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

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

BC starting quarterback Thomas Castellanos was out with an undisclosed injury.

James, a junior transfer from Florida International, completed 19 of 32 passes for 168 yards with one tackle for BC (4-1). He also ran to score.

Western Kentucky (3-2), a 12 ½-point underdog, jumped ahead 14-0 early in the second quarter on Caden Veltkamp’s second touchdown pass of the game, a 7-yard pass to Easton Messer, and held a 20-7 lead in the fourth quarter.

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

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

The Eagles cut the score to 20-14 on James’ 1-yard bootleg with 11 ½ minutes left in the fourth quarter.

In his second career start, Veltkamp was 25-of-39 for 232 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Castellanos was on the field in a sweatshirt before the game, talking to James while the substitute warmed up.

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

DRIVING

Western Kentucky: The Hilltoppers had a much better performance than 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 strong start under first-year coach Bill O’Brien, but it could have been worse. The defense seemed confused at times, leaving the receivers wide open until they made some big plays in the fourth quarter.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE SURVEY

BC could fall even further from the Top 25. The Eagles were “receiving votes” and were ranked 28th overall in last week’s poll.

UP NEXT

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

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

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