Boston College, Holy Cross Schedule Two-Game Football Series In 2018, 2020

Boston College and Holy Cross have finalized a two-game series on the gridiron, renewing one of New England's traditional rivalries. The Crusaders will travel to Chestnut Hill on September 8, 2018 and return to the Heights two years later on September 5, 2020.

And there was much rejoicing at the renewal of #YeOldeRivalry.

"This will be a renewal of one of the oldest and greatest traditions of college football in New England," Boston College Director of Athletics Brad Bates said. "For many years, this was `the game' for alumni and fans of both schools, and I am delighted that we are able to renew - for at least two years - this spirited and long-standing rivalry."

"I'm very happy that in one of my final acts as director of athletics, we were able to complete this agreement with Boston College," said Holy Cross athletic director Richard M. Regan, Jr. "This is something that Brad Bates and I have been discussing for a few months and it's great that we could come to agreement on dates that work for both of us. I think for the alumni of both schools, it will be great to see these historical rivals play again."

The 2018 game will mark the first time the two long-time Catholic rivals have met on the gridiron since 1986. Boston College leads the all-time series 48-31-3, having won eight of the last 10 meetings and 17 of the last 20.

The two-game football series is made possible by the Patriot League's decision to start offering athletic merit scholarships in football starting in 2013. By the time the first of these two games rolls around, Holy Cross will offer the required number of scholarships for this game to count towards bowl eligibility. I'd imagine we'll see the Crusaders and fellow Patriot League member Fordham in heavy rotation for the Eagles' annual FCS game going forward.

In addition to Holy Cross, BC has scheduled games against FCS opponents Elon (2015) and Richmond (2017) in future seasons. The Eagles will open the 2018 campaign with back-to-back games against Bay State opponents, opening the season at home vs. UMass (9/1) and following that up with the first of these two Holy Cross games (9/8).