Sep 273 min read

Boston College Hopes to Avoid Upset Against Western Kentucky

The Boston College Eagles (3-1, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) wrap up their nonconference slate this week when they take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-1) on Sept. 28. The noon EST game in Chestnut Hill, Mass. will mark the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

What's at Stake?

The Eagles hope to continue to build on their positive momentum before conference play kicks into full gear. Head coach Bill O'Brien has already injected energy into the Boston College fanbase just four games into his tenure. With wins against Florida State and Michigan State and a tightly-contested battle against the No. 11 Missouri Tigers, Boston College is being looked at as a legitimate threat in the ACC title race. With a convincing win, Boston College has a chance to work its way back into The Associated Press Top 25 for the second time this year after a seven-year absence.

After falling to the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 1 in humiliating fashion, the Hilltoppers have rebounded nicely in their three-game win streak. In last week's win, Western Kentucky overcame a 14-point first-half deficit to take down a Toledo Rockets team many thought had the potential to contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Western Kentucky looks to pull off an unlikely upset against the Eagles and assert itself as one of the top contenders in Conference USA.

Key Players: Boston College Eagles

Thomas Castellanos, Quarterback

Castellanos has shown significant growth this season under O'Brien's leadership, ranking eighth in the FBS with a 193.2 passer rating. While the rushing attack is the heartbeat of this Eagles' offense, Castellanos has made a sizable impact in the passing game. He ranks 13th nationally with 10 passing touchdowns through four games. A weak Hilltoppers' secondary that has allowed 307.3 passing yards per game against FBS opponents should give Castellanos ample opportunity to continue his early-season success.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, Defensive End

The talented senior defensive end has been a force on the line this season, ranking second in the ACC with 5 sacks through four games. Ezeiruaku will be tasked with putting pressure on one of the more explosive passing attacks in the nation in Western Kentucky. The Eagles' defense has survived this season with a bend-but-don't-break approach because of its ability to force opportunistic turnovers. If Ezeiruaku and the rest of the defensive line can force Hilltopper quarterback Caden Veltkamp to make quick decisions, they should have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of mistakes.

Key Players: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Caden Veltkamp, Quarterback

The sophomore quarterback was thrust into action for the Hilltoppers in Week 3 against Middle Tennessee State after starter T.J. Finley went down with a leg injury. Veltkamp was electric in relief, going 27-for-30 passing for 398 yards and 5 touchdowns in a blowout win. Against Toledo last week, he was much less consistent. His 2 rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter helped complete the Hilltoppers' comeback. But his 2 interceptions and late fourth-quarter fumble nearly cost his team the game. Veltkamp will have to clean up his mistakes for Western Kentucky to have any chance in this matchup.

Devonte' Mathews, Defensive Back

The experienced transfer cornerback from Nicholls State had two red zone interceptions in the final 2 minutes to seal the Hilltoppers' win over Toledo last week. Mathews and the rest of the Western Kentucky secondary will be tasked with limiting the big-play ability of the Boston College passing attack. While the Eagles rely on the rushing attack to move the ball consistently on offense, Castellanos has been explosive when passing, ranking 10th nationally with 16.2 yards per completion. If the Hilltoppers can take away the Eagles' chunk plays, they can significantly slow down the Boston College offense.

Trends to Watch

It will be important to keep an eye on Castellanos' contribution in the Boston College rushing attack in this matchup. His dual-threat ability has been a staple of his game throughout his career, but he has struggled on the ground in the Eagles' last two matchups. After managing just 16 yards on 13 carries in Boston College's loss to Missouri, Castellanos could muster just 15 yards on 15 carries last week against the Spartans. When Castellanos is having success on the ground, he makes this Eagles' offense truly dangerous.