CHESTNUT HILL — At some point before kickoff, Bill O'Brien will pause and savor the moment. Boston College's new coach will look around Alumni Stadium, studying the banners, signs and uniforms, taking in everything that's happening around him.

Saturday night's 8 p.m. game against Michigan State will be Boston College's 10th Red Bandanna Game, but the first for O'Brien since taking over the program. The game celebrates the heroism of Welles Crowther, a former British Columbia lacrosse player who died on Sept. 11, 2001, saving lives in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

Crowther, a stock trader and volunteer firefighter, was on the 78th floor that morning when the terrorist-hijacked Flight 175 crashed into the tower. Wearing a red bandana, he ran up and down several flights of stairs to help people to safety before he was killed when the tower collapsed. Officials say he saved at least a dozen people that day.

According to the 9/11 Memorial:

“A few months after 9/11, stories from survivors began to emerge about the mysterious man in the red bandana. When Alison Crowther read an article about the hero in the New York Times, she knew that this man was her son, 24-year-old Welles Crowther. He had worn a red bandana since childhood.”

In 2014, Boston College began honoring Crowther with the Red Bandanna Game. The Eagles wear special uniforms that feature the pattern of Crowther's bandana in each player's number.

O'Brien, who grew up in Dorchester and worked for the Patriots for six years in two stints under Bill Belichick, was at Georgia Tech during the 2001 terrorist attacks. O'Brien was aware of Crowther's heroics from afar, but since taking over at the Heights, he's been proud to be part of the Red Bandanna tradition. He even spoke with Alison Crowther this summer.

“It was incredible to hear from her the whole story of Welles' life and the events of that terrible day,” he said.

During his time at BC, O'Brien hopes to continue a tradition that will outlast him.

“This game will be played forever because it means so much to Boston College and the Crowther family,” he said. “During my time here, I will make sure our players understand the importance of the game and that our team is ready to go out and play well in memory of Welles. I think that's a big deal. I see myself in that role and I will make sure everyone understands what this game is about.”

BC has played well so far in the O'Brien era. They opened the season with a surprise road win over No. 10 Florida State, a team that wasn't as good as originally expected. But after dispatching an underdog Duquesne team 56-0, the Eagles stayed close to No. 6 Missouri on the road before falling 27-21.

Michigan State, like BC, has been a surprise success this season and represents another benchmark for the Eagles' development. But on Saturday, a good game is a way to honor a sacred day on campus.

The mix of silly, historic and quirky rituals is part of what makes college football so special, and BC's Red Bandanna Game has become a meaningful addition to the sport's unique repertoire.

O'Brien enjoyed being a part of it and having the Red Bandanna Game be a part of him.

“It's a big deal for us to go out there and play a game in his honor,” he said. “My dad played college football, my older brother played college football, so I've been involved with college football my whole life. I've always enjoyed the traditions of college football, whether it's the band, the students, the emotion of the game, the spirit of the school. I think that's great. That's one of the best things about being a college football coach, the whole atmosphere of game day.”

“It will be even better, given the importance of this game.”

Follow MassLive sports columnist Matt Vautour on Twitter at @MattVautour424.