Boston College 21-20 Western Kentucky (September 28, 2024) Game Recap

BOSTON — Backup quarterback Grayson James hit Jerand Bradley late with an 8-yard scoring pass, and Boston College rebounded with two fourth-quarter touchdowns for a 21-20 victory over Western Kentucky on Saturday.

BC’s starting quarterback, Thomas Castellanos, was sidelined with an undisclosed injury.

James, a junior transfer from Florida International, completed 19 of 32 passes for 168 yards with one inception for BC (4-1). He was also chasing points.

As a 12½-point underdog, Western Kentucky (3-2) took a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter on Caden Veltkamp’s second touchdown pass of the game, a 7-yarder to Easton Messer, and had a lead going into the quarter from 20:7 fourth quarter.

Donovan Ezeiruaka forced Veltkamp’s fumble on a strip sack that was recovered by lineman George Rooks at the Hilltoppers’ 20-yard line with just over six minutes to play.

Then, six plays later, James Bradley hit near the back line of the end zone.

The Eagles made it 20-14 on James’ 1-yard bootleg with 11½ minutes left in the final quarter.

Veltkamp made his second career start and completed 25 of 39 for 232 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Castellanos was on the field before the game wearing a sweatshirt, chatting with James while the substitute warmed up.

James threw for 1,969 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore at FIU in 2022, but only played in three games last season.

THE TAKEAWAY

Western Kentucky: The Hilltoppers had a much better performance than in their other game against a Power Four school this season, when they were defeated by No. 5 Alabama 63-0 in their opener.

Boston College: This game took some of the shine off a good start under first-year coach Bill O’Brien, but it could have been worse. The defense seemed confused at times, leaving receivers open until they made a few big plays in the final quarter.

IMPLICATIONS ON THE SURVEY

BC could fall further out of the top 25. The Eagles “got votes,” ranking 28th overall in last week’s poll.

NEXT

Western Kentucky: After a week off, WKU hosts UTEP in Conference USA play on Oct. 10.

Boston College: Returns to ACC action at Virginia next Saturday.

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