The game starts at 11:00 a.m. and will be broadcast on ABC.

1. Protect Raiola: The Eagles’ active and talented defenders at the top will try to harass Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola all game long and throw off his timing. Instead, NU must protect him.

2. Ground game: Running back Emmett Johnson finished the regular season with a loss and will be needed to bring the same level of play into Nebraska’s bowl game. The Huskers can’t win by throwing the ball alone.

3. Break a big problem: Nebraska hasn’t broken off big plays consistently this season, but it’s been close every week. Can the Huskers launch a home run game at Yankee Stadium? It would go a long way in a competition where the scoring is likely to be low.

4. Limit sales: While Raiola struggled with interceptions throughout the season, he went without a turnover in his final two games of the fall. Taking care of the football and not giving Boston College free possessions will go a long way toward winning.

1. Contain James: Boston College quarterback Grayson James isn’t a particularly productive runner, but he knows how to extend plays and gain important yards when needed. Nebraska’s edge defenders need to account for James and keep him in front of them.

2. Tight Coverage: There’s no doubt about who BC’s biggest pass-catching target is – Lewis Bond’s 60 catches are more than double that of the second-most productive Eagle wideout this season. Nebraska’s cornerbacks must hold tight to Bond and not allow any separation on the field.

3. Seniors come: For Nebraska’s veteran-heavy defense with players wearing the Husker uniform for the last time, it’s their day to shine. Guys like Isaac Gifford, MJ Sherman and Nash Hutmacher should all make their presence felt.

4. Nothing Early: The Blackshirts played their best football when they shut down their opponents early and forced them to play catch-up when the Husker offense played along. Keeping BC off the field for at least the Eagles’ first two possessions would be a big win for the NU defense.

9: Years have passed since Nebraska’s last bowl game victory, a 37-29 victory over UCLA in 2015.

190.8: The passing yards per game average was determined by Boston College this season.

228.1: Passing yards per game averaged by Nebraska.

WR | No. 19 | So: It wasn’t the most productive season for Lloyd, who only recorded two multi-catch games, but the sophomore remains one of Nebraska’s top big-play threats. Does the fact that Isaiah Neyor is not playing in the bowl game create additional opportunities for Lloyd?

LB | #1 | Ms.: Shavers already played a big role in Nebraska’s defense as a true freshman, and his role will only increase following several NU linebackers entering the transfer portal. Shavers earned a blackshirt during NU’s bowl game preparation; He can prove on Saturday that he deserves it.

Boston College running game against Nebraska defense

Nebraska’s up-and-down defense has had its moments of brilliance this season, but it has also been exposed and worn down in several of the team’s losses. Boston College, a team that rushes for 176.3 yards per game, will look to stress Nebraska on the ground. If the Huskers can stop the run and force Boston College into a more pass-heavy game plan, they will likely win the game.

When Nebraska’s defense plays its best, it will be the best unit on the field. In the Eagles’ final eight games of the season, opponents scored at least 20 points against Boston College, including multiple 30-point attempts against the BC defense. A determined, strong performance from the Blackshirts could be the deciding factor in the game.

Nebraska 24, Boston College 20

A motivated, hungry Nebraska team should arrive in New York City ready to end their season with a win. The Huskers’ young core will be motivated to play for their older teammates, and the team’s outgoing veterans will be able to let it all out on the field. As long as NU moves the ball well on offense and Raiola maintains the same level of play he showed under offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, the Huskers’ long bowl drought should end with a Big Red victory.