The game featured the Boston College Eagles, representing the Atlantic Coast Conference, and the Penn State Nittany Lions, representing the Big Ten Conference and playing their first bowl game since 2011 as a result of sanctions imposed in the wake of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal.
Penn State's "anemic" offense sought to finally reach its potential with a strong performance from sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg.
Penn State scored first when Hackenberg connected with Chris Godwin for a 70-yard touchdown, but after an ill-fated onside kick attempt, Boston College capitalized on their excellent field position and tied the game back at seven.
On September 8, Penn State received news that, heeding a recommendation from George Mitchell, the NCAA decided to "roll back the punishments" levied on the university in wake of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal, thus giving them potential bowl eligibility.
More special than the victory itself was whom it was for, as BC donned red bandana-themed uniforms in honor of alum and 9/11 hero Welles Crowther, whose family was given a game ball in the locker room from second-year coach Steve Addazio."
[16] Operating a spread offense that juxtaposed their Heisman Trophy finalist Andre Williams-led power running attack in 2013, Tyler Murphy, a transfer from the University of Florida led the Eagles' 2014 offense, which was otherwise rather inexperienced, and focused on rushing the football, and ranked 15th nationally in rushing yards per game, averaging 251.8.
[23][25] Dan Crimmins – also unusually large for a receiver (6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m), 237 pounds (108 kg)) – was the only other player with more than 20 receptions on the season.
[23][26] Five graduate students comprised Boston College's offensive line, which was anchored at center by Andy Gallik, a second-team all-conference selection.
[24][27] Guard Bobby Vardaro and tackle Ian Silberman received placement on the all-conference third team and as an honorable mention respectively.
[29] The unit's coordinator was Don Brown, while on the field, the defense's captains were middle linebacker Sean Duggan and strong safety Domonique Williams.
[24][31] The Eagles' secondary was depleted due to injury and off-field conduct; concurrently, it was ranked 49th nationally in pass defense.
[43] The Lions ran a pro-style offense, coordinated by John Donovan, and led on the field by sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg, who despite an outstanding freshman season, ostensibly regressed during his sophomore year, compiling eight touchdown passes and 15 interceptions, and hamstrung by poor performance of players around him, a change in offensive system, and problems with his throwing mechanics.
Honorable mention all-conference selections for the Nittany Lions included defensive end Deion Barnes, safety Adrian Amos, and cornerback Jordan Lucas, a "shutdown corner" unrespected outside of Penn State fans.
[63] On the first play of the quarter, Hackenberg fumbled the snap, and Boston College recovered, preventing Penn State from scoring on the edge of the red zone.
When an ineligible player down field penalty negated a pass play of over 30 yards for Boston College on their next drive, they were forced to punt.
On the final play of the third quarter, Hackenberg threw a 7-yard slant pass that Lewis initially bobbled, but eventually corralled for a touchdown, pulling the Lions within seven points.
However, on the next play, Hackenberg threw a 16-yard touchdown pass down the seam to DaeSean Hamilton, tying the game.
Hilliman rushed the ball outside for Boston College, and Adrian Amos was flagged for a personal foul late hit, moving the Eagles to the 10-yard line.
Penn State spent two timeouts to conserve clock as Boston College ran the ball to try to score with about three minutes remaining.
Faced with fourth down and two, Ficken attempted a 45-yard field goal, which he made to tie the game with 20 seconds remaining.
Penn State's drive opened with a false start, and two plays later, they faced third down and 15, which they converted via a pass to tight end Jesse James.
[5][69][70] On ESPN Radio, Kevin Winter served as the play-by-play commentator, and Jack Ford provided analysis.