<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0eVSco_0vVKeYMf00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0eVSco_0vVKeYMf00" width="1200" height="628" >Boston College faces the toughest test of the young 2024 season, going on the road to face the #6-ranked Missouri Tigers. Mizzou will be looking to exact revenge on the Eagles after a surprising overtime loss in Chestnut Hill in 2021. Both teams are still somewhat shrouded in mystery, both both teams blowing out their opponents and not needing to put all their cards on the table to win. The Tigers need to win this game to stay alive in the College Football Playoff race, but BC would love to spoil the fun once again for <a href="https://247sports.com/coach/Eli-Drinkwitz-1596">Eli Drinkwitz</a>. Three Keys to VictoryShare the "Burden"...Put simply, <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/luther-burden-iii-46058915/">Luther Burden III</a> is the best offensive player <a href="https://247sports.com/college/boston-college/">Boston College</a> has faced since <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/travis-etienne-88104/">Travis Etienne</a> in 2020 and the best overall player since <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/bryan-bresee-46038819/">Bryan Bresee</a> in 2021 or <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/jared-verse-46128730/">Jared Verse</a> in 2023. The versatile wide receiver is widely considered the best in college football and probably would have been the best in the last few years if not for <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/marvin-harrison-jr-46054792/">Marvin Harrison Jr.</a> Regardless, Burden is the most dangerous weapon in the Tigers' offense, and BC needs to do everything they can to stop him. As Burden primarily plays in the slot and moves around the field, BC having their best corner, <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/amari-jackson-46098506/">Amari Jackson</a>, might not be the best strategy. Jackson rarely plays in the slot; when he does, it's usually because all three of the offense's wide receivers are on one side of the field. It will likely be up to slot defender <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/khari-johnson-46042448/">Khari Johnson</a> to follow Burden around and cover him. Johnson has played quite well in the first two weeks, but this is a completely different challenge for him. One avenue would be for <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/tim-lewis-3422/">Tim Lewis</a> to utilize more Dime personnel on defense, putting six defensive backs on the field. This would pair well with Missouri's usage of 10 personnel (17.4%, 10th), especially if tight end Brent Norfleet is out due to a shoulder injury (update: he is expected to play, per Pete Thamel of ESP). <a href="https://247sports.com/college/ohio-state/">Ohio State</a> transfer <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/cameron-martinez-46036225/">Cameron Martinez</a> might be making his debut this week; the slot/safety hybrid could play deep and outside, while Johnson could cover shallow and inside. In Nickel, BC should still try to double Burden, keeping Carter Davis or KP Price over the top. Burden also frequently gets the ball as a rusher on Jet sweeps and reverses. The Eagles will need to keep their eyes peeled for trick plays. But if Amari Jackson can limit Theo Wease Jr., Missouri's other talented receiver, and two defenders are following Burden every play, <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/brady-cook-46047907/">Brady Cook</a> will likely need to target other tertiary, less dynamic weapons in the offense. If the Eagles can keep Burden from torching them for big plays, especially in the form of run-after-catch situations, they might be able to keep this game close. …With the Defensive LineBut there is another major element for Boston College's defense that they'll need to execute to keep this game competitive. The Eagles' defensive line needs to put together another dominant performance as they did against <a href="https://247sports.com/college/florida-state/">Florida State</a> and Duquesne. Because those two teams couldn't run the ball, they were forced to rely solely on the pass, especially once BC got up by multiple scores. The Eagles rank seventh in rushing yards allowed per game (40.5), third in defensive rushing success rate (80.0%), and 18th in % of opponent rushes for zero or fewer yards (36%). However, there are multiple obstacles that BC's defensive line needs to overcome. Firstly, <a href="https://247sports.com/college/missouri/">Missouri</a> features a big, strong, and experienced offensive line. While the Tigers haven't played anybody, they've been able to move the ball on the ground with relative ease. Secondly, if BC is going to play with more light boxes and lighter personnel, the defensive line might have to make more plays by themselves without the help of the linebackers. Tim Lewis should rightly be more focused on Missouri's passing attack, so he'll probably sub out one of BC's linebackers for another defensive back. Thirdly, one might think forcing Missouri to throw the ball is a misguided strategy. After all, I just said BC needs to use more Dime personnel to match their wide receivers. While I still think the Tigers' wide receivers are superior to the Eagles' secondary, the key to this game is making Mizzou one-dimensional on offense, as BC did to FSU and Duquesne. If they do so, the defensive line can tee off as pass rushers and get in the backfield to make Brady Cook uncomfortable. Therefore, this group needs to stop the run early by getting off blocks and tackling in the backfield and then force Cook into negative plays for the offense. Unleash the Pinball WizardDespite knocking off a top-ten team on the road in a standalone game in Week 1 and following it with the best passing game of his career, <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/thomas-castellanos-46101870/">Thomas Castellanos</a> has yet to establish himself as a nationwide household name. This is an excellent opportunity for him to do so. Due to the designer/one-off gameplan against FSU and the blowout against <a href="https://247sports.com/college/duquesne/">Duquesne</a>, I still think <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/bill-obrien-1359/">Bill O'Brien</a> and <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/will-lawing-5200/">Will Lawing</a> haven't fully unleashed Castellanos. He only had a handful of designed rushes against the Seminoles and one against Duquesne (depending on how you categorize an RPO QB draw). Missouri's defense has pitched two shutouts against lesser opponents, and they have not faced a quarterback like Thomas Castellanos. Both <a href="https://247sports.com/college/murray-state/">Murray State</a> and <a href="https://247sports.com/college/buffalo/">Buffalo</a> ran their quarterbacks a little bit, but they do not have Castellanos' explosiveness and speed. Because BC's defense will also be tested in a new way, the Eagles' offense will likely need to be more aggressive to keep up on the scoreboard. Therefore, expect O'Brien and Lawing to call some plays that give Castellanos a little more freedom to be a playmaker outside of structure. If Tommy can create some magic, particularly as a runner, that will allow BC to sustain drives, put points on the board, and control the pace of the game. Under new defensive coordinator <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/corey-batoon-1013/">Corey Batoon</a>, Mizzou is blitzing much less frequently than last year. They also probably didn't need to against Murray State and Buffalo, so he could still have some tricks up his sleeve. But Batoon has never really been a blitz-heavy coordinator. Frankly, I think this approach works better against Castellanos because it doesn't give away easy answers by leaving certain receivers uncovered or open up rushing lanes for him to escape through. Instead, he'll need to read the defense and make some difficult throws. But if he can do that and maybe force Batoon to start blitzing more to actually generate some pressure against the Eagles' stalwart offensive line, that could be the narrow path forward for BC to pull off the upset. To paraphrase The Who, "That tiny #1 kid, sure plays a mean football."Three Matchups to WatchMost Important/Interesting Matchup: BC's Defensive Line vs. Mizzou's Offensive LineFor Boston College to keep this game close and possibly win it, their defensive line will need to create splash plays for the defense against the run and the pass. They must get off their blocks quickly against Missouri's Outside Zone-heavy run game to prevent the running back from getting outside. BC also needs to get pressure on Brady Cook, forcing him to take sacks or make errant throws. If they cannot set the tone early and win the battle in the trenches, the Tigers will likely be able to move the ball at will. When it comes to pass rushing, I am undecided as to whether blitzing Cook is the wisest path. He traditionally struggles against the blitz but also has the mobility to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs. Furthermore, blitzing gives quarterbacks easy answers to the test by leaving receivers uncovered or in one-on-one coverage. A veteran quarterback like Cook should be able to ace that test, especially with the bevy of offensive weapons at his disposal. If they do not blitz, BC's defensive linemen will need to win their one-on-one matchups against Mizzou's offensive line. Easier said than done. Cook has been pressured on less than 20% of his dropbacks thus far, and the Tigers' offensive line has yet to allow a sack. Right tackle <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/armand-membou-46104057/">Armand Membou</a> and center <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/connor-tollison-46078884/">Connor Tollison</a> have been stellar thus far. However, this group has struggled with penalties. Missouri's starting offensive linemen have committed ten penalties in only two games. The team as a whole is tied for the 25th-most penalties in the FBS (16). Maybe BC's defensive line won't be able to make that many plays themselves, but drawing penalties could be just as effective. BC's Biggest Advantage: BC's Offensive Line vs. Mizzou's Defensive LineI'm sure that if Mizzou fans find this, they're going to be up in arms about an ACC offensive line being slated to dominate an SEC line. To their credit, I think their SEC talent shows up in every other matchup. But it is impossible to argue that BC's offensive line has not been dominant thus far. They pushed Florida State up and down the field for four quarters and kept Thomas Castellanos upright until he broke the pocket. Naturally, they were similarly effective against an undersized and overmatched Duquesne team. The Tigers also feature a talented and experienced defensive line. Johnny Walker Jr. is their best pass rusher and will match up against BC's new starting left tackle, <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/jude-bowry-46115570/">Jude Bowry</a>. The two tackles, <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/kristian-williams-46040808/">Kristian Williams</a> and <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/chris-mcclellan-46100996/">Chris McClellan</a>, are a dynamic duo in the middle. The other defensive end, Zion Young, has been good since transferring over from <a href="https://247sports.com/college/michigan-state/">Michigan State</a>, but he'll be going against arguably the best offensive tackle in the ACC, <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/ozzy-trapilo-46076637/">Ozzy Trapilo</a>. Plus, BC will likely get Logan Taylor back at the left guard spot. This group has played a ton of football, and it would not shock me if Will Lawing deploys some packages with six offensive linemen to counter Missouri's speed and athleticism with strength and power. With Taylor replacing <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Dwayne-Allick-Jr-46081802">Dwayne Allick</a>, BC supplants arguably their weak link in pass protection with one of the better pass protectors on the team. For the Eagles to keep this game close, they will need to rely on the passing game and keep Thomas Castellanos protected. But if BC can get a lead, this offensive line should allow them to protect it by winning in the trenches. BC's Biggest Weakness: BC's Defensive Backs vs. Mizzou's Wide ReceiversThrough two games, Boston College's defensive backs have exceeded pre-season expectations. The secondary was a major question mark for this team going into the season, breaking in four new starters around Amari Jackson. But they've been excellent in coverage, not allowing much separation and getting their hands on the ball to break up passes and contest catches. But this week's challenge is in a completely different universe. Even putting an elite talent like Luther Burden III aside, Missouri has one of the deeper wide receiver groups in the SEC. Bill O'Brien mentioned that he thinks the Tigers have four future NFL receivers on their depth chart; BC might have faced one so far this season. With Burden (rightfully) drawing so much attention in the slot, the Eagles have to pay their proper respects to the rest of Mizzou's receiving corps. <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/theo-wease-89448/">Theo Wease</a> would be a number one receiver on a vast majority of Power Four teams, but he's the Robin to Burden's Batman. Marquis "Speedy" Johnson is worthy of the nickname; he averaged just under 30 yards per reception last year. <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/mookie-cooper-46039953/">Mookie Cooper</a> is another very solid receiver, while <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/daniel-blood-46131331/">Daniel Blood</a> and <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/joshua-manning-46127850/">Joshua Manning</a> are highly-touted young players. BC will likely design their coverage shell around trying to limit Burden, but the other defensive backs will need to step up in a major way. We've discussed Khari Johnson's assignment already, and we'll discuss Amari Jackson's soon. That leaves <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/max-tucker-46131269/">Max Tucker</a> at the outside corner spot, lining up against Mookie Cooper or Speedy Johnson. Tucker struggled with faster receivers last year and against FSU this year, so this could be a difficult game for him. Safeties Carter Davis and KP Price have been excellent run defenders and tackles thus far, but this will be a very different challenge for them. Three PredictionsUnsung Hero: CB Amari JacksonLet's put our cards on the table: in almost every game that BC, Thomas Castellanos is the MVP, regardless of the final score. If you take Castellanos off the table, <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/donovan-ezeiruaku-46100546/">Donovan Ezeiruaku</a> is probably the second choice. Therefore, I'm going to pivot this prediction a bit to feature a player that I think would have played a vital role if BC were to win. For the first installment, I'll choose cornerback Amari Jackson. Much of the attention in this game will (rightfully) be dedicated to wide receiver Luther Burden III, arguably the best wide receiver in college football. However, as Burden spends the vast majority of his snaps in the slot, he will most likely go against Khari Johnson and perhaps Cameron Martinez if he's ready to go. Maybe Tim Lewis will play more Dime personnel and put both Johnson and Martinez on him; I wouldn't hate it.Therefore, let's pivot to another very interesting matchup. Burden gets all the attention and accolades for Missouri's offense, but another Tigers' wide receiver is no slouch. Theo Wease Jr. caught passes from <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/jalen-hurts-37059/">Jalen Hurts</a> and <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/tanner-mordecai-91436/">Tanner Mordecai</a> at <a href="https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/">Oklahoma</a> back in 2019. He was the Sooners' leading receiver in 2020 before missing the 2021 season and then not playing as much in 2022. Wease then transferred to Mizzou for the 2023 season and established himself as a very solid #2 option across from Burden. He finished behind Burden in every receiving category but distanced himself from the rest of the roster in terms of receiver. At 6'2" and 210 pounds, Wease can play both the X and Z in Missouri's offense. So far this year, with defenses over-committing to covering Burden (and him missing time), he is leading the Tigers in targets (19) and nearly doubling up the next closest receiver in catches (16) and receiving yards (179). Therefore, Amari Jackson needs to limit Wease's ability to exploit BC's defensive focus on preventing Burden from breaking this game wide-open. If he can do that, Brady Cook will be forced to consider tertiary options within this offense,Best Bet: BC 1st Half +9.5Frankly, I think the line on this game is a bit inflated. But it's hard to quarrel with; both teams have dominated lesser opponents, and the game is in Columbia, giving the Tigers a few more points. Nevertheless, I think the Eagles will be able to keep this one close in the first half, at the very least. They should be able to run the ball with a modicum of success and thus control the clock and keep Missouri's offense off the field. The Tigers could absolutely score quickly, and I think they could do that relatively often. But it's hard for me to imagine that the first half develops in a way where Mizzou has enough possessions to build a multiple-score lead, and the Eagles can't keep it competitive. Score Prediction: Missouri 34 - Boston College 20That being said, I think Missouri has markedly superior talent at key positions to open this game up and equal or marginally better talent at the other positions to sustain the lead. Both teams have questions after consecutive blowout wins where certain aspects of their roster were not really tested. But I think some of the "luck," or at least regression to the mean, that helped BC defeat Florida State (e.g., drops, poor playcalling) could turn against the Eagles. Furthermore, <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/eli-drinkwitz-1596/">Eli Drinkwitz</a> is not going to overlook this game; he remembers his error from 2021 and considers it a low point in his coaching career. The Eagles will keep this close in the first half, maybe into the third quarter, but at the end of the day, Missouri features a very deep, well-built roster chock-full of SEC-caliber talent. </div></body>

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Three-kly Preview: Missouri (Week 3)

Boston College faces the toughest test of the young 2024 season, going on the road to face the #6-ranked Missouri Tigers. Mizzou will be looking to exact revenge on the Eagles after a surprising overtime loss in Chestnut Hill in 2021. Both teams are still somewhat shrouded in mystery, both both teams blowing out their opponents and not needing to put all their cards on the table to win. The Tigers need to win this game to stay alive in the College Football Playoff race, but BC would love to spoil the fun once again for Eli Drinkwitz.

Three-kly Preview: Missouri (Week 3)

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