Red bandana game boston college. The Red Bandanna Game: Boston College’s Tribute to 9/11 Hero Welles Crowther

What is the Red Bandanna Game. How did it originate. Why is it significant to Boston College. How has the team performed in past Red Bandanna Games. What impact has this tradition had on the BC community.

The Origin and Significance of the Red Bandanna Game

The Red Bandanna Game is a poignant annual tradition at Boston College that honors the heroic legacy of Welles Crowther, a BC alumnus who sacrificed his life saving others during the September 11, 2001 attacks. Crowther, known as “the man in the red bandanna,” was credited with saving approximately a dozen lives at the World Trade Center before losing his own.

This tradition began in 2014, transforming an ordinary football game into a powerful tribute that resonates deeply with the BC community and beyond. During this special game, the Eagles don uniforms adorned with red bandanna accents, symbolizing Crowther’s signature accessory that became a beacon of hope and courage on that fateful day.

Why is the Red Bandanna Game so significant?

The Red Bandanna Game serves multiple purposes:

• It honors Welles Crowther’s selfless heroism
• It keeps the memory of 9/11 alive for younger generations
• It embodies BC’s values of service and sacrifice
• It unites the BC community in a shared experience of remembrance and gratitude

Notable Red Bandanna Games Through the Years

Since its inception, the Red Bandanna Game has produced some memorable moments and significant outcomes for Boston College football. Let’s explore some of the most notable games in this tradition’s history.

2014: The Inaugural Red Bandanna Game

The first Red Bandanna Game on September 14, 2014, set a high bar for future iterations. Boston College faced off against 9th-ranked USC, resulting in a stunning 37-31 victory for the Eagles. This win was particularly significant as it marked BC’s first triumph over a ranked opponent since 2008.

Key highlights of the 2014 game include:

• BC quarterback Tyler Murphy’s 191 rushing yards
• A game-winning 66-yard touchdown run by Murphy
• BC’s dominating ground game, outgaining USC 452 yards to 20

Then-head coach Steve Addazio emphasized the game’s importance, stating, “The Red Bandanna Game meant a lot. We talked a lot about Welles Crowther. We talked a lot about who he was and what it takes to be a BC man. Our guys dug deep on this. This was a great win.”

2015-2016: Challenging Years

The following two Red Bandanna Games proved more difficult for the Eagles:

• 2015: BC lost to 9th-ranked Florida State 14-0
• 2016: 3rd-ranked Clemson dominated BC 56-10

These games, while disappointing in terms of outcome, still served as powerful reminders of Crowther’s legacy and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

2017: A Return to Victory

The 2017 Red Bandanna Game saw BC bounce back with a decisive 35-3 victory over Florida State. This win was notable for several reasons:

• It ended an eight-year losing streak against FSU
• It marked the largest margin of victory for BC over FSU in program history
• Freshman AJ Dillon rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown

Senior linebacker Ty Schwab captured the game’s significance, saying, “I’ll definitely remember this game, probably for the rest of my life.”

The Impact of the Red Bandanna Game on BC’s Football Program

The Red Bandanna Game has become more than just another date on the football calendar. It has evolved into a rallying point for the team, often bringing out exceptional performances and creating lasting memories.

How does the Red Bandanna Game affect player performance?

While it’s difficult to quantify the exact impact, there’s evidence to suggest that the emotional significance of the Red Bandanna Game often inspires players to elevate their game:

• The 2014 upset victory over USC
• AJ Dillon’s impressive freshman performance in 2017
• Consistently competitive showings against highly-ranked opponents

The Red Bandanna Game seems to galvanize the team, helping players tap into reserves of determination and grit that embody Welles Crowther’s spirit.

The Red Bandanna Game’s Influence on BC’s Community and Culture

Beyond the football field, the Red Bandanna Game has become a touchstone for the entire Boston College community. It serves as a yearly reminder of the values that BC seeks to instill in its students and alumni.

How does the Red Bandanna Game impact BC’s campus culture?

The annual event fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose among students, faculty, and alumni. It encourages reflection on themes of heroism, sacrifice, and service to others. Many BC students report that the Red Bandanna Game is one of their most meaningful experiences during their time at the university.

The game also serves as an educational tool, ensuring that younger generations of BC students learn about Welles Crowther’s heroism and the broader impact of 9/11 on American society.

The Evolution of Red Bandanna Game Uniforms

One of the most visible aspects of the Red Bandanna Game is the special uniforms worn by the BC football team. These uniforms have become increasingly elaborate over the years, serving as a powerful visual tribute to Welles Crowther.

How have the Red Bandanna uniforms changed over time?

The evolution of the uniforms reflects the growing significance of the tradition:

• Initial designs featured subtle red bandanna accents
• Later iterations incorporated more prominent red bandanna patterns
• Recent designs have included intricate details honoring Crowther’s life and legacy

These uniforms have become highly anticipated each year, with fans and players alike eager to see how designers will incorporate the red bandanna motif in new and meaningful ways.

The Red Bandanna Game’s Place in College Football Traditions

While many college football programs have meaningful traditions, the Red Bandanna Game stands out for its combination of athletic competition and solemn remembrance. It has garnered national attention and respect, even from BC’s rivals.

How does the Red Bandanna Game compare to other college football traditions?

The Red Bandanna Game is unique in several ways:

• It honors a specific individual’s heroism
• It connects directly to a national tragedy
• It transcends sports, focusing on themes of sacrifice and service

While traditions like Notre Dame’s “Play Like a Champion Today” or Ohio State’s “Dotting the I” are beloved, the Red Bandanna Game carries a gravitas that sets it apart in the landscape of college football traditions.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Red Bandanna Game

As the Red Bandanna Game approaches its 10th anniversary, it’s clear that this tradition has become an integral part of Boston College’s identity. But how will it evolve in the coming years?

What can we expect from future Red Bandanna Games?

While the core elements of the tradition are likely to remain consistent, we might see:

• Expanded community outreach and service initiatives tied to the game
• Increased national media coverage as the tradition’s significance grows
• New ways of incorporating technology to share Welles Crowther’s story
• Potential collaborations with other universities or organizations to spread the message of heroism and service

Regardless of how it evolves, the Red Bandanna Game will undoubtedly continue to be a powerful reminder of one man’s courage and the enduring impact of selfless actions.

The Broader Impact: Beyond Boston College

While the Red Bandanna Game is primarily associated with Boston College, its influence extends far beyond the campus boundaries. The story of Welles Crowther and the annual tribute to his heroism have resonated with people across the country, inspiring similar acts of remembrance and service.

How has the Red Bandanna Game influenced other institutions?

The impact of this tradition can be seen in various ways:

• Other universities have created their own tributes to 9/11 heroes
• The red bandanna has become a widely recognized symbol of courage and sacrifice
• Welles Crowther’s story has been incorporated into educational curricula beyond BC
• The game has sparked discussions about heroism and civic responsibility in communities nationwide

For example, the article mentions that even before BC’s official Red Bandanna Game, the University of Central Florida honored Crowther by encouraging fans to wear and wave red bandanas during a game against BC in 2011. This demonstrates how Crowther’s story had already begun to inspire tributes beyond his alma mater.

What role does the Red Bandanna Game play in national 9/11 remembrance efforts?

As time passes and direct memories of 9/11 fade for younger generations, events like the Red Bandanna Game take on increased importance. They serve as living memorials, ensuring that the stories of that day – both the tragedy and the heroism – are not forgotten.

The game provides a unique platform for 9/11 remembrance, combining the excitement of college football with solemn reflection. This blend of entertainment and education helps to engage young people who may not have personal connections to the events of 9/11, keeping the memory alive in a relatable and impactful way.

The Red Bandanna Game: A Testament to the Power of Sports

The Red Bandanna Game stands as a powerful example of how sports can transcend mere competition to become a vehicle for social good and collective remembrance. It demonstrates the unique ability of athletic events to unite communities, inspire action, and preserve important narratives.

How does the Red Bandanna Game exemplify the potential of sports to effect positive change?

This tradition showcases several key aspects of sports’ societal impact:

• It provides a platform for sharing important stories and values
• It creates a shared experience that strengthens community bonds
• It inspires young athletes to consider their potential for positive impact beyond the field
• It demonstrates how athletic programs can contribute to broader educational and social goals

By intertwining the excitement of college football with the solemnity of remembering a national tragedy, the Red Bandanna Game creates a unique and powerful experience. It shows how sports can be a force for good, fostering unity, inspiring courage, and promoting values that extend far beyond the playing field.

As we look to the future, the Red Bandanna Game serves as a model for how athletic traditions can evolve to address important social issues and preserve crucial historical memories. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Welles Crowther and a reminder of sports’ potential to inspire, unite, and effect positive change in our world.

A Look Back On BC’s Past Red Bandanna Football Games

Stories of Welles Crowther, the Boston College alumnus credited with saving the lives of about a dozen people during the Sept. 11 attacks, have circled the Heights—and the nation—for upwards of two decades. More recently, though, came the introduction of the Red Bandanna Game, an annual tradition in which BC football dons special Red Bandanna uniforms in front of a home crowd, honoring the legacy of Crowther—known as “the man in the red bandanna.” 

BC is set to take on Virginia Tech on Friday night in the 2021 Red Bandanna Game, and though the Eagles already debuted their Red Bandanna uniforms against UMass in honor of the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, the game has far from lost its significance. Take a look back at the annual tradition over the years, as well as how the Eagles have fared in their most meaningful game of each season. 

Sept. 14, 2014: In the inaugural Red Bandanna Game, BC earned a program-defining victory on par with the Miracle in Miami. The Eagles took down No. 9 Southern California 37–31, marking BC’s most recent win over an AP Top 25 opponent as well as the Eagles’ first ranked win since beating No. 20 Florida State in 2008. BC quarterback Tyler Murphy rushed for 191 yards, including the game-winning score on a 66-yard run with 3:30 to play. BC outgained USC 452 to 20 on the ground in the win. 

“The Red Bandanna Game meant a lot,” then-head coach Steve Addazio, with red bandanas hanging from each pocket, said in his postgame press conference. “We talked a lot about Welles Crowther. We talked a lot about who he was and what it takes to be a BC man. Our guys dug deep on this. This was a great win.”

As a caveat, BC was not actually the first school to honor Crowther at a BC football game. Instead, one day prior to the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, a home crowd at Central Florida honored the BC alumnus by wearing and waving red bandanas as UCF took on the Eagles. 

Sept. 18, 2015: After the spectacle that was BC’s 2014 win over USC, the bar was so high it was practically suspended in the stratosphere, and anything but a last-minute miracle win would be a letdown. With 39,000 fans in attendance, the Eagles couldn’t repeat the successes of their predecessors in the Red Bandanna Game, and BC lost 14–0 to No. 9 Florida State. BC posted just 195 total yards, compared to Florida State’s 217, and only one of the Seminoles’ touchdowns came on offense. BC allowed a game-opening, 83-yard touchdown drive, and the only other score of the game came on a fumble recovery that Florida State took to the house. Injuries to lineman Frank Taylor and quarterback Darius Wade hindered an already struggling BC offense. 

Oct. 7, 2016: BC’s 2016 Red Bandanna Game loss was equally painful as the year prior, but for different reasons. No. 3 Clemson throttled BC, and Michael Sullivan, Heights sports editor at the time, wrote, “[BC’s] dreams never came. Neither did the roar of the crowd. Well, not from those wearing bandannas, at least.” 

Two-time Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson and the Clemson offense totaled 499 yards, and BC lost 56–10, the most points BC had allowed to that point in the Addazio era. Heading into that game, BC’s defense had allowed an average of 202 yards per game, the lowest total in the country. 

Oct. 27, 2017: After two straight years of heartbreak in the Red Bandanna Game, BC bounced back in a big way, beating FSU for the first time in eight years with a 35–3 rout. The win marked the largest margin of victory for BC over FSU in program history. AJ Dillon, then a freshman, rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown, and senior linebacker Ty Schwab recorded 12 tackles including 2.5 for loss.

“I’ll definitely remember this game, probably for the rest of my life,” Schwab said after the game.

Oct. 26, 2018: The Eagles earned a second straight Red Bandanna win, taking down Miami 27–14 thanks to some aggressive play calling. Double moves and trick plays abounded for offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler. BC went for 223 yards on the ground and 210 through the air, while the Eagles’ defense held Miami to 305 total yards. Dillon returned from an ankle injury to rush for 149 yards and a touchdown on the ground. 

Nov. 9, 2019: BC dropped its second game in two years to Florida State in the 2019 iteration of the Red Bandanna Game. With quarterback Anthony Brown out due to injury, Dennis Grosel threw for 227 yards on 20-for-29 passing, tossing one interception and no scores. Dillon became the first player in BC history to surpass 4,000 career yards with his 19th career 100-yard game. BC trailed 24–14 entering the fourth quarter, and Aaron Boumerhi tied the game with a field goal, but the Seminoles scored twice in a matter of 45 seconds to lead 34–28, and BC couldn’t complete its comeback bid.

Nov. 14, 2020: With no fans in the stadium, BC still donned its Red Bandanna uniforms to take on No. 2 Notre Dame. The parallels to a 1993 miracle, in which the then-No. 12 Eagles beat Notre Dame one week after the Irish had toppled the No. 1 team in the country, lined up for BC, and Phil Jurkovec looked to get his revenge on his former team. But without a true home-field advantage, the Eagles collapsed under Notre Dame’s pressure, resulting in a 45–31 loss for the Eagles.

“It was a game circled on the schedule,” Jurkovec said in the postgame press conference. “To be able to play against all my former teammates, it was a special game. It’s very disappointing to lose it.”

Featured Image by Jess Rivilis / Heights Senior Staff

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Explaining Welles Crowther Red Bandana Game tradition

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College Football

by Alicia de Artola 1 year ago

Each year the Boston College Eagles honor alum Welles Crowther, who saved more than a dozen lives on 9/11, with the Red Bandana Game.

One of the best traditions of this century in college football belongs to the Boston College Eagles and the Red Bandana Game.

What is the Red Bandana Game? Who was Welles Crowther? Why does Boston College honor him?

There’s an inspiring reason for it all.

Who was Welles Crowther?

Crowther graduated from Boston College in 1999 and went to work as an equities trader and volunteer firefighter in New York.

On Sept. 11, 2001, he was one of the many people working in the World Trade Center’s South Tower when it was struck by an airplane piloted by terrorists.

Red bandana meaning: Why does Boston College honor Welles?

Tragically, Crowther perished when the tower collapsed, but not before making a heroic impact.

Survivors told stories of a man wearing a red bandana who carried one injured woman on his back and helped coordinator others to safety. They also recounted how he turned back to reenter the building after they made it out, looking to help others. He saved anywhere from 10 to 20 lives that day.

The Man in the Red Bandanna pic.twitter.com/eFh0gyyvUB

— BC Football (@BCFootball) November 4, 2021

What is the Red Bandana Game?

In 2014, ahead of the anniversary of 9/11, BC decided to honor Crowther’s memory by wearing special jerseys when they faced No. 9 USC. In the red bandana-inspired uniforms, they upset the Trojans and they’ve been wearing Red Bandana uniforms each year since.