Boston College really wants to play this weekend’s game against Army.

With the government shutdown threatening the contest, Boston College athletic director Brad Bates said his university has done everything it can to make the game happen, including offering to pay for Army to get to the Boston College campus.

”We have been considering and engaging all possibilities in order to play Saturday’s football game, including offering financial assistance to Army for travel. We have been told by officials at the US Military Academy, however, that this is not solely a financial decision. I remain in close communication with Army AD Boo Corrigan and we expect a decision will be made by noon tomorrow. We will provide an update as soon as we have more information.”

The Department of Defense on Tuesday suspended all athletic contests for Service Academies. However, all three academies – Army, Navy and Air Force – have been offered private funding to circumvent the shutdown.

Boston College understands that it needs this game – a winnable game – to strengthen its case for a bowl game. The Eagles are 2-2 and the schedule is tough for a program that hasn't had a lot of recent success. Paying for Army’s travel is a small price compared to the money the school would lose if it didn’t have a game this weekend and if it couldn’t fill that 12th slot that could cost the Eagles a bowl berth.

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