WORCESTER, Mass. - The fifth-ranked Holy Cross football team will renew a great New England college football rivalry this Saturday against Boston College. 

The two Jesuit schools have played 83 times, most recently in 2018. It used to be an annual game that both schools and alumni looked forward to. From 1944-1986, the two teams played every year but one - 1969, when the game was canceled due to a hepatitis outbreak. 

The Crusaders know how big this game is to the alumni, and they are looking forward to matching up with the Eagles. 

"Yeah definitely it's exciting," said tight end Sean Morris. "It will be competitive. I'm definitely excited to play an ACC school. We've gotten some texts from some alums wishing me good luck this week."

"It's definitely an exciting week for a lot of us with them being an ACC school and all of the history we have with them," said defensive tackle Dillon Springer. "Definitely have got a lot of calls and texts with previous players and alums, they're super excited for this week just as we are."

"The rivalry is great, just being an ACC opponent is going to be a fun game," said wide receiver Justin Shorter. "A lot of sparks are going to be flying, there's going to be a lot of hitting, big name guys. It's going to be the best on the best, so that's what I'm looking forward to."

Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 12 p.m. in Chestnut Hill.