The Missouri Tigers host the Boston College Eagles for their first true test of the season. Let’s learn more about the opponent with BC Interruption.
It’s an SEC vs ACC battle on Saturday in Columbia as the No. 6 Missouri Tigers (2-0) host the No. 24 Boston College Eagles (2-0) as the only ranked matchup in all of College Football Saturday. Mizzou will look for a different outcome this time around after losing on the road in overtime to BC back in 2021.
It’s another sellout at Faurot Field as kick-off on Saturday is set for 11:45 a.m. CST on the SEC Network with Taylor Zarzour (pxp), Matt Stinchcomb (analyst) and Alyssa Lang (sideline reporter) on the call.
To get some analysis on Boston College, we talked it over with Brian Dempsey of SB Nation’s BC Interruption to preview the game.
Here’s the Q&A to get you ready:
- Sammy Stava: Boston College opened the season with a 28-13 upset win over Florida State. While FSU is currently down, a road win over the Seminoles still deserves a lot of credit. What impressed you the most about the Eagles win in Bill O’Brien’s debut?
Brian Dempsey: “The thing that impressed me the most was how disciplined we were. In 2023, we gave FSU a good game at Alumni field, but we committed 18 penalties. Against FSU this year, we were penalized just once. It was so fun to watch a team play disciplined, tough football. It’s something we haven’t seen in a while in Chestnut Hill.”
2. SS: Through two games, junior quarterback Thomas Castellanos has been putting up big numbers. He’s 19-26 with six touchdown passes and 340 passing yards. After throwing 14 interceptions last year, what improvements has he made to start this season? What are his strengths and weaknesses?
BD: “Tommy C is an incredible play maker. I think he’s made some great strides this offseason with his decision making. I’m going to credit some of his development to his new head coach, Bill O’Brien. He’s great with his legs and has developed more as a passer in the offseason. He’s just really fun to watch.”
3. SS: Boston College was picked to finish 14th out of 17 teams in the ACC Football Preseason Poll. Though after a 2-0 start to this season, BC comes in at No. 24 in the country. Do you think that is a fair ranking for this team — and what are the expectations for them now after the win over FSU?
BD: I really don’t know what a fair ranking for this team is. I think this team is the best Boston College team we’ve seen in a long time. The FSU win in Tallahassee is a great win, but this game at Missouri will help BC fans truly figure out how good we are. With how weak our conference schedule is, I don’t think an ACC Championship game appearance is out of the question at all.
4. SS: Besides the quarterback Castellanos, who are some BC players to watch on the offensive side of the ball? Who on the defensive side has made a big impact so far this season?
BD: Tommy C is the playmaker for this BC offense, and we’ll go as far as he can take us, but he does have a lot of weapons at his disposal. The running back room of Robichaux, Ward, and Richard is really talented. Lewis Bond is also an elite wide receiver in the ACC. It’s an explosive offense, and that word has never been used to describe Boston College. Not for a long time.
On the defensive side of the ball, our defensive line has been incredibly impressive. Holding Florida St to just 21 rushing yards is no small feat. Specifically, Ezeiruaku and Okpala are two guys to watch out for.
5. SS: Mizzou comes in as a 16.5-point favorite at home on Saturday. How do you see this game going and what’s your final score prediction?
BD: I really think this BC team is for real. Bill O’Brien is going to have the boys ready to go. I think BC wins 31-30.
Thanks to Brian for answering some questions for us today. Follow him and BC Interruption for all things Boston College coverage leading up to Saturday’s game.