BC seeking rare 4-1 start against Western Kentucky

Field Level Media|published: Wed 25th September, 13:12 2024

Sep 21, 2024; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Lewis Bond (11) runs the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Boston College aims to post consecutive wins for the second time this season when first-time opponent Western Kentucky visits Chestnut Hill, Mass., on Saturday in the nonconference finale for both teams.

After dropping Michigan State from the unbeaten ranks with a 23-19 win last week, the Eagles (3-1) turn their attention to the Conference USA foe and a chance for the program's fourth 4-1 start since 2009.

"There should be no trap games for Boston College," first-year coach Bill O'Brien said. "We only get 12 opportunities. We've got to make sure that we're playing at as high a level as we can play every single week."

While Lewis Bond caught a 42-yard touchdown pass from Thomas Castellanos to win with 1:28 remaining last week, Max Tucker's interception -- the team's fourth takeaway of the game -- clinched the victory.

Moving forward, the Eagles will look to turn those opportunities into more points.

"The interceptions came at times where we had to have them," O'Brien said. "We have to do a better job of turning those turnovers, whether it was the kickoff team or defensively, turning them into (touchdowns)."

Bond and Treshaun Ward became the first Boston College duo to log 100 receiving and 100 rushing yards in the same game since 2018.

A 14-point comeback and timely defense were keys as Western Kentucky (3-1) beat Toledo 26-21 last week. Devonte' Mathews picked off two passes in the final two minutes as Toledo drove into the red zone. He also has a team-leading 20 tackles on the season.

The Hilltoppers' recipe for success at Boston College will be more of the same.

"We've got momentum and (are) looking for a big win," WKU coach Tyson Helton said. "We're doing some good things, we're rising. ... It's going to take another (defensive) performance like last week to have an opportunity to win. It'll be a challenge, but I know our guys will be excited."

Mathews' heroics lifted quarterback Caden Veltkamp, who was 20-for-30 passing for 241 yards and one touchdown in his first collegiate start. Veltkamp, a redshirt freshman, also ran for two scores.

"Now that he's got that first start under his belt, he needs to take the biggest step as far as improving," Helton said.

--Field Level Media

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