RIP Jefferson Crowther

There are many people who aren't BC athletes or coaches, but who are adjacent to BC in some way who become part of the fabric of Boston College. Jefferson Crowther was one of those people. The father of Welles Crowther, Jefferson had become a fixture of the annual Red Bandanna game and a key voice in telling Welles' story. He passed away Wednesday.

Like his son, Jefferson's impact will be felt at BC for years to come.

The value of the Red Bandanna game

As you may have seen, BC moved the game against Kansas from Saturday to Friday, September 13. Long story short, this was always BC and ESPN's intention, but Kansas only agreed to it this week, hence it was changed just after the official ACC schedule announcement earlier this month. Friday games can be inconvenient for fans attending the game, but BC and ESPN wanted a BC Friday home game because the "Red Bandanna" game has become important to both the school and the company.

By having a locked in date and time, BC can prepare uniforms, special merchandise and work closely with the Crowther family. ESPN can use a whole week of shows -- especially close to the anniversary of September 11 -- to promote their own award winning feature and pump the ratings for an otherwise ho-hum matchup. It also helps fulfill the ACC's Friday night contractual commitment.

Every year the Red Bandanna game has been a great showcase for BC. I always worry about it feeling exploitative, but clearly the Crowther Family embraces it. Ideally it would have been better to tie things up before the ACC released schedules, but these things happen. The Kansas game was going to be an iffy ticket driver on a Saturday. Moving it to Friday alone wouldn't help, but making it a special game might.

UPDATE: BC wants to make it clear that nothing has been decided about the Red Bandanna game. ESPN and other BC folks strongly feel it will be this game.

Crowther featured in Havoline Football Saturdays

Every year Raycom produces a series of human interest stories on each team to use in their pregame shows and halftimes. This year they are featuring the story of Welles Crowther. Though Welles' heroism has been extensively covered, it is always welcome to a new audience. Raycom did a nice job on the piece. The above version is long and probably not what we will see during a halftime, so take the time to watch it before the season.

BC unveils Red Bandanna uniforms

BC tweeted out a sneak preview of the Red Bandanna themed uniforms and gear the team will wear during the USC game. I am always leery of how BC incorporates Crowther's signature and story into the sports team, but I do think this looks cool. I haven't talked or emailed the Crowther family on this, but I assume they gave their blessing. I know players and Under Armour love doing this. Let's hope they remain reverent about the source and inspiration for the Red Bandanna.

BC honors The Man in the Red Bandanna at Saturday's game with gear, eagle at Fanfest & more: http://t.co/Lo3HXZaOno pic.twitter.com/QVfpGPnv4Q
— BC Football News (@BCFootballNews) September 10, 2014