Mason McKenzie threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, guiding Boston College to a 28-21 victory over Rutgers on Friday night in the Eagles’ annual Red Bandanna Game. The loss dropped the Scarlet Knights to an 0-2 record to start the 2026 season.
McKenzie completed 17 of 24 passes for 244 yards, with two interceptions for Boston College (1-1). Rutgers' quarterback AJ Surace, in his first start, finished 18 of 27 for 230 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.
Rutgers trailed 20-7 at halftime but mounted a comeback in the second half. Surace connected with KJ Duff on a 4-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to one score. However, the Scarlet Knights were stopped on fourth down attempts inside Boston College territory on three occasions.
Mckenzie extended Boston College's lead to 28-14 with a 10-yard scoring run late in the first quarter and later connected with Dawson Pough for a touchdown with 7:06 left in the game. Duff scored his second touchdown, a 60-yard reception, to make it 28-21 midway through the fourth quarter. Boston College linebacker Anthony Palano sealed the victory with an interception with under two minutes remaining.
In the second quarter, Boston College linebacker Bodie Kahoun was taken off the field by an ambulance after a tackle. The school later announced he had movement in all extremities and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
The Red Bandanna Game honors Welles Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player who died rescuing people in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Crowther was known for carrying a red bandanna.
Rutgers will host No. 14 USC next Saturday in Big Ten play. Boston College is scheduled to host Maine next Saturday.