These two programs reignited their passionate rivalry last season with Boston College winning 27-14 but dropping the payday as 13 ½-point favorites. With the Irish showing improvement this season and the Eagles losing quarterback Matt Ryan, the spread has dropped to just three-points in favor of the hometown team.

The Eagles haven’t been profitable this season, covering just three of seven spreads in an up and down season. Despite their inconsistencies, I expect a strong effort from Boston College this weekend. They’re playing at home, under the lights on national television against a rival school that hasn’t visited Chestnut Hill since 2003.

Pick: Boston College -3.5