Boston College Falls Short Against No. 6 Missouri Despite Strong Start
Boston College’s impressive start to the 2024 season faced a major test on Saturday against No. 6 Missouri, and while the Eagles fought hard, they fell just short in a 27-21 loss. The game was a true test for the Eagles, who have outperformed expectations this season, showing they are more than capable of competing against the nation’s top teams.
A Surprising Season for Boston College
Entering the season, not many outside of the Boston College locker room had high hopes for the Eagles. However, head coach Bill O’Brien has led his team to a 2-0 start, including a strong performance in Week 1 against Florida State. Saturday’s game against Missouri, a powerhouse program on a seven-game win streak, was a prime opportunity for Boston College to showcase their growth under O’Brien.
Boston College’s defense came out strong, holding Missouri to just a field goal in the first quarter. The Eagles jumped out to a 14-3 lead in the second quarter, thanks to quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who delivered a 67-yard touchdown pass to Reed Harris. Castellanos’ ability to make big plays on the run has been one of the keys to Boston College’s success so far this season.
Missouri Rallies Back
Despite Boston College’s early lead, Missouri roared back before halftime. A 19-yard touchdown pass from Brady Cook to Luther Burden III helped Missouri tie the game at 14-14. As the half ended, kicker Blake Craig nailed a career-long 56-yard field goal, giving Missouri a 17-14 advantage heading into the break.
Missouri continued to apply pressure in the second half, extending their lead to 24-14. While Boston College fought hard, a combination of turnovers and penalties hampered their ability to regain control. Castellanos, who finished with 249 passing yards and three touchdowns, also threw two costly interceptions, allowing Missouri to capitalize on their mistakes.
Bill O’Brien’s Strong Leadership
Despite the loss, Boston College’s performance has further solidified Bill O’Brien as a leading candidate for Coach of the Year. His leadership has breathed new life into the Eagles, and the team’s competitive showing against Missouri is proof of that. O’Brien’s ability to rally his players and exceed outside expectations has been remarkable so far this season.
Looking Ahead
While Boston College came up short, their resilience and ability to compete against top-ranked teams suggest they are far from finished. As they prepare to face Michigan State next week, the Eagles will aim to bounce back and continue building on the momentum that has carried them this far. O’Brien’s program has already exceeded expectations, and if they can eliminate penalties and turnovers, the Eagles could be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.







