2014 Pinstripe Bowl Pick, Scenarios, and Bottom Line
By Joe Micik
Dec 28, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Fans look on during the game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankees Stadium. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won the game 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
After weeks of waiting, the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl pick is here, and the game arrives tomorrow.
Boston College faces Penn State for the 24th time in the history of both programs, and that history has been highly unfavorable to the Eagles. 19 losses against just four wins for BC, but all that concerns the Eagles right now is getting that fifth win and taking home a trophy.
Do the Nittany Lions continue their dominance over Boston College, or does Steve Addazio get his first bowl win with the Eagles?
2014 Pinstripe Bowl Pick: BC Best-Case Scenario
In the battle of Boston College’s elite rushing offense and Penn State’s elite run defense, it is the Eagles who break through first. The mobile Tyler Murphy confuses the Lions just long enough to get the Eagles into the end zone with his legs early in the contest, putting BC ahead.
Meanwhile, the other two units, Eagles defense and Nittany Lions offense, proves to be a mismatch for the most part. The pass defense is somewhat vulnerable and gives up a few plays of note, but the pass rush makes Christian Hackenberg kiss the turf more than once; more like four or five times. Penn State struggles to break out of the single digits in what becomes a tough offensive performance to watch as a football fan.
By no means do the Eagles run wild on Penn State, but Murphy in combination with Jon Hilliman, Myles Willis, and all the rest keep the Nittany Lions on their toes. Throw in a few Sherm Alston plays for big gains and the Eagles ride to a surprisingly easy 24-6 win.