BC Eagles Prepare for Fenway Bowl Rematch
By Alexandria Evans
Boston College is in for a battle this Saturday as they face against the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs. The Mustangs are No. 14 ranked in the league this season with an 8-1 record.
This year’s Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) showdown between the two is a rematch from last year’s Fenway Bowl that resulted in an Eagles 23-14 upset win over the Mustangs, who had an exceptional 11-2 record. Despite the divide in talent between the two teams, it’s expected to be a heavy clash between two groups eager for another shot at each other.
Eagles Defensive End, Neto Okpala, called the upcoming matchup “pretty exciting,” stating, “It should be a lot of trash talking, I would assume. It will be pretty entertaining and pretty fun to play them again.”
In preparation for a highly skilled, talent-heavy Mustangs squad, Boston College’s head coach Bill O’Brien decided to make a crucial change on offense, benching former starter Thomas Castellanos for a transfer from Florida International, quarterback Grayson James.
Though James has yet to start and finish more than one game this season, O’Brien believes the switch will give the Eagles the best shot at taking down SMU’s powerhouse, calling the benching “the best decision for the team at the time.”
In his two appearances on the field this season, James started for a concussion-plagued Castellanos against Western Kentucky. Throwing for 168 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, he led the Eagles to an uncomfortably narrow 21-20 victory over a rather inferior Hilltoppers team. Just last week, Castellanos started in BC’s matchup against Syracuse, but a leg injury pulled him out of the game, giving James a second shot to showcase his ability to lead. James went on to lead the Eagles to a crucial victory over the Big Orange, finishing with a 99.7% passer rating.
Castellanos was reportedly not happy about the news of his benching and took time away from the team following the change. However, in another turn of events, it appears the Junior QB’s time at Chestnut Hill has come to an end. In a post on social media, Castellanos seemingly announced his exit, stating “Unfortunately all good things come to an end, even though it’s
sooner than I would like. I will trust in God and his plan for me on my journey.” In the message, he also thanked teammates and coaching staff who taught him “invaluable lessons on and off the field.”
Though it’s unclear how his exit will affect BC in the long run, it’s clear that Grayson James will keep the reigns for the remainder of the season.
The Boston College Eagles will travel to Dallas to take on the SMU Mustangs Saturday at 3:30pm.