Boston College has arguably their most important game of the year this week. It’s Boston College vs. Missouri, as the Eagles travel to take on the Tigers in their first game as a ranked team this year. If BC wins this game, it dramatically improves their chances of making the college football playoffs, arguably emerging as a legitimate threat for a national championship. If they lose, the pressure will be on to win almost every game going forth.
On the other side, Mizzou also is under pressure to perform. If they don’t win they could see a precipitous drop in the rankings, possibly challenging their own aspirations of the national championship. Currently No. 6 to BC’s No. 24 ranking, they are also heavy favorites running a -16.5 line in their favor. All of that points to the fact that the heat is on for Mizzou.
Boston College vs. Missouri Match History
BC and Mizzou have only played against each other once. The Eagles got the better of the Tigers 41 to 34 in 2021 at home. This will be the first time the Eagles have flown out to Missouri.
Bill O’Brien is taking the Tigers more seriously than his previous opponents stating, “I mean, it’s the best team we’ve played. No question about it. [They’re] probably the best team we played, BC-wise, in a couple years, to be honest with you. So, yeah, this can be a big challenge.”
The next closest team in terms of ranking from 2020-2023, besides last year’s game against FSU, was the two times they played Clemson in 2022 and 2020 respectively.
In 2022 they lost 31-3 versus Clemson and in 2020 they lost 34-28 in a closer affair. BC tends to play close in these big matchups; and this is certainly Coach O’Brien’s toughest matchup since taking the helm.
Key Players for Boston College
Treshaun Ward – Running Back
Ward continues to be the mainstay for this Boston College team. He is their focal point; and against a great Mizzou team, they will need to get moving on offense. A pass catcher has not emerged yet as a go-to player for Tommy Castellanos, but Ward has emerged as the engine. If BC wants to win this game, Ward is going to need to score and rack up yards. Look for Ward to be involved early and often.
Tommy Castellanos – Quarterback
Different week, completely different story. Castellanos looked incredible as a passer last week. He went 9 of 10 passing with four touchdowns (!), and protected the football with zero interceptions. Yes, it was Duquesne, but Tommy did what he should have done as his stardom continued to power up.
Now against a tough Missouri defense, Castellanos needs to keep moving the ball downfield. Tommy only managed 103 yards in Week 1 against FSU and that simply won’t do against Mizzou. Mizzou will put up points. Can Tommy step up? BC needs him to if they want to win.
Key Players for Mizzou
Luther Burden III
Of course one of the key players for this team is Luther Burden III. The consensus top wide receiver in this upcoming draft class is going to be key for the Tigers’ offense. Arguably no player is more important in this matchup.
Mizzou finds creative ways to get Burden the ball, the question is what will he do with it? So far he’s been very quiet with only seven catches for 64 yards and a touchdown over two games. They haven’t really needed him yet, though. Yet in this game, they should.
If Burden takes over the game, BC is going to really struggle to win.
Connor Tollison
In a game with offensive firepower but steady defenses (Mizzou has yet to give up a point), Tollison is the core of what Mizzou is going to do.
Tollison is the unquestioned leader of the offensive line and drives a ton of the assignments working in sync with their offensive line coach. Despite big wins, Tollison has talked about plenty this OL needs to work on. His performance, along with the communication up front, will be key to winning this game and it starts with Mizzou’s big center.
How Boston College Wins This Football Game
Boston College will win this football game if they can keep up offensively and win the turnover battle. The BC defense is a well-oiled unit that has played well so far. If they can force some mistakes from Missouri quarterback Brady Cook, there is a real chance BC can win this game.
The Eagles may also have more offensive firepower on the ground, and if the defense holds steady BC could win. The line is skeptical, but as with Week 1, this game is closer than the preseason numbers might have indicated.
Spencer Buckley
Hi Everyone! I'm happy you read this far to see my bio. I am a full time football and baseball enthusiast who would have "100% made the show if I didn't get injured...". Also do some Lawyer stuff in my free time.