Game 13 - Pinstripe Bowl v Boston College (Saturday, December 28 - 11:00am ABC): Depth Chart, Game Notes, Odds & Ends, etc

[Pepe Silvia]

I’ll buy you a 30 dollar beer

Nebraska custom dictates that you sneak in a couple dozen fireball shots hidden somewhere on your body

 

[The Other Dave]

I’ll buy you a 30 dollar beer

Ha! I’ll be drinking $50 Jack and cokes if they have them

 

[vailhusker]

 

[vailhusker]

 

[dom91932]

As Nebraska returns to bowl season, Matt Rhule pays homage to players of Huskers past

Nebraska snapped the longest bowl drought among Power 4 teams this season and will play in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday.

www.nytimes.com

As Nebraska returns to bowl season, Matt Rhule pays homage to players of Huskers past​

By Mitch Sherman

LINCOLN, Neb. — Thirteen members of Nebraska’s 2019 class of football newcomers trudged through more turnover and disappointment than any group at the school in 60 years.

A pandemic nearly canceled their season in 2020, and in the year that followed, Nebraska lost nine games by single-digit margins, including six against ranked opponents.

They endured a coaching change that came with more turmoil than any of them deserved, then another dose of painstakingly close defeats in November 2023 with bowl eligibility on the line.

Five of the 13 — linebackers John Bullock and Javin Wright, defensive lineman Ty Robinson, offensive lineman Bryce Benhart and running back Rahmir Johnson — remain as sixth-year seniors. They traveled with the Huskers on Monday to New York to begin on-site preparation for the Pinstripe Bowl, which is Saturday at Yankee Stadium against Boston College.

Another seven will join them late this week in the Big Apple: former linebackers Nick Henrich, Luke Reimer and Garrett Snodgrass, defensive lineman Jacob Herbek, tight end John Goodwin, offensive lineman Ethan Piper and defensive back Phalen Sanford.

Second-year Nebraska coach Matt Rhule and his wife, Julie, are paying for their trips. The Rhules are providing airline travel for the group, hotel rooms alongside their former teammates in midtown Manhattan on Friday night and tickets to the Huskers’ first bowl since 2016.

“I’m a big believer in gratitude,” Rhule said.

The 13th of the 2019 signees who made it at least five years in Lincoln, former cornerback Quinton Newsome, plays for the Denver Broncos and can’t make it.

Eleven additional seniors from Rhule’s first team also will be there in New York courtesy of Matt and Julie — offensive linemen Nouredin Nouili (flying in from Frankfurt, Germany) and Keegan Menning, wide receivers Ty Hahn, Billy Kemp and Joshua Fleeks, linebacker Grant Tagge, running backs Anthony Grant, Trevin Luben and Braden Klover, long snapper Marco Ortiz and kicker Timmy Bleekrode.

“I think it just speaks volumes to who (Rhule) is and what he wants this program to be,” said Henrich, a captain in 2022 and three-year starter. “It’s just going to be so special, watching those guys out there.

“To see them in person and to be a part of that atmosphere again, I’ll have a lot of mixed emotions. But really, I’m just very grateful. And I’ll be reflective of my career.”

The 18 seniors from last year who are traveling on Rhule’s dime will carry the flag, metaphorically, for all of the former Huskers who missed an opportunity to attend a bowl game from 2017 through 2023.

The seven-year streak was the longest among Power 4 schools. Nebraska snapped it to attain bowl eligibility with its sixth win of the season, 44-25 against Wisconsin on Nov. 23.

For a program that missed a bowl game twice from 1969 to 2016, the drought was jarring. To see it end has removed a burden from all of the ex-Nebraska players who lived through parts of it.

“It’s something we talked about when I played there,” said Chancellor Brewington, a wide receiver and tight end in 2021 and 2022. “It was in the back of everyone’s mind. So for them to end (the drought), it’s not like we’re doing it. But it’s an extension of us.”

Brewington said he struggled to enjoy the weeks after the regular season during his time at Nebraska. In December 2021, he said, many of the Huskers held joint workouts to keep pace with their peers in college football who were participating in official, coach-led practices.

“You want to hang out with your family,” he said, “but watching your friends and competitors play in bowl games, it’s not fun.”

Other ex-Huskers echoed Brewington’s sentiment. Henrich said he rarely watched postseason football because of the pain it would cause.

“You never plan on having that much free time when the (regular) season ends,” Henrich said. “I love Christmas and that time of year, but it was a weird feeling, like, ‘I shouldn’t be here. I should be practicing with the guys and getting ready for a big game.’”

Rhule told the 2023 seniors at a gathering of their class after last season that he planned to take them on the bowl trip this year. Piper remembered Rhule’s vow and trekked to Memorial Stadium to watch the Wisconsin game.

A decorated lineman who started 25 games over four seasons, Piper went to work this year as a science teacher at Columbus Lakeview High.

He’s got 26 hours to spend in New York this week, Piper said, and he plans to make the most of it. He looks most forward to seeing Huskers such as Benhart and Robinson.

“Bryce Benhart is my best friend,” Piper said. “Football aside, seeing him succeed in life is just awesome. On the field, being a part of that 2019 class, we went through a lot of things. For some of those guys to go out by making a bowl game, ending the streak, whatever part I can have in that is great.”

Piper and Henrich, both fifth-year seniors in 2023, had one year of remaining eligibility apiece. Their careers ended as a result of serious knee injuries. Piper was hurt in October during Nebraska’s win against Northwestern; Henrich went down late in an overtime loss at Wisconsin in November.

No question, Piper said, he would have returned for another season if his health had allowed.

“It feels like a dream that I was in,” Piper said of his five seasons at Nebraska. “Just being able to live that for part of my life, it’s something that I’ll never take for granted. It’s something that is great.”

This bowl trip for Nebraska’s coach serves as a homecoming. Rhule was born in New York and still considers the city as a home. His father, Dennis, served as a pastor in Manhattan. Rhule has fond memories of time spent in the Lower East Side neighborhood and around Park Slope in Brooklyn.

The return to New York carries meaning for Rhule’s family. That he can share it with some of the ex-Huskers who never played in a bowl game will add to its significance.

“They mean a lot to me,” Rhule said. “It’s the least we could do. Julie and I, sometimes, it’s hard to show people how you feel about them. This is a way we can show people how we feel about them.”

 

[Ghost of Devaney]

Eyes are watering a bit

 

[Tsakoi]

When are we gonna find out if their good pass rusher is playing or not?

 

[SOHusker11]

When are we gonna find out if their good pass rusher is playing or not?

This says he's out.

The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2024 Pinstripe Bowl.

Boston College Eagles Draft Prospects​

Drew Kendall, IOL

Kendall joined Boston College in 2021 and redshirted that season. Since that point, he has been in the starting lineup for the Eagles. He has played guard and center over the last three seasons. In 2024, he was an All-ACC First Team selection for his play.

At 6-foot-4 and 299 pounds, Kendall will be on the lighter side for an NFL offensive lineman. His versatility will make him more valuable for the NFL. With other centers electing to go back to school, his value in this draft has increased even more. He is a projected late-round pick.

Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Roun

Jude Bowry, OT

Bowry joined Boston College in 2022. In his first two seasons with the team, he played sparingly at both right and left tackle. This season, he stepped into the starting lineup at left tackle and played decently, helping the Eagles get to a bowl game.

At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, Bowry has solid size for an NFL Draft prospect at his position. He is still a young tackle and could benefit from returning to school to continue developing his game. If he does declare for the draft, he could be a late-round pick.

Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent

*EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku is opting out of this bowl game. He is a projected early-round pick.

*OT Ozzy Trapilo is opting out of this bowl game. He is a projected late-round pick.

*CB Amari Jackson is injured and won’t play in this bowl game. He is a projected undrafted free agent.

Other Draft Prospects: DL Cam Horsley (6th-UFA), RB Treshaun Ward (UFA)

Nebraska Cornhuskers Draft Prospects​

Ty Robinson, DL

Robinson became a part of Nebraska’s program in 2019. He took some time to develop, but started making a bigger impact starting in 2021. He saved his best season for his last, as he has 33 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and six sacks on the season.

At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Robinson has a good frame for an NFL interior defensive lineman. His increase in sack production this season only helps his draft stock. Currently, he is projected to be a mid to late-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick

Tommi Hill, CB

Hill started his career out at Arizona State in 2021. He transferred to Nebraska for the 2022 season. After a brief stint as a wide receiver in 2022, Hill moved back to corner for the rest of his college career. In 2024, he registered 21 total tackles, one interception and one pass defended.

He has a decent build for the NFL at 6-foot and 205 pounds. Hill has battled a foot injury this season, which has limited him. If his foot injury checks out, his play warrants him being selected in the middle round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Projected Draft Range: Fourth Round Pick-Sixth Round Pick

*OT Turner Corcoran is out for this game with an injury. He is a projected undrafted free agent.

Other Draft Prospects: DL Nash Hutmacher (5th-7th), WR Isaiah Neyor (6th-UFA), TE Thomas Fidone (6th-UFA), CB Ceyair Wright (UFA) OT Teddy Prochazka (UFA), CB MJ Sherman (UFA), WR Jahmal Banks (UFA)

Make sure to check out our brand new NFL Draft page for more content like NFL Draft Prospects in the 2024 Pinstripe Bowl!


This has him on the depth chart, but doubts he'll play.

Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College vs. Nebraska​

Saturday, Dec. 28
12 p.m. ET
ABC

Dana Holgorsen took over as Nebraska’s OC late in the year and recently signed a longer-term deal. DC Tony White left for the same job at FSU, so DB coach John Butler will coach the defense in the bowl.

Boston College Transfer Portal

• WR Jerand Bradley (170 snaps)
• CB Ryan Turner (168 snaps)
• QB Thomas Castellanos (lost job late in season; signed with FSU)

Boston College Potential Opt-Outs

• RT Ozzy Trapilo (on bowl depth chart)
• DE Donovan Ezeiruaku (on bowl depth chart, but I'd guess he sits)

Boston College Injuries

CB Amari Jackson is out for the year (last played Week 6), as is LB Owen McGowan (last played Week 11). LB Kam Arnold hasn’t played since Week 8 and isn't on depth chart. Everybody else on defense is on the bowl depth chart, but Bill O'Brien said he wouldn't comment on opt outs.

BC also dealt with other injuries at CB and WR late in the season.

Nebraska Opt-Outs

• Starting WR Isaiah Neyor

Nebraska Transfer Portal

• Starting LB Mikai Gbayor (signed with Missouri)
• Starting DE Jimari Butler (signed with LSU)
• Starting TE Nate Boerkircher (363 snaps)
• RB Dante Dowdell (273 snaps)
• LB Stefon Thompson (175 snaps; signed with FSU)
• OLB Princewill Umanmielen (203 snaps; signed with Ole Miss)
• OLB James Williams (188 snaps)
• DE Kai Wallin (89 snaps)
• S Koby Bretz (51 snaps)

None of the above are on the bowl depth chart.

 

[vailhusker]

 

[vailhusker]

 

[vailhusker]

 

[Baron Winnebago]

I highly recommend doing the 9/11 museum exactly 1 time in your life

 

[vailhusker]

 

[nja13]

Can he play in the bowl

No.

 

[SOHusker11]

More on two of their best players from a poster on BC 247.

GJM11BC
Posted on Dec 25th, 10:28 AM

Notes from BOB’s podcast with Meter:

-Possible home and home in the works with Penn State (Gillette Stadium a possibility)

-Ozzy is working out in Foxborough a couple times a week with Dante Scarneccia. Donovan was going to skip the Senior Bowl but BOB encouraged him to attend. I would anticipate both guys not being part of the bowl game.

 

[vailhusker]

 

[vailhusker]

 

[vailhusker]

 

[Dr.DrakeRamoray]

I highly recommend doing the 9/11 museum exactly 1 time in your life

It’s very good, also very emotional, my wife had to leave at one point to compose herself, I had a hard time getting through it all as well

 

[Cornicator]

View attachment 47451

Damn, Jaylen George must be loving life right now. Dude spent the season in an FCS bus league and now he's traveling to a bowl game.