Boston CollegeUMass football rivalry

The Boston College–UMass football rivalry is a historic matchup between two New England schools, with the most intense competition occurring in the 1960s and 1970s when they met annually. The series paused for three decades due to NCAA division restructuring but resumed in 2014 after UMass' promotion to the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision), leading to a three-game series dubbed "The Battle of the Bay State." As of 2021, Boston College has dominated the rivalry, winning all 11 meetings since the turn of the century.

The earliest games between BC and UMass began in 1901, with UMass securing early victories. By 1966, they restarted their series, which lasted until 1982. During this period, BC dominated, winning 15 out of 17 contests. The rivalry paused after the division split in 1978, leading to a 30-year hiatus.

In recent years, UMass sought elevation to FBS status, joining the Mid-American Conference in 2011 and scheduling a series with BC starting in 2014. Games were held at Gillette Stadium, serving as UMass' home field. The matchups have been less significant for BC, which has long competed against top-tier programs. Notably, BC won both 2014 and 2016 contests (30-7 and 26-7 respectively), with the latter preceded by a UMass pep rally in Boston.