It's official- for the first time in nearly three years, Penn State will be playing in a bowl game. Penn State has accepted a bid to play in the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College of the ACC, according to ESPN's Brett McMurphy. The game will kick off at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 27 in Yankee Stadium.
Penn State vs. Boston College in Pinstripe Bowl, source told @ESPN
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) December 7, 2014
Boston College finished the season at 7-5, with a 4-4 record in the ACC. The Eagles play a very physical brand of football with a stingy defense and an excellent running game. With little doubt, the highlight of the Boston College season thus far was a 37-31 upset victory against then-#9 USC at home. The Eagles found their identity for the season by rushing for 452 yards and allowing USC just 20 yards on the ground.
With the exception of a week two loss against Pitt, all of B.C.'s losses occurred to teams that were ranked for the majority of the season, including a near-upset against Florida State. The Eagles had the Seminoles on the ropes late in the game, but the would-be go-ahead field goal late in the fourth quarter sailed wide and yet another clutch Florida State allowed them to escape undefeated.
Penn State leads the all-time series against B.C. 19-4. However, the Eagles have won the last three match-ups in 1992, 2003 and 2004.
You can expect much, much more coverage from us for the Pinstripe Bowl in the coming weeks. In the meantime, savor the fact that Penn State is returning to a bowl game and we won't be suffering through yet another significantly long offseason.