on the ground against Southern Methodist Nov. 16, then 228 yards and three more scores vs. the Tar Heels.

The Eagles have the most rushing attempts in the ACC at 466 and the sixth-most rushing yards per game at 180.7. They’ve leaned heavily on Kye Robichaux, who racked up 381 yards and five scores in those three games.

Jordan McDonald, who began the season as a practice player, has added 248 yards during that span.

“Having multiple guys that can go in there and carry the load, and produce at a high level, it really makes it easier on the group as a whole,” Robichaux said. “We know that if we come out of the game, we’re not going to miss a beat.”

The Eagles are 6-3 when rushing for more than 100 yards and just 1-4 when passing for more than 200 yards.

O’Brien said the offensive line is one of the team’s most-improved units, adding that continuity has played a key role. Jude Bowry (LT), Logan Taylor (LG), Drew Kendall (C), Jack Conley (RG), and Trapilo (RT) have been constants.

“There’s a lot of chemistry there,” said O’Brien. “They know how to communicate with each other.”

2. Grayson James continues to look more comfortable.

As the quarterback has gained experience, he has looked more confident and in command.

James was 18 of 27 for 192 yards and a touchdown against UNC, plus one rushing touchdown, showing again why O’Brien placed faith in him.

“This is the most fun I’ve had playing football in a while,” James said.

Grayson James has seized the opportunity as BC’s quarterback. – Maddie Malhotra

O’Brien said the Eagles need someone with leadership qualities, a strong work ethic, and the ability to throw the ball with accuracy and anticipation. He made a point to mention that former BC QB Thomas Castellanos, who left the team after he was benched, fit that description as well.

But O’Brien credited James for taking his opportunity and running with it.

“I’m very proud of Grayson,” O’Brien said. “He’s traveled a different road.”

3. Joe Marinaro is living the dream.

The graduate student, who started his career as a walk-on, has blossomed into a captain and catalyst.

With Kam Arnold and Owen McGowan sidelined at linebacker, special teamer Marinaro has seamlessly slid into a new spot. His interception against the Tar Heels came at a critical juncture and helped BC extend its lead.

O’Brien called Marinaro a “heart and soul” guy.

“Joe Marinaro is what college football is all about,” O’Brien said. “For him to go out there and do what he did in that last game, plus he’s doing it injured, he’s playing hurt, just a tremendous effort.”

Marinaro’s father, Mike Marinaro, played for the Eagles, and Joe always wanted to play for BC too and have moments like this.

“It’s really like a dream come true for me,” Marinaro said.

4. They have to avoid the Pitt-fall.

In their seven-game win streak to start the season, the Panthers outscored their opponents, 286-154. In the four losses since, the Panthers have been outscored, 129-73, including a 37-9 loss to Louisville last Saturday.

The Eagles know they’re in no position to take anyone lightly, particularly a physical opponent like this one.

“They’re a very, very tough football team,” O’Brien said. “Without a doubt, one of the toughest teams we’ve played all year.”

Standout redshirt freshman quarterback Eli Holstein left last Saturday’s game with a lower-body injury, and 6-foot-6-inch junior Nate Yarnell struggled in relief. Third-stringer David Lynch saw some time late as well.

Pitt quarterback Nate Yarnell was 11 of 23 for 96 yards, with one TD pass and an interception in last week’s 37-9 loss to Louisville. – Andy Lyons

O’Brien, who recruited Holstein at Alabama, said the Eagles are preparing for a battle, regardless of who’s out there. Desmond Reid (797 rushing yards, 564 receiving yards) is a weapon offensively, and linebacker Kyle Louis (93 tackles, 7 sacks, 4 interceptions) is a catalyst defensively.

“This is going to be a big challenge for us,” O’Brien said.