Backup quarterback Grayson James connected with Jerand Bradley on an 8-yard touchdown pass in the closing moments, leading Boston College to a thrilling 21-20 comeback over Western Kentucky on Saturday. The Eagles managed to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter after starting quarterback Thomas Castellanos was ruled out due to an undisclosed injury.
James, a junior who transferred from Florida International, threw for 168 yards, completing 19 of 32 passes, while also rushing for a touchdown himself. This victory improved Boston College’s record to 4-1.
Despite being 12.5-point underdogs, Western Kentucky took an early lead, going up 14-0 in the second quarter thanks to Caden Veltkamp’s second touchdown pass of the game. The Hilltoppers maintained a 20-7 advantage until late in the fourth quarter.
Boston College’s head coach Bill O’Brien emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “We can play better. We have to start faster. We’ve got a chance to have a good football team, but we have to show up and be ready to go right from the get-go.”
A pivotal moment came when Donovan Ezeiruaku forced a fumble on Veltkamp, which was recovered by George Rooks at the Hilltoppers’ 20-yard line with just over six minutes remaining. James capitalized on this opportunity and hit Bradley in the back of the end zone six plays later.
Bradley expressed his confidence in the critical moment, saying, “We knew we had to make a big play… I knew it was a touchdown.”
James also scored on a 1-yard bootleg run, narrowing the deficit to 20-14 with 11.5 minutes remaining. Veltkamp, making just his second career start, finished the game with 232 passing yards, completing 25 of 39 attempts, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Hilltoppers coach Tyson Helton praised his team’s effort despite the loss, stating, “Hats off to Boston College. They found a way to win. Proud of our guys. They kept battling and they made plays.”
James and Bradley, who played together in high school in Texas, celebrated their connection on the field, recalling fond memories of their past together.
Looking ahead, Western Kentucky will host UTEP after their bye week on October 10, while Boston College will return to ACC play against Virginia next Saturday.