What is the significance of Boston College’s Red Bandanna Game. How has this tradition evolved since its inception. What notable moments have occurred during past Red Bandanna games.
The Origin and Meaning of the Red Bandanna Game
The Red Bandanna Game has become an annual tradition at Boston College, honoring the heroic legacy of alumnus Welles Crowther. Known as “the man in the red bandanna,” Crowther saved approximately a dozen lives during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks before losing his own life. This powerful tribute combines the excitement of college football with a solemn remembrance of sacrifice and heroism.
Who was Welles Crowther?
Welles Crowther was a Boston College graduate who worked as an equities trader in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. On September 11, he courageously led people to safety, identifiable by the red bandanna he always carried. His selfless actions in the face of danger have inspired countless individuals and exemplify the values Boston College seeks to instill in its students.
The Inaugural Red Bandanna Game: A Historic Upset
The first official Red Bandanna Game took place on September 14, 2014, and immediately etched itself into Boston College football lore. The Eagles faced the formidable No. 9 ranked University of Southern California Trojans, entering the game as significant underdogs.
Key Moments from the 2014 Game
- Boston College quarterback Tyler Murphy rushed for an astounding 191 yards
- Murphy scored the game-winning touchdown on a 66-yard run with just 3:30 left to play
- The Eagles dominated on the ground, outgaining USC 452 yards to 20
- Final score: Boston College 37, USC 31
This upset victory over a top-10 team set a high standard for future Red Bandanna Games and remains Boston College’s most recent win over an AP Top 25 opponent. Then-head coach Steve Addazio emphasized the game’s significance, stating, “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.”
Evolution of the Red Bandanna Tradition
While the Red Bandanna Game has become synonymous with Boston College football, it’s worth noting that the tradition of honoring Welles Crowther at college football games actually began elsewhere. On September 10, 2011, one day before the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the University of Central Florida paid tribute to Crowther during their game against Boston College. UCF fans wore and waved red bandanas in a touching display of solidarity and remembrance.
Challenges and Setbacks in Red Bandanna Games
Following the emotional high of the inaugural game, Boston College faced difficulties in maintaining that level of success in subsequent Red Bandanna matchups. The 2015 and 2016 games, in particular, proved to be challenging for the Eagles.
2015: A Defensive Struggle Against Florida State
On September 18, 2015, Boston College hosted No. 9 Florida State in front of 39,000 fans. Despite the electric atmosphere, the Eagles struggled offensively, managing only 195 total yards in a 14-0 loss. Injuries to key players, including quarterback Darius Wade, further hampered BC’s efforts.
2016: Clemson’s Dominance
The 2016 Red Bandanna Game on October 7 saw Boston College face their toughest challenge yet in No. 3 Clemson. Led by future NFL star Deshaun Watson, Clemson’s offense exploded for 499 total yards. The final score of 56-10 in Clemson’s favor marked the most points allowed by Boston College during the Steve Addazio era.
Resurgence and Memorable Victories
After two difficult years, the Red Bandanna Game once again became a source of inspiration and triumph for Boston College. The 2017 and 2018 games featured standout performances and significant victories for the Eagles.
2017: Dominating Florida State
On October 27, 2017, Boston College ended their eight-year drought against Florida State with a resounding 35-3 victory. This win marked the largest margin of victory for BC over FSU in program history. Freshman running back AJ Dillon rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown, while senior linebacker Ty Schwab recorded 12 tackles, including 2.5 for loss.
2018: Upsetting Miami
The 2018 Red Bandanna Game on October 26 saw Boston College continue their winning ways with a 27-14 victory over Miami. The Eagles’ offense showcased creativity and aggression, utilizing double moves and trick plays to keep the Hurricanes off balance. AJ Dillon, returning from an ankle injury, once again rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown.
Recent Red Bandanna Game Performances
As the Red Bandanna Game tradition has continued, Boston College has faced both triumphs and challenges in recent years. The 2019 game against Florida State and subsequent matchups have added new chapters to this meaningful tradition.
2019: A Setback Against Florida State
On November 9, 2019, Boston College faced Florida State in the Red Bandanna Game for the third time. Despite a solid performance from quarterback Dennis Grosel, who threw for 227 yards on 20-for-29 passing, the Eagles fell short in a 38-31 loss. Running back AJ Dillon continued to shine, becoming Boston College’s all-time leading rusher during the game.
Recent and Upcoming Red Bandanna Games
The tradition has continued in recent years, with Boston College facing various opponents in this special game. The 2021 Red Bandanna Game saw the Eagles take on Virginia Tech, while the 2023 edition is scheduled to feature a matchup against Florida State. These games continue to serve as a powerful reminder of Welles Crowther’s heroism and the values he embodied.
Impact and Legacy of the Red Bandanna Game
The Red Bandanna Game has become more than just an annual football matchup; it has evolved into a powerful symbol of remembrance, heroism, and the Boston College community’s values. This tradition has helped keep Welles Crowther’s story alive, inspiring new generations of students and fans.
How does the Red Bandanna Game impact the Boston College community?
The annual event serves as a unifying force for the Boston College community, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, and fans to honor Crowther’s memory. It provides an opportunity for reflection on the importance of selflessness and courage in the face of adversity. The game also raises awareness about the events of September 11 and the countless acts of heroism that occurred that day.
What is the broader impact of the Red Bandanna Game?
Beyond the Boston College campus, the Red Bandanna Game has garnered national attention, helping to spread Welles Crowther’s story to a wider audience. The game has been featured in numerous media outlets and has inspired similar tributes at other institutions. This increased visibility has led to greater awareness of the sacrifices made on September 11 and has helped keep the memory of those lost alive.
The Future of the Red Bandanna Game Tradition
As the Red Bandanna Game enters its second decade, it shows no signs of losing its significance or emotional impact. The tradition continues to evolve, with each game adding new layers of meaning to this powerful tribute.
How might the Red Bandanna Game tradition continue to evolve?
While the core purpose of honoring Welles Crowther remains constant, the Red Bandanna Game may see new elements added in the future. Potential developments could include:
- Expanded charitable initiatives tied to the game
- Increased involvement of Crowther’s family and survivors he helped save
- Collaborations with other universities to spread the message of heroism and service
- Integration of new technologies to enhance the fan experience and educational aspects of the event
As the years pass and new generations of students enter Boston College, the Red Bandanna Game will likely continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the values Welles Crowther embodied and the impact one individual can have in times of crisis.
Conclusion
The Red Bandanna Game has become an integral part of Boston College’s football tradition and campus culture. From its inception with a stunning upset victory over USC to recent matchups against conference rivals, this annual event continues to honor the memory of Welles Crowther and inspire new generations of students and fans. As the tradition evolves, it remains a poignant reminder of the power of selflessness, courage, and the enduring impact of one individual’s heroic actions.
Through victories and defeats on the field, the true essence of the Red Bandanna Game transcends the sport itself. It serves as a living memorial to Welles Crowther and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. As Boston College continues to don their special red bandanna uniforms each year, they carry forward a legacy of heroism and remind us all of the importance of service to others in times of need.
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.
youtube.com/embed/Kxo0vzgwnmY?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen=””>
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./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22834450/usa_today_15200041.jpg)
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
welles crowther red bandanna game
Explaining Welles Crowther Red Bandana Game tradition
Boston College Red Bandana Game. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Pelicans vs Warriors NBA live stream reddit for Nov.
5 by Aryanna Prasad
Everything you need to know about Canelo Alvarez vs. Caleb Plant by Amy Kaplan
College Football
by Alicia de Artola
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.
