The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is still in play for the New England Patriots
Saturday’s 40-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers brought the Patriots’ 2024 record to 3-13. They still own the No. 2 pick heading into Sunday’s slate of games, but they will move up to No. 1 if the New York Giants (2-13) beat the Indianapolis Colts.
The Patriots have clinched a top-five pick as a result of their Week 17 defeat.
At the very least, New England will maintain the second overall pick heading into the final week of the regular season. With the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans (both 3-12) facing off Sunday, the Patriots still will have a worse strength of schedule regardless of the result.
Here’s the updated order for the top 10 picks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This chart will be updated throughout Week 17:
Those hoping New England will snag the No. 1 or No. 2 pick should root for the following scenarios on Sunday:
New York Giants beat Indianapolis Colts
Cleveland Browns beat Miami Dolphins
Las Vegas Raiders beat New Orleans Saints
Titans vs. Jaguars doesn’t end in a tie
The Patriots will wrap up their 2024 campaign next Sunday at home against the Buffalo Bills. Another loss would give them a high probability of earning a top-three selection in next year’s draft.
After a tough loss in Week 17, the New England Patriots find themselves in an interesting position heading into the first round of the playoffs. Despite the defeat, the Patriots still finished the regular season with an impressive record and secured a spot in the postseason.
The loss may have raised some questions about the team’s ability to compete at a high level in the playoffs, but many believe that the Patriots have the experience and talent to make a deep run. With a strong defense and a capable offense led by quarterback Mac Jones, the Patriots have the tools to be competitive in the playoffs.
As the team prepares for their first-round matchup, fans are eager to see how the Patriots will bounce back from their Week 17 defeat and perform in the postseason. With a history of success in the playoffs, the Patriots are a team to watch as they look to make a statement in the first round.
Stay tuned to NBC Sports Boston for all the latest updates on the Patriots as they gear up for their first-round matchup and continue their quest for another Super Bowl championship.
BOS Nation FC is a welcome addition to Boston’s professional sports club, but wow, the expansion NWSL team can’t get out of its own way. The ongoing confusion regarding White Stadium continues to put its home field in jeopardy, with cost overruns, local pushback, and general wisdom over the renovation happening while the Revolution are planning their own stadium in Everett.
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But that paled in comparison to how the new name was bungled, with BOS Nation FC itself a confusing amalgam of location and word play. Worse were the accompanying taglines that played off the idea of “too many balls,” a misguided attempt at humor that made the mistake of casting women’s sports in the framework of men’s sports, an antiquated approach that leagues such as the NWSL have been so good about moving away from.
Boston’s NWSL franchise didn’t exactly get off to a hot start with its branding.Barry Chin/Globe Staff
9. New England’s new NBA pipeline
As great as the Celtics are, it’s rare for New England to make this kind of mark in the college arena. Maine’s Cooper Flagg, the top recruit in the country and a standout freshman at Duke, was just named the ACC’s rookie of the week for the fourth time already this season after his 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game during a 2-0 week for the No. 5 Blue Devils.
And New England gets top billing again, with Brockton native AJ Dybantsa recently making headlines for choosing BYU, a live announcement on ESPN’s “First Take” that spoke to his national profile as much as his mammoth NIL money does. “Pretty cool and unusual,” is how our own Adam Himmelsbach put it. “The top recruits in their respective classes and likely No. 1 picks in the NBA draft in ‘25 and ‘26, especially considering the lack of NBA talent that has come out of the region.”
After the promise of a “full-throttle” offseason rang so hollow last year, and then the Sox were priced out of the Juan Soto sweepstakes this year, the franchise finally got into the market by landing a top-flight pitcher in Garrett Crochet, trading for the White Sox lefthander. While it’s always tough to give up prospects — in this case, former first-round picks Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery — this team needs MLB-ready talent. Crochet definitely qualifies.
Have the Patriots finally found a worthy Tom Brady successor? Rookie Drake Maye is making it easy to believe, taking over as starter in Week 6 and not looking back since. He obviously can’t fix the franchise on his own, not without more help along the offensive line and weapons in the wide receiving corps, not without making his own improvements such as cutting down on interceptions or bulking up his body.
But after watching the likes of an aging Cam Newton, a worn and weathered Brian Hoyer, the not-ready-for-prime-time Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe or veteran Jacoby Brissett, Maye is bringing the excitement.
Stephen Nedoroscik’s medal-winning routine on the pommel horse was one of the moments of the summer.Abbie Parr/Associated Press
6. Bronze that felt like gold
The US men’s Olympic gymnastics team was back on the podium for the first time since 2008, winning bronze in Paris. It wouldn’t have been there without New England’s best gymnasts. Led by Stoughton’s Frederick Richard, whose power and grace on the high bar was unforgettable, and Worcester’s Stephen Nedoroscik, the bespectacled, nerdy specialist whose clinching routine on the pommel horse was one of the Games’ viral moments, the US team was captivating.
5. New hockey power in town
While the Bruins went into a wash-rinse-repeat cycle in losing (again) to the dreaded Florida Panthers in the playoffs, the women of the PWHL crashed our hockey party, going on a scintillating playoff run in the league’s debut season. PWHL Boston, now known as the Fleet, made it all the way to Game 5 of the Finals, and though they lost to Minnesota, they won the hearts of fans.
As our own women’s hockey chronicler Kat Cornetta put it, “I had been in a lot of empty rinks for women’s hockey games over the last 15 years — from college games to the various pro leagues that tried before the PWHL — and to hear that roar and see a sold-out arena that night made me tear up.”
A Presidents’ Trophy in his first year, the playoffs again in Year 2. But a slow start this season and Jim Montgomery was out, fired after 20 games. Coaches always take the fall when a team needs a wake-up call. You can’t fire an entire roster. But still, this was a stunning fall for Monty, whose hiring in the wake of Bruce Cassidy’s firing was such an early success. Beat writer Jim McBride put it best: “Other than starting QB, no job in sports has less security than NHL head coach.”
The Bruins’ front office is still on notice though, no matter how much the switch to Joe Sacco has improved things. Don Sweeney’s record free agent payouts to Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov have a long way to go to rival the 2006 impact of Peter Chiarelli’s Marc Savard/Zdeno Chara addition.
Only one track and field athlete left Paris with three gold medals: Northampton’s own Gabby Thomas.
With an unforgettable win in the 200, which she called “the happiest moment of my life,” Thomas was far from finished. She ran the third legs in two gold medal-winning relays, the 4×100 and 4×400, bringing her home as the most decorated athlete in her sport. Watch out Los Angeles 2028.
It’s still odd to think that Bill Belichick isn’t coaching in Foxborough anymore.
Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
Twenty years. Six Super Bowls. The Bill Belichick era in New England is one of the greatest in sports history. But it came to an end Jan. 11, with owner Robert Kraft trying to persuade us the two had “mutually parted ways” only to acknowledge later he had indeed fired the future Hall of Fame coach. It’s impossible to overstate what Belichick accomplished with the Patriots. Already a championship coach, having won Super Bowls as the defensive coordinator with the Giants, Belichick’s union with Brady transformed an NFL laughingstock franchise into the league’s gold standard, putting the idea of the Patriot Way into our sports lexicon forever.
The Celtics were an absolute wagon last season, winning title No. 18 at TD Garden after romping their way through the playoffs. They left no doubt about being the best franchise in the history of the NBA, pushing one title ahead of the Lakers with a five-game win over the Mavericks, capping a 64-win regular season with a 16-3 record in the playoffs.
Banner No. 18 did so much for everyone involved, elevating coach Joe Mazzulla beyond the strange circumstances of his hiring, coronating Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum as superstars worthy of comparison to any in Celtic green, earning them all a duck boat parade the city won’t soon forget. Easily the best story of the year.
As a Boston sports fan, it’s been quite a year filled with ups and downs, surprises and disappointments. Here are my top 10 Boston sports stories of the year:
1. Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots: The GOAT’s departure from the Patriots after 20 years was a shock to fans, but ultimately led to a new chapter for both Brady and the team.
2. Celtics making a deep playoff run: Despite falling short in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics’ playoff run showcased the young talent and potential of the team.
3. Red Sox trading Mookie Betts: The trade of the beloved outfielder was a tough pill to swallow for Red Sox fans, but it paved the way for the team’s future.
4. Bruins’ President’s Trophy win: The Bruins had a stellar regular season, capturing the President’s Trophy for the best record in the NHL.
5. Patriots missing the playoffs: For the first time in over a decade, the Patriots missed the playoffs, marking the end of an era.
6. Jayson Tatum’s breakout season: Tatum emerged as a star player for the Celtics, earning his first All-Star selection and proving himself as a franchise player.
7. Red Sox hiring Alex Cora: After a year suspension, the Red Sox re-hired Alex Cora as their manager, bringing back the beloved figure to lead the team.
8. Cam Newton signing with the Patriots: The signing of Newton brought excitement and intrigue to the Patriots’ quarterback position, adding a new dynamic to the team.
9. Bruins’ playoff disappointment: The Bruins fell short in the NHL playoffs, losing in the second round to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
10. Patriots drafting Mac Jones: The Patriots selected Jones in the first round of the NFL Draft, sparking hope for the future of the team’s quarterback position.
These stories have defined the Boston sports landscape in 2020, and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings for our beloved teams.
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Are you a Titanic enthusiast? I am still not over that movie, even though it is 26 years old. For me it will always be one of the great cinematic treasures of our time.
Sometimes it is hard for me to separate the movie from the historic event and I have to remind myself that it all really happened. The doomed luxury passenger liner sank in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912, killing over 1,500 of its passengers and crew. It’s tragic, horrific, and should have never happened!
If you’re fascinated with the Titanic like I am, you need to check out the all-new, limited-engagement exhibition featuring original artifacts from the RMS Titanic.
TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition Now Open in Boston, Massachusetts
What is it? This is a 15,000-square-foot exhibition where guests of all ages are invited to receive a replica boarding pass, assume the role of a passenger, and follow a chronological journey through life on Titanic. You will get to walk the halls, explore the galleries, take a sneak peek into cabins, and meet passengers and crew throughout the voyage.
The exhibition showcases over 250 artifacts retrieved from the wreck site, as well as replicas of interior rooms. And of course, no Titanic exhibit would be complete without a full-scale replica of the Grand Staircase. You know, the one with the clock where Jack was waiting for Rose in the movie:
I went to this exhibit when it came to Portland, Maine, in 2016 and I can’t recommend it enough:
This fascinating and immersive experience is open now and runs through February 2, 2025. To learn more about TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition and to reserve your tickets, click here.
Step back in time and experience the grandeur and tragedy of the Titanic like never before with the interactive tour now in Boston, Massachusetts.
From now until December 31st, visitors can embark on a journey through the iconic ship’s history, from its luxurious design and opulent amenities to the fateful night of April 14, 1912. The tour features state-of-the-art technology that brings the Titanic to life, allowing guests to explore the ship’s various decks, cabins, and public spaces in a truly immersive way.
As you wander through the recreated corridors and rooms, you’ll hear the stories of passengers and crew members, learn about the ship’s construction and voyage, and even participate in interactive activities that give you a taste of life aboard the Titanic.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Titanic in a whole new way. Book your tickets now and step aboard this legendary ship in Boston, Massachusetts.
FOXBORO — What are the stakes? The Patriots have very little to play for when it comes to the standings. If anything, there should be some level of attempting to at the very least match last year’s atrocious four-win record.
And they exist for Patriots decision-makers, who need to use the football left to get a real gauge on what they have in their young players as they look to build their team for the future.
Layden Robinson has acquitted himself relatively well in the last two games while allowing just one pressure. He’s one of just eight guards in the NFL with at least 75 total snaps in Weeks 16 and 17 who has allowed less than two pressures in that span. Perhaps he’s on track to take on the team’s starting left guard role next season.
Cole Strange is looking like he’ll start at center in Week 17, giving him a chance to show what he can do after missing most of the season following a knee injury that ended his 2023 campaign prematurely.
At receiver, the outlook is less positive. It’s my understanding that Ja’Lynn Polk was discussed by the Patriots as a healthy scratch prior to the Bills game, and he ended up playing only three snaps in that game. Javon Baker appears to have worked his way beyond Polk on the depth chart, but not in a significant way, playing eight snaps in Buffalo.
On Polk in particular, one would assume the team hoped coming off its bye week in Week 14 that their second-round pick would be able to settle in and make a push toward salvaging the back end of his first year as a pro. Instead, he appears to be trending in the wrong direction. And New England’s opponent Sunday is just another reminder as to what might’ve been had the team approached the second round differently back in the spring.
Sitting at pick No. 34 overall, the Patriots watched Florida State wideout Keon Coleman go to the Bills at No. 33. Then, bypassing an opportunity to draft Georgia wideout Ladd McConkey, Eliot Wolf traded down to pick No. 37, sending a fifth-round pick and receiving a fourth-rounder from the Chargers in the process.
The Chargers grabbed McConkey and have reaped the rewards, as he’s racked up 69 catches for 960 yards and five touchdowns. In 14 games, Polk has 12 catches for 87 yards and two scores. Baker, whom the Patriots selected with the fourth-rounder acquired in the deal, hasn’t made a reception.
The evaluation continues on Sunday. Here are the matchups to watch in the game…
Matchup that’ll determine the outcome
Drake Maye vs. Derwin James
The Chargers have a fast-flowing defense led by their Swiss Army knife safety Derwin James. If the Patriots are going to continue to attack through the air with their short passing game, they may have trouble finding room to operate Sunday.
Per Next Gen Stats, Drake Maye is the one of the best short passers in football. On passes that travel less than 10 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, he has the sixth-best yards-per-attempt figure (6.6) and the sixth-best success rate (56.1 percent). However, the Chargers only allow 5.4 yards per attempt on those types of throws, which is the third-best among NFL defenses this season.
If New England can’t move the chains with shorter throws because James and Co. suffocate them, this one could be over quickly. Unless…
Matchup that’ll surprise you
Chargers defense versus Alex Van Pelt
…The Chargers continue to play the way they’ve played the last two weeks on the defensive side of the ball. The Buccaneers put up 40 points against them two weeks ago. Last week, Jim Harbaugh’s club had its issues at times keeping Bo Nix and the Broncos in check.
The advanced numbers from those two games aren’t kind to Los Angeles. They’re 28th in EPA per play allowed and 29th in EPA per dropback allowed.
If that continues at Gillette Stadium, perhaps offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt can draw up some plays for Maye to run his touchdown pass streak to eight games — the longest streak for any rookie since Justin Herbert threw for touchdowns in 10 straight games back in 2020.
Matchup that’ll take years off your life
Justin Herbert vs. Patriots pass rushers
Keion White made headlines late this week when he seemed to voice some displeasure with what he’s been asked to do as an outside linebacker. He’s been asked to be sound against the run. His pass-rush numbers — and those of the entire team — have been down. Apparently, that’s led to some displeasure for the second-year defender.
If he can’t get after the quarterback again this week, it could be a long day for his team, because Herbert is dynamite when not pressured. He’s seventh in the league in yards per attempt when not pressured (8.3), eighth in rating (110.5), and he hasn’t thrown a pick when kept clean.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, they see a lot of passing reps from opposing quarterbacks who aren’t pressured. They’re fourth-worst in the NFL in quarterback pressure rate (29.7 percent).
Ja’Lynn Polk trending in wrong direction? – NBC Sports Boston
In recent weeks, Texas Tech wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Once considered a promising young talent, Polk’s performance on and off the field has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
On the field, Polk’s production has dipped significantly compared to earlier in the season. His route running has been sloppy, leading to dropped passes and missed opportunities for big plays. Additionally, his lack of effort in blocking assignments has not gone unnoticed by coaches.
Off the field, Polk’s behavior has been cause for even more concern. Reports of tardiness to team meetings and a lack of focus during practice have raised red flags about his commitment to the team and his future in the sport.
While Polk has shown flashes of potential in the past, it seems that he may be heading in the wrong direction. If he doesn’t make a drastic change soon, his once-promising career may be in jeopardy. Stay tuned for updates on Ja’Lynn Polk’s situation as it develops.
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It looks like a 2014 Pinstripe Bowl rematch might be in the works, folks.
Current Boston College head coach and former Penn State football head coach Bill O’Brien said a home-and-home series between the Eagles and the Nittany Lions could be in the works on “The Bill O’Brien podcast.” O’Brien also teased the possibility of playing one game at Gillette Stadium, the home field of the New England Patriots.
“There’s a potential, by the way, a potential of a Boston College-Penn State home-and-home deal in a couple of years,” O’Brien said on his podcast with Jon Materparel, a Boston College broadcaster. “Maybe we could play them in Gillette…We’ll talk to Mr. Kraft about that, see if he would go for that, and then play them up in Happy Valley.”
Penn State already has its three out-of-conference opponents scheduled through 2028, featuring matchups with Nevada, FIU, Villanova, Marshall, Temple, Buffalo, Syracuse, Delaware, Ball State, and UMass. However, the Nittany Lions could cancel one of those games to fit in Boston College.
O’Brien served as Penn State’s head coach from 2012 to 2013 after he took over in the wake of Joe Paterno’s firing. O’Brien left to take the head coaching job with the Houston Texans after the 2013 season, paving the way for James Franklin to take the head coaching job in 2014. O’Brien, who has since worked Alabama, the Patriots, and Ohio State, though he never coached a game with the Buckeyes, went 15-9 with Penn State.
Penn State has played Boston College 24 times, most recently in that 2014 Pinstripe Bowl. The Nittany Lions won 31-30 in their first bowl game since the 2012 Jerry Sandusky scandal and the following actions from the NCAA.
Joe is a senior journalism major at Penn State and Onward State’s managing editor. He writes about everything Penn State and is single-handedly responsible for the 2017 Rose Bowl. If you see him at Cafe 210, please buy him a Miami pitcher. For dumb stuff, follow him on Twitter (iamjoelister). For serious stuff, email him ([email protected]).
In a recent interview, Penn State football coach Bill O’Brien hinted at the possibility of a future home-and-home series between the Nittany Lions and Boston College. While nothing has been officially confirmed, O’Brien expressed excitement about the potential matchup and the opportunity for both teams to face off on the gridiron.
Both Penn State and Boston College have strong football programs and a history of competitive play, making a potential series between the two schools an exciting prospect for fans. O’Brien’s tease has sparked speculation and anticipation among football enthusiasts, who are eagerly awaiting further details on a possible matchup between these two powerhouse teams.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as we await official confirmation of a home-and-home series between Penn State football and Boston College. In the meantime, fans can look forward to the possibility of seeing these two teams go head-to-head in an exciting and highly anticipated matchup in the future.
The day has finally arrived to Nebraska football to play in a bowl game again, and the Big Ten Conference has released the team’s availability report.
For the Huskers, 14 players are listed as out: wide receiver Demetrius Bell, kicker Tristan Alvano, fullback Barret Liebentritt, defensive back Evan Taylor, defensive back Roger Gradney, defensive back Thomas D’Onofrio, offensive lineman Teddy Prochazka, offensive lineman Turner Corcoran, defensive lineman David Borchers, offensive lineman Tyler Knaak, wide receiver Cooper Hausmann, tight end Mac Markway, defensive lineman Sua Lefotu, and defensive lineman Conor Conneally. No Huskers are listed as questionable.
Nebraska is also without opt-out Micah Mazzccua (offensive line) and a number of players who hit the transfer portal.
The ACC does not require injury reports, but Boston College will be without opt-outs defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, both first-team All-ACC selections this fall. The Eagles are also without running back Alex Broome, cornerback Amari Jackson and linebacker Owen McGowan, who all suffered season-ending injuries at various points this fall.
Nebraska and Boston College are slated for an 11 a.m. CST kick on ABC.
All availability reports can be found at BigTen.org.
The Pinstripe Bowl is set to showcase a matchup between two powerhouse football programs, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers take on the Boston College Eagles in a highly anticipated showdown.
Both teams have had successful seasons, with Nebraska finishing with a 9-4 record and Boston College ending with a 7-5 record. The Cornhuskers are coming off a strong performance in the Big Ten, while the Eagles have shown their dominance in the ACC.
This game will not only be a battle of two talented teams, but also a clash of different styles of play. Nebraska’s high-powered offense led by quarterback Adrian Martinez will look to outscore Boston College’s stout defense, which has been one of the best in the nation this season.
On the other side of the ball, the Eagles will rely on their ground game and physical defense to try and control the tempo of the game against the Cornhuskers.
With so much on the line, this Pinstripe Bowl matchup is sure to be an exciting and intense game that fans won’t want to miss. Be sure to tune in and see which team comes out on top in this thrilling showdown between Nebraska and Boston College.
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A win would pay major dividends for a BC program building momentum and on the cusp of vaulting into the upper echelon of the ACC.
“It’s one of those opportunities that don’t come along very often,” O’Brien said.
That includes the activities leading up to the game. The Eagles have welcomed newcomers while cherishing an action-packed week in New York. Following a team dinner on Christmas Day, they visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on Thursday.
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They’ll play for 9/11 hero Welles Crowther, a Boston College alumnus who is credited with saving at least a dozen people in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Crowther’s mother, Alison, was there to greet the Eagles.
“Obviously an incredible Boston College family and story,” O’Brien said. “For her to make the trek over, to be there, she addressed our team and she gave us a little tour of the place. She was part of the tour. It was just awesome.”
The Eagles then rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday morning.
While the festivities are a major part of the experience, O’Brien and Co. have allocated plenty of time toward Nebraska.
O’Brien praised Dylan Raiola, the former No. 1 quarterback recruit in the country, for his natural abilities.
“He’s got a lot of Mahomes-type qualities,” O’Brien said. “I’m not saying he’s Patrick Mahomes, but he’s very, very good. He’s an instinctive player.”
BC coach Bill O’Brien said Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has “a lot of Mahomes-type qualities.”Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press
BC defensive coordinator Tim Lewis echoed O’Brien’s outlook.
“He can throw it, can touch-pass it,” Lewis said. “He can drop the bombs on you, he can drill it, he’s accurate, he’s mobile enough. He’s not the slowest cat.”
Emmett Johnson is a catalyst at running back, and Jahmal Banks highlights a deep receiving corps.
The Eagles know other players will have to step up with Ezeiruaku absent, and they’re eager for the opportunity to prove themselves against an offense with big-play potential. For seniors such as linebacker Joe Marinaro, it’s a chance to cap their careers with a signature win.
“I’m just trying to take in every last moment and really enjoy these last few days with my teammates, playing football,” Marinaro said. “I don’t think it’s sunk in completely, but I’m starting to definitely feel the gravity of the situation.”
Grayson James will have a chance to punctuate his recent surge and bolster his chances of remaining the starting quarterback next season. With Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan coming in, James will have to prove himself again.
He’ll continue to lean on wide receiver Reed Harris, who has emerged as a deep threat late in the year. Harris, a 6-foot-5-inch redshirt freshman, has totaled at least 70 receiving yards in each of the last three games and is averaging 30.7 yards per catch on the season.
Wide receiver Reed Harris has emerged as a deep threat for Boston College.Barry Chin/Globe Staff
“Grayson and I have been getting reps together since the summer,” Harris said. “We’ve basically grown together as the offense has evolved. That definitely helps a lot when we’re trying to connect on passes.”
While the Eagles have improved their passing attack, their run game is their top asset. Kye Robichaux is a reliable threat in a balanced group and will lean on a formidable offensive line.
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said the Eagles can run the ball “as well as anybody” and are physical, tough, and creative. On a day that may be wet and will be cold, BC could have an advantage.
“When you see that football team, you think of Coach O’Brien, who he is,” Rhule said. “I think they’re a mirror image of him.”
BC offensive coordinator Will Lawing will be up against a familiar foe in newly minted Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler. Butler coached under O’Brien, and with Lawing, at Penn State and with the Houston Texans.
O’Brien said he’s sure Butler added to his repertoire when he was in Buffalo with Bills coach Sean McDermott. Lawing, meanwhile, said he’s learned “a ton” under O’Brien and has grown as a play-caller while at BC.
“We try not to do too much,” Lawing said. “It’s more about having core plays that you believe in, and that the quarterback’s comfortable with, and then just dressing them up different ways so the defense sees it a different way.”
The Eagles are hoping to send their seniors out in style, but they also want to continue laying the foundation for the future. Outside of the seniors, and some potential transfers, the group on the field Saturday will largely offer a glimpse into next year’s team.
Young players have had the chance to prove themselves during extra practices, and they’ll have a shot to shine on a grand stage.
“For the most part, what you’ll see out there is a 2025 preview,” O’Brien said.
Boston College is setting its sights on the future as it aims to build a strong and sustainable foundation for success. With a focus on academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement, the university is committed to providing its students with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, investments in cutting-edge technology, and a dedication to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, Boston College is positioning itself as a leader in higher education. By preparing its students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and global citizens, the university is equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
As Boston College looks towards the future, it is committed to building a campus that is not only sustainable but also inclusive and welcoming to all. By embracing new ideas, pushing boundaries, and embracing change, the university is laying the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow.
With a focus on building for the future, Boston College is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and innovation for years to come. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
After some slick spots early this morning, temperatures will be warm enough to support plain rain the rest of the day. The rain will be isolated into the late afternoon, with just some spotty drizzle chances the rest of the day.
The greatest coverage of rain later this morning into the afternoon will be over southeastern Massachusetts.
Otherwise, clouds stay pretty thick today. Highs will reach the upper 30s and low 40s, however that’ll happen later in the day than normal, closer to the early evening hours.
Overnight, temperatures will hover in the upper 30s and low 40s. There may be some isolated light rain, spotty drizzle and areas of dense fog. Be careful on the roads. Sunday will be a similar day to Saturday: cloudy, rain chances, and even warmer.
Temperatures will be widely variable. North and central Massachusetts will spend the day in the 30s and 40s while southeastern Massachusetts will spend the day in the 40s and 50s. By Sunday night, most of us will be around the 50-degree mark.
Monday: more rain, temperatures in the mid 50s and some wind, too. We dry out most of New Year’s Eve day with highs in the upper 40s and low 50s. However, New Year’s Eve night we will see the return of rain chances.
That chance continues into New Year’s Day with highs in the mid to upper 40s. Thursday, we’re back to the upper 30s and low 40s with partly sunny skies and a chilly breeze. Then, the real cooldown begins. Friday, highs in the 30s with partly sunny skies and a cold wind! The rest of that weekend into the week after looks much colder than average.
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Get ready to trade in your winter coat for an umbrella, Massachusetts! Warming temperatures and rain are in the forecast for the next few days in the Bay State.
According to Boston’s trusted meteorologists, temperatures are expected to rise into the 50s and 60s over the next few days, bringing much-needed relief from the frigid winter weather. However, along with the warmer temperatures comes the chance of rain, with showers expected to move through the area.
While the rain may put a damper on outdoor plans, it will help to wash away the remnants of winter and bring some much-needed moisture to the region. So don’t forget to grab your rain boots and umbrella before heading out the door!
Stay tuned to Boston news, weather, and sports for the latest updates on the changing weather conditions in Massachusetts. And remember, April showers bring May flowers!
With New Year’s Eve around the corner, Boston city leaders are celebrating the success of “strategies that have made Boston the safest major city in the country.”Mayor Michelle Wu, Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Senior Advisor for Community Safety Isaac Yablo invited reporters to police headquarters on Friday to discuss crime statistics from the past year.”Safety isn’t just the absence of harm or fear or violence; it is the positive affirmation of belonging,” Wu said. “Of people feeling excited to be a part of a community that they are welcome and able to use every opportunity in every part of every neighborhood.” The mayor said that recent crime prevention successes can be traced back to a violence reduction workshop held for city agencies in 2022. Wu said important strategies have included providing crime statistics periodically to communities, recruiting larger classes of new and diverse officers, a 2023 police contract that includes disciplinary reforms, programming for young people, summer jobs and the deployment of community intervention teams. Video below: Mayor praises improvements in city safetyBoston set a record-low number of homicides in 2023, and as 5 Investigates has reported, the numbers continued to plummet this year. Cox announced Friday that the 24 homicides in the city so far this year “appears to be the lowest since 1957” and is “by far” the lowest total since modern tracking of the data began in 2007. “In the entire time that I’ve been a police officer, going back since when I came on, the city has never been safer. Period. When it comes to crime, particularly violent crime, and it could probably go back to before I was born in the city,” said Cox, a Boston native who served as an officer and became commissioner in 2022.”It really has been an all-hands-on-deck effort. This is about saving lives, and that is maybe the most important investment of all — to stop cycles of trauma and violence,” Wu said. “We also see that a focus on delivering results, especially in the areas of violent crimes, lead to resources that can then be deployed to address quality of life issues and those safety issues that residents might feel most of all.”Video below: Commissioner describes 2024 crime statisticsCox said 2024 was the third consecutive year of declines in the number of shooting incidents and the lowest since at least 2005.”This was the lowest year of instances of gunfire in the city since 2011, when we began reliably tracking the statistics,” said Cox. Cox also said 2024 was the third consecutive year of declines in the number of shooting incidents and the lowest since at least 2005. “This was the lowest year of instances of gunfire in the city since 2011, when we began reliably tracking the statistics,” said Cox. “When we do well at keeping violent crime down, we do well at doing everything else in addition,” Wu said. In September, 5 Investigates looked at the Violence Reduction Task Force, which is credited with a key role in curbing violence through a model of prevention, intervention, and enforcement, known as “PIE.”Wu’s celebration of these safety statistics comes ahead of a very busy 2025. The mayor said she will be launching her reelection campaign early next year, after the birth of her third child. “We know there’s more work to do, so today is not a victory lap but a report out and a reflection of the type of results we see when we all understand community safety to be a collective responsibility,” Wu said.
BOSTON —
With New Year’s Eve around the corner, Boston city leaders are celebrating the success of “strategies that have made Boston the safest major city in the country.”
Mayor Michelle Wu, Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Senior Advisor for Community Safety Isaac Yablo invited reporters to police headquarters on Friday to discuss crime statistics from the past year.
“Safety isn’t just the absence of harm or fear or violence; it is the positive affirmation of belonging,” Wu said. “Of people feeling excited to be a part of a community that they are welcome and able to use every opportunity in every part of every neighborhood.”
The mayor said that recent crime prevention successes can be traced back to a violence reduction workshop held for city agencies in 2022. Wu said important strategies have included providing crime statistics periodically to communities, recruiting larger classes of new and diverse officers, a 2023 police contract that includes disciplinary reforms, programming for young people, summer jobs and the deployment of community intervention teams.
Video below: Mayor praises improvements in city safety
Boston set a record-low number of homicides in 2023, and as 5 Investigates has reported, the numbers continued to plummet this year.
Cox announced Friday that the 24 homicides in the city so far this year “appears to be the lowest since 1957” and is “by far” the lowest total since modern tracking of the data began in 2007.
“In the entire time that I’ve been a police officer, going back since when I came on, the city has never been safer. Period. When it comes to crime, particularly violent crime, and it could probably go back to before I was born in the city,” said Cox, a Boston native who served as an officer and became commissioner in 2022.
“It really has been an all-hands-on-deck effort. This is about saving lives, and that is maybe the most important investment of all — to stop cycles of trauma and violence,” Wu said. “We also see that a focus on delivering results, especially in the areas of violent crimes, lead to resources that can then be deployed to address quality of life issues and those safety issues that residents might feel most of all.”
Video below: Commissioner describes 2024 crime statistics
Cox said 2024 was the third consecutive year of declines in the number of shooting incidents and the lowest since at least 2005.
“This was the lowest year of instances of gunfire in the city since 2011, when we began reliably tracking the statistics,” said Cox.
Cox also said 2024 was the third consecutive year of declines in the number of shooting incidents and the lowest since at least 2005.
“This was the lowest year of instances of gunfire in the city since 2011, when we began reliably tracking the statistics,” said Cox.
“When we do well at keeping violent crime down, we do well at doing everything else in addition,” Wu said.
In September, 5 Investigates looked at the Violence Reduction Task Force, which is credited with a key role in curbing violence through a model of prevention, intervention, and enforcement, known as “PIE.”
“We know there’s more work to do, so today is not a victory lap but a report out and a reflection of the type of results we see when we all understand community safety to be a collective responsibility,” Wu said.
Boston officials are celebrating a significant decrease in crime rates for the year 2024. According to the latest statistics, reported crimes in the city have dropped by 20% compared to the previous year, marking a major victory for law enforcement and safety efforts in the community.
Mayor Johnson praised the hard work and dedication of the Boston Police Department, as well as the collaboration with community organizations and residents, for contributing to this positive change. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts to prevent crime and keep the city safe for all its inhabitants.
Chief of Police Rodriguez highlighted some of the key strategies that have been implemented to address crime in Boston, including increased patrols, community engagement initiatives, and targeted interventions in high-crime areas. He expressed gratitude for the support of city officials and the commitment of his officers to making a difference in the community.
With these encouraging statistics, Boston officials are optimistic about the future of public safety in the city and are committed to building on this success to create an even safer and more vibrant community for all residents.
If hit, the jackpot would be the fifth largest in the history of the game, according to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.
Friday’s drawing will be the 31st since the jackpot was last hit on September 10, when a ticket sold in Texas won an $810 million jackpot. The jackpot is the game’s largest since March 26, when a $1.128 billion jackpot was won on a ticket sold in New Jersey.
With that said, it’s worth questioning: Where have lottery players won big in Massachusetts? These stores have sold some big winners in 2024 and 2023, according to the Massachusetts Lottery:
2024 lottery retailers that sold $1 million Mega Millions tickets:
Kam Man Food in Quincy — $1M Mega Millions ticket won on March 12, 2024
Anderson’s Variety in Blackstone — $1M Mega Millions ticket won on June 11, 2024
Cumberland Farms in Hyannis — $1M Mega Millions ticket won on July 5, 2024
Ghafour Fuel in Norwood — $1M Mega Millions ticket won on December 13, 2024
2023 Mega Millions jackpot winners:
Phillips 66 in Woburn — $31M Mega Millions jackpot won on January 31, 2024
Stop & Shop in Belchertown — $31M Mega Millions jackpot won on January 24, 2024
2024 lottery retailers that sold multiple $1 million+ instant tickets:
Old South Diner in Nantucket – One $2 million ticket, Two $1 million tickets
Silk’s Variety in Sheffield – Three $1 million tickets
Pride Station in East Longmeadow – Two $1 million tickets
Mega Millions tickets are $2 each and can be played in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tickets for Friday’s drawing can be purchased until 10:45 p.m. at Mass Lottery retailers throughout the state.
Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. in Atlanta.
Are you feeling lucky? If you’re in Massachusetts and looking to try your hand at the lottery, you may want to consider checking out some of the luckiest stores in the state. According to data from the Massachusetts State Lottery, there are a few stores that seem to have a higher rate of selling winning tickets.
One store that stands out is the Handy Variety in Watertown, which has sold multiple winning tickets over the years. Another lucky spot is the Tedeschi Food Shops in Braintree, which has also had its fair share of jackpot winners.
If you’re in the Boston area, you may want to swing by the Lucky Mart on Dorchester Avenue or the S&S Convenience Store on Massachusetts Avenue, both of which have a reputation for selling winning tickets.
Of course, luck can strike anywhere, so don’t be afraid to try your luck at any store that sells lottery tickets. Who knows, you may just be the next big winner!
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