4 things to watch for as BC football tries to upset No. 6 Missouri

With each milestone, Boston College football is inching closer toward what the Eagles hope will become an era defined by consistent national relevance.

The hiring of coach Bill O’Brien provided a jolt. The win over No. 10 Florida State made a statement. The beatdown of Duquesne and ensuing No. 24 ranking in the Associated Press poll offered validation.

“It’s the most I’ve seen people engaged,” BC wide receiver Lewis Bond said. “I go to class, walk on campus, everybody’s engaged, wearing the gold shirts. It’s pretty cool to see.”

At the same time, the Eagles understand they’ve played only two games. While they appreciate their first top 25 ranking since 2018, they’re far more concerned with where they end up in the poll.

“Twenty-four? That’s fantastic,” said O’Brien. “I think it’s great for BC, but that’s really not our focus at all.”

Their most significant test yet comes Saturday when they face No. 6 Missouri on the road. The Eagles are vying for their first victory in a top 25 matchup since 2007, when Matt Ryan fueled them past Clemson.

They’re also looking to beat two top 10 teams in the same season for the first time in program history.

“This is the best team we’ve played, no question about it,” O’Brien said. “Probably the best team we’ve played, BC-wise, in a couple of years, to be honest with you. It’s going to be a big challenge.”

Here are four factors that could determine the outcome:

1. Can Thomas Castellanos continue his upward trajectory?

BC leads the nation in passing efficiency, thanks to the improved decision-making of its quarterback.

Castellanos is 19 of 26 (73.1 percent) for 340 yards, with 6 touchdowns and no interceptions. While he’s always a threat on the ground, his consistency in the air is a major reason for the early success. Castellanos is Pro Football Focus’s third-highest-rated quarterback in the nation.

“It’s really been unreal,” right tackle Ozzy Trapilo said. “I’m sure people on the outside are able to notice, too, but being on the inside, it’s amazing. He’s really put in the time, so props to him.”

Castellanos is operating under a mind-set where doing less can often yield more. Then, when the game-changing throws are there — such as a 72-yard bomb to Reed Harris or a 49-yard back-shoulder throw to Bond — he’s delivering precise passes.

Against a powerful Missouri defense that ranks first in passing yards allowed per game (41), has forced three turnovers, and hasn’t allowed a point this season, decision-making will be even more critical. Sustaining methodical drives, and keeping the Tigers off the field, will be imperative.

2. Can BC contain Luther Burden III?

O’Brien said Missouri has three or four possible NFL-bound receivers. It’s no secret that Burden is a go-to target for dual-threat quarterback Brady Cook.

Burden, a 5-foot-11-inch, 208-pound junior, has 138 catches for 1,651 yards and 16 touchdowns in two-plus seasons. O’Brien likened Burden to Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase.

“He’s probably the best receiver in the country,” O’Brien said.

BC strong safety KP Price acknowledged Burden’s skill set, but he made it clear the Eagles aren’t intimidated.

“It’s a good matchup to go against,” Price said. “But at the end of the day, it’s a faceless opponent.”

3. Can BC continue to dominate the trenches?

BC overwhelmed Florida State’s highly touted defensive line and outmatched its offensive line in Week 1. The Eagles then took care of business against Duquesne, overpowering the Dukes up front.

The Eagles are fourth in the nation in third-down defense. They’re also seventh in rushing defense (40.5 yards per game) after finishing 118th (187.9) a season ago.

“We have to continue to stop the run,” defensive tackle George Rooks said. “Play well on first and second down, then on third down get after it.”

BC also is ninth in the nation in rushing offense (282.5). It’s a small sample size, but it does illuminate a larger trend. BC is at its best when it’s dominating possession and wearing the opposition down.

“Playing a defensive line of this caliber is going to make us all better,” Trapilo said. “We’re going to see moves that are high-quality, NFL-level moves. It’s good for the whole O-line.”

4. Can BC handle the atmosphere and expectations?

This is the only matchup between two ranked teams Saturday. While more pressure is on Missouri, BC has something to prove.

The Eagles have a chance to show their ranking isn’t a fluke, that they belong among the elite. Keep in mind: BC did beat Missouri, 41-34, in overtime in 2021, and many players on this team were on the roster then.

“The only other time I’ve played an SEC school, we beat them,” Bond said. “I don’t see them as anything but a football team. They’re another football team on the schedule we have to play.”

The Eagles’ last nonconference win in a ranked matchup came in 1993. They last visited an SEC opponent for a regular-season game in 1988. They haven’t earned a regular-season road win over an SEC team since 1984.

The place is going to be loud. It will feel like a playoff game. The Eagles, who dazzled in a similar environment at Florida State, expect to leave with another signature triumph.

“We always believe in ourselves,” Bond said. “There’s no game we’re going into thinking that we’re going to lose.”