Boston College Football: Bold predictions for First Responder Bowl vs Boise St

3. Watch out for the running game

The First Responder Bowl provides an intriguing matchup mainly because it features a standout running back on either side of the offense.

For Boise State, the strong running presence comes in the form of junior tailback Alexander Mattison. He has been spectacular in the ground game for the Broncos this season with 1,415 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns.

For Boston College, its ground attack is spearheaded by true sophomore AJ Dillon, whose status is currently still questionable after reaggravating a nagging ankle injury.

Dillon had an impressive freshman season and hoped to follow that up with a robust second year, but he was limited to appearing in just 10 games in 2018 because of the injured ankle.

Despite this fact, Dillon has still rushed for 1,108 yards and 10 touchdowns this season as the Eagles’ go-to and leading rusher. Boston College leans on Dillon for a rushing attack that averages 190 yards per game.

Both runners are capable of having multi-touchdown games. Mattison has crossed the plane for multiple scores fives times this season while Dillon has scored two or more times in three games this season.

Mattison put up his highest touchdown total against Utah State in the Broncos’ penultimate game of the season against Utah State with three rushing touchdowns. He is coming off two straight 200-yard games and has been the Broncos’ leading rusher in all but one game.

Needless to say, both of these tailbacks are able to easily take over a game and provide a spark on offense. If Dillon is healthy and ready to go next Wednesday, both sides could see big games from their respective running backs.