BOSTON — Backup quarterback Grayson James hit Jerand Bradley late with an 8-yard scoring pass, and Boston College rebounded with two fourth-quarter touchdowns for a 21-20 victory over Western Kentucky on Saturday.

BC’s starting quarterback, Thomas Castellanos, was sidelined with an undisclosed injury.

James, a junior transfer from Florida International, completed 19 of 32 passes for 168 yards with one inception for BC (4-1). He was also chasing points.

As a 12½-point underdog, Western Kentucky (3-2) took a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter on Caden Veltkamp’s second touchdown pass of the game, a 7-yarder to Easton Messer, and had a lead going into the quarter from 20:7 fourth quarter.

“We have to do better,” said first-year Boston College coach Bill O’Brien. “We can play better. We have to start faster. We have the chance to have a good football team, but we have to show up and be ready from the start.”

Donovan Ezeiruaku forced Veltkamp’s fumble on a strip sack that was recovered by lineman George Rooks at the Hilltoppers’ 20-yard line with just over six minutes to play.

Then, six plays later, James Bradley hit near the back line of the end zone.

“We knew we had to make a big splash,” Bradley said. “We knew what time it was. We knew what we had to do. When he called (the play in the huddle), I knew it was a touchdown.”

The Eagles made it 20-14 on James’ 1-yard bootleg with 11½ minutes left in the final quarter.

In his second career start, Veltkamp completed 25 of 39 passes for 232 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

“It’s a tough question,” Hilltoppers coach Tyson Helton said. “Hats off to Boston College. They found a way to win. Proud of our boys. They kept fighting and making plays. We had to find a way to win there in the end, but we didn’t.”

Castellanos was on the field before the game wearing a sweatshirt, chatting with James while the substitute warmed up.

James threw for 1,969 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore at FIU in 2022, but only played in three games last season.

THE TAKEAWAY
Western Kentucky: The Hilltoppers had a much better performance than in their other game against a Power Four school this season, when they were defeated by No. 5 Alabama 63-0 in their opener.
Boston College: This game took some of the shine off the good start under O’Brien, but it could have been worse. The defense seemed confused at times, leaving receivers open until they made a few big plays in the final quarter.

IMPLICATIONS ON THE SURVEY
BC could fall further out of the top 25. The Eagles “got votes,” finishing 28th overall in last week’s poll.

HIGH SCHOOL VISITED AGAIN
James and Bradley played together in high school in Texas.
“It was great, especially visiting JB,” James said. “We were able to play together in high school, so it was just great to be able to have that connection. This almost gave us a few flashbacks. … I think we gave each other a big hug afterward.”

NEXT
Western Kentucky: After a week off, WKU hosts UTEP in Conference USA play on Oct. 10.
Boston College: Returns to ACC action at Virginia next Saturday.