Boston College Football Erases 14-Point Deficit, Ends Non-Conference Slate With Win Over Western Kentucky
The Boston College Eagles football team (4-1, 1-0 ACC) ended its non-conference slate with a victory against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-2, 1-0 CUSA) 21-20 on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Stadium.
The Hilltoppers saw success in the passing game for the entirety of the contest. In total, the Western Kentucky offense tallied 232 air yards which included a three-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Kisean Johnson and a seven-yard reception by wide receiver Easton Messer. The team also notched a pair of field goals, a 22-yarder and a 35-yarder.
Boston College, who was down by as many as 14 points which included a 13-point second-half deficit stormed back late in the game to get the win.
The Eagles run game struggled more than usual, but came in clutch when it mattered most. Boston College’s first two touchdowns were scored with the ground game, a three-yard run by running back Kye Robichaux late in the second quarter and a one-yard run by quarterback Grayson James early in the fourth. The go-ahead and eventual game-winner came on an eight-yard touchdown reception to wide receiver Jerand Bradley with 3:33 left in the contest.
Both teams played with backup quarterbacks under center. Western Kentucky’s Caden Veltkamp, who started his second-straight game for TJ Finley, went 25-of-39 for 232 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Boston College’s Grayson James, who played in place of Thomas Castellanos, went 19-of-32 for 168 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
The Eagles defense struggled on third and fourth down conversions as they allowed the Hilltoppers to convert 5-of-16 third downs and 4-of-6 fourth downs.
How it Happened:
Fourth Quarter:
- Boston College picks up a final first down and takes two knees to win the game. Boston College 21, Western Kentucky 20.
- Western Kentucky turns the ball over on downs after an incompletion on 4th-and-10.
- The Eagles take the lead on an eight-yard reception to wide receiver Jerand Bradley. The extra point is good. Boston College 21, Western Kentucky 20.
- Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku forces a Western Kentucky fumble. The Eagles still get the ball at the WKU20.
- The Eagles cut into their deficit with a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Grayson James. Western Kentucky 20, Boston College 14.
Third Quarter:
- The quarter comes to a close. Western Kentucky 20, Boston College 7.
- Hilltoppers quarterback Caden Veltkamp gets picked off by Eagles linebacker Kam Arnold. The ball bounced off the hands of Western Kentucky’s receiver and lands in the chest of Arnold. The play is reviewed and confirmed. Boston College gets the ball at its own 43-yard line.
- Western Kentucky extends its lead on a 35-yard field goal by kicker Lucas Carneiro. Western Kentucky 20, Boston College 7.
- Boston College turns the ball over after wide receiver Lewis Bond fumbles the ball on a reception. The Hilltoppers take over near midfield.
Second Quarter:
- The half comes to a close. Boston College will get the football to start the third quarter. Western Kentucky 17, Boston College 7.
- Western Kentucky goes back up by two scores after a 22-yard field goal from kicker Lucas Carneiro as time expires. Western Kentucky 17, Boston College 7.
- Boston College gets on the board with a three-yard touchdown run by running back Kye Robichaux. The extra point is good. Western Kentucky 14, Boston College 7.
- What looked to be a promising drive results in a punt for Boston College. The Eagles cross the 50-yard line but can’t get much farther than that. The punt took a good bounce and pinned the Hilltoppers inside their own eight-yard line.
- Western Kentucky extends its lead on a seven-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Easton Messer. The Hilltoppers went 47 yards in six plays after the pick. Western Kentucky 14, Boston College 0.
- Boston College quarterback Grayson James gets picked off by Western Kentucky’s Keondre Williams on the first play of the quarter.
First Quarter:
- The first quarter comes to a close. The Eagles are threatening just outside the red zone. Western Kentucky 7, Boston College 0.
- Western Kentucky QB Caden Veltkamp gets picked off by Eagles defensive back Khari Johnson. Boston College takes over at the WKU39.
- The Eagles go three-and-out on their second drive of the afternoon. Western Kentucky takes over at its own 28-yard line.
- The Hilltoppers strike first on a three-yard touchdown pass from QB Caden Veltkamp to wide receiver Kisean Johnson. The extra point is good. Western Kentucky 7, Boston College 0.
- After picking up a singular first down on their first possession of the game, the Eagles are forced to punt. Quarterback Grayson James, who is playing in place of Thomas Castellanos, went 3-of-3 for 11 yards in his first drive in a Boston College uniform.
- Western Kentucky turns the ball over on downs after failing to convert on a 4th-and-1 just inside the red zone. Boston College will take over at its own 18-yard-line.
Pregame:
- Western Kentucky wins the coin toss and elects to receive the ball.
- Boston College will be wearing maroon jerseys with gold helmets.
- Kickoff is set for noon ET.
How to Watch:
Who: Boston College Eagles (3-1, 1-0 ACC) and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-1, 1-0 CUSA)
When: Saturday, Sept. 28 at noon ET
Where: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Mass.
TV: ACC Network
Radio: WEEI 93.7 FM
Last Outing, Western Kentucky: The Hilltoppers defeated Toledo 26-21 on Saturday.
Last Outing, Boston College: The Eagles defeated Michigan State 23-19 in their 11th annual Red Bandanna Game on Saturday night.
Last Meeting: This will be the first meeting between these two programs.
