The Missouri Tigers have shown complete dominance in their first two games, sending both Murray State and Buffalo home scoreless. As week three approaches, the Tigers face their first test of the season, albeit against an unlikely challenger: Boston College.
At first, it was hard to see the Eagles as anything other than the next step to tougher matchups on Missouri’s schedule. That all changed in Week one, as Boston College would score an early 28-13 upset win over Florida State. The following week, they would rout Duquesne 56-0, and the challenge they presented became clear.
In many ways, Boston College mirrors the type of play that Missouri has employed from last year all through this season, a smothering defense aided by a mixture of pure talent at the rushing and receiving positions. Add the 30+ years of NFL and Collegiate experience that Head Coach Bill O’Brien has, and Boston College suddenly becomes a real test of the Tigers mettle.
To go further in-depth, the statistics from Boston Colleges’ two games of the season could show what to expect on Saturday. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos has gotten off to a near-perfect start this year, throwing for 340 yards and 6 touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 73.1%. Capable of throwing the deep ball, Castellanos could punch through Missouri’s so-far perfect defense with either one of his top receivers, Lewis Bond or Reed Harris. The rushing attack is no joke either, with five different Eagles players finding the endzone through their first two games. Suffice it to say, the offense is nothing to write off.
The defense is nothing to ignore as well, having forced three interceptions, and sacked opposing quarterbacks four times already this season. Missouri quarterback Brady Cook has already shown susceptibility to being caught off guard in the air, opting for heavy usage of his running ability amidst throwing an interception against Buffalo last week. If lesser opponents can take the ball out of Cook’s hands, it’s possible for Boston College to do the same.
History also shows the matchup hasn’t been kind to the Tigers. In their only previous meeting back in 2021, the Eagles scored a 41-34 victory on their home soil, proving they can upset the oddsmakers. Now the home advantage rests with the Tigers, as Boston College will travel to Faurot Field to see if they can repeat their surprise victory from three years ago.
This matchup has all the stakes, as Boston College sits at number 24, whereas Missouri rests at number six in the nation according to the AP poll. If the Tigers want to continue their crusade to the College Football Playoff, they’ll have to prove they can beat ranked opponents along the way, and on Saturday, Boston College will provide that test.