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Virginia Football vs. Boston College Game Preview, Score Prediction

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Virginia Football vs. Boston College Game Preview, Score Prediction


The Virginia Cavaliers and Boston College Eagles will put their undefeated ACC records to the test when the two ACC foes clash on Saturday in Charlottesville. Boston College is looking to improve to 5-1 for the first time since 2008 and 2-0 in the ACC for the first time since 2007, while UVA is looking to improve on its best start under Tony Elliott and best start since 2019.

Read on for a full preview of Virginia vs. Boston College with everything you need to know, including game details and notes, an opponent scouting report, what to watch for, and a score prediction.

Who: Virginia Cavaliers (3-1, 1-0 ACC) vs. Boston College Eagles (4-1, 1-0 ACC)

When: Saturday, October 5th at 12pm ET

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Where: Scott Stadium (61,500) in Charlottesville, Virginia

How to watch: ACC Network

How to listen: SiriusXM 158 or 194, SXM App 956 | Virginia Sports Radio Network

All-time series: Boston College leads 7-1

Last meeting: Boston College defeated Virginia 27-24 last season in Chestnut Hill.

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Read Virginia’s injury report for the Boston College game here: UVA Football Week 6 Injury Report: Updates on Boley, Harris, Furnish, Wilson

See below for UVA’s week 6 depth chart for the Boston College game.

Virginia Cavaliers week 6 depth chart vs. Boston College

Virginia Cavaliers week 6 depth chart vs. Boston College / Virginia Athletics

2023: 7-6, 3-5 ACC
2024: 4-1, 1-0 ACC

In year 1 under the direction of long-time NFL head coach Bill O’Brien, the Eagles have gotten off to an excellent 4-1 start, which includes blowout wins over Florida State and Duquesne followed by a competitive loss at Missouri, and then more recently, close victories over Michigan State and Western Kentucky.

The scouting report on Boston College became a lot simpler on Thursday with the news that normal starting quarterback Thomas Castellanos is expected to be available for the Eagles on Saturday at UVA after missing last week’s game with an undisclosed injury. With Castellanos leading the way, BC can hope to return to form offensively after struggling on that side of the ball in a tight 21-20 victory over Western Kentucky last week. When Castellanos is healthy, the Boston College offense was certainly capable, opening the season with a 28-13 win at Florida State, nearly upsetting a top 10 SEC team on the road at Missouri, and coming from behind to beat Michigan State in week 4.

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Though Castellanos is a dynamic quarterback, the run game is the focus for the Eagles, who call designed runs 55% of the time and have nearly twice the rushing attempts than passing attempts. Castellanos does his fair share of running the ball, but Treshaun Ward leads the way in the ground game, averaging 6.0 yards per carry, which ranks 10th in the ACC. Seven different Eagles have scored rushing touchdowns this season and three of them are averaging at least 4.0 yards per carry.

In the passing game, Boston College’s strength is the efficiency of Thomas Castellanos, who ranks sixth in all of college football in passing efficiency and who has thrown only two interceptions as compared to 10 passing touchdowns. His top target is 5’11” redshirt junior Lewis Bond, who leads the BC receivers with 23 catches for 279 yards and two touchdowns. Only one other Eagle has double-digit receptions for the year, so the Cavaliers should consider focusing on denying Bond and make someone else beat them.

Defensively, Boston College thrives on takeaways, forcing 10 turnovers through the first five games, eight of which have been interceptions. There’s one player UVA quarterback Anthony Colandrea will have to locate before every snap and that’s defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, who leads the entire country with eight sacks through the first five games of the season. To emphasize that mind-boggling level of production, Ezeiruaku is averaging more than one sack per game and has more sacks than the entire UVA defense combined.

Other defensive playmakers to keep an eye on for BC are defensive backs Max Tucker and Khari Johnson, who each have two interceptions on the season and know how to turn those picks into game-changing plays, as both Tucker and Johnson have more than 50 interception return yards this year. If Colandrea makes an ill-advised throw, it’s a good bet that Tucker or Johnson will make him pay.

Overall, the BC defense ranks third in the ACC in scoring defense, though that’s boosted significantly by the Eagles shutting out FCS Duquesne in week 2.

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Quarterback Play
Before Thursday’s news that Thomas Castellanos is likely to start at quarterback for Boston College at Virginia on Saturday, this key was going to be about what the Eagles could get from backup Grayson James. To his credit, James threw the game-winning touchdown pass against Western Kentucky, but BC’s offense with James leading the way was uninspiring. With Castellanos expected to play, the question becomes how close to 100% of his normal dynamic play he provides in his return and whether the Cavalier defense can do a better job of containing him than last season, when he threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 78 more to lead the Eagles to a comeback in the second half. On the other side, the quarterback facing Castellanos will be different as Anthony Colandrea looks to do what Tony Muskett couldn’t last year and lead the Hoos to a victory over the Eagles for just the second time in the history of the series.

Second and Fourth Quarter Trends
Boston College tends to get off to a slow start offensively, scoring just 21 points in the first quarter through five games. The Eagles then turn it on in the second quarter, putting 62 points on the board this season in second quarters. In the fourth quarter, the BC defense locks in, giving up just six total points in five fourth quarters this season. Virginia has outscored each of its opponents in the second quarter this season and showed much improvement in fourth quarter execution, which was perhaps the team’s greatest weakness last season, in the comeback victory at Wake Forest. How each team performs before halftime and in the closing possessions of the game will be even more important in this game than they usually are.

Battle in the Trenches
The Eagles lean heavily on their physical play at the line of scrimmage, relying on a capable run game and an effective pass rush to turn the tides in their favor. Virginia can flip the script by disrupting Boston College’s efforts to dominate the line of scrimmage on either side of the ball. The UVA defensive front must contain BC’s run game and force the Eagles into third and long situations. But perhaps mostly importantly, the Cavalier offensive line must hold up against Donovan Ezeiruaku and the BC pass rush. Keep an eye on the left tackle spot, as McKale Boley is slated to make his season debut after missing the first four games with an injury. It wouldn’t be surprising to see both Boley and Jack Witmer, who started those four games at left tackle, split reps in this game, and look for the Cavaliers to potentially double team Ezeiruaku in order to take him out of the game if possible.

Boston College has owned the series against Virginia. Though the two teams have met only eight times, it still seems almost unfathomable that the Cavaliers have prevailed over the Eagles only once in the 60-year history of the series, and that one win came with just 250 fans in attendance at Scott Stadium during the COVID-impacted 2020 season. There should be plenty of fans in the stands on Saturday for UVA’s Homecomings game to see the Hoos face their toughest challenge yet against a well-coached team that has proven to have a winning mentality. UVA is 3-1, but still unproven without a marquee victory against a quality opponent. That could change on Saturday in what should be a very competitive ACC football game. I see this one coming down to the wire, with the Cavaliers showing that their improvements in late-game execution are for real.

Score prediction: Virginia 26, Boston College 23

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UVA Football: Players to Watch in Virginia vs. Boston College

Scouting Report: What to Expect From Boston College on Saturday at Virginia

UVA Football Week 6 Injury Report: Updates on Boley, Harris, Furnish, Wilson

Virginia Football Depth Chart vs. Boston College | Takeaways, Analysis

Virginia Football Opens as Home Favorite vs. Boston College in Week 6

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Boston, MA

Boston College QB Thomas Castellanos reportedly cleared to play Week 6

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Boston College QB Thomas Castellanos reportedly cleared to play Week 6


Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos will return to the lineup this weekend after missing the Eagles’ Week 5 win over Western Kentucky.

The junior from Waycross, Georgia, missed last week’s 21-20 win with an undisclosed injury. According to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Friday, Castellanos is preparing to start Saturday’s game against Virginia on the road.

FIU transfer Grayson James drew the start in Castellanos’ place last week, but Boston College struggled to get a grip on its game against the Hilltoppers. BC went into the fourth quarter at home trailing WKU 20-7, but rallied for a win.

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James had a 1-yard rushing score with 11:36 to play and then threw an 8-yard touchdown pass with 3:33 to play that served as the game-winner.

Castellanos returning to the fold offers the Eagles a boost. Thanks in part to his dual-threat ability, Boston College earned early-season wins over Florida State and Michigan State and nearly toppled Missouri on the road.

On the season, Castellanos is completing 64.3% of his passes for 729 yards with 10 touchdowns against 2 interceptions. He also has 112 rushing yards and a score in 4 games.

Boston College (4-1, 1-0 ACC) meets Virginia (3-1, 1-0) at noon ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network. Virginia is a 1-point favorite at ESPN Bet, but BC is looking to open league play 2-0 for the first time since 2007.

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MBTA Transit Police seek man after indecent assault of 15-year-old girl in Somerville

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MBTA Transit Police seek man after indecent assault of 15-year-old girl in Somerville


Authorities are looking for a man after they say a 15-year-old girl was assaulted in Somerville, Massachusetts.

The MBTA Transit Police put out photos of a person of interest being sought in an indecent assault and battery investigation.

Police say it occurred along MBTA Bus Route 86 in the McGrath Highway area, but did not say when the assault happened or whether it was on board a bus.

Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call 617-222-1050 with any information.

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Halloween 2024 in Boston: Feasts, dance parties, drag shows, more

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Halloween 2024 in Boston: Feasts, dance parties, drag shows, more


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Boston’s no Salem, but there’s plenty of feasting and partying to do this spooky season.

Here are the parties, feasts, drag shows, and costume contests to attend for Halloween 2024 in Boston. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

Boston may not go all out on Halloween like it’s hour-north witchy neighbor, Salem, but there’s plenty to do in town for those spooky season revelers out there — especially when it comes to feasts.

The range of events in and around Boston offers options to see a drag show, walk through a haunted house, or witness the cutest costume contest featuring pooch participants. But the one thing these events have in common is that there will be food and drink, in some capacity.

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So get your costume together — and bring your appetite along — for these Halloween-themed food events.

Spooky season is here, and this first-time event promises a scary good time for more than a month this fall. The Wicked Haunt Fest debuts this year at Charlestown’s Hood Park, with three immersive haunted experiences that are described as “Hollywood caliber.” If being scared isn’t your thing, there will also be a beer garden, pumpkin painting, mock trick-or-treating, and plenty of food and drink vendors. 10 Stack St., Charlestown

Harry Potter cocktails at Glass House in Cambridge. Courtesy Glass House

This one’s for House Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and fine, even Slytherin. The Cambridge restaurant Glass House is crafting cocktails around the world of Harry Potter and Hogwarts, with an adult version of Butter Beer, a Death Eater Negroni, and a Half Blood Prince (their take on a New York sour). 450 Kendall St., Cambridge

Descend into the depths of Shore Leave, which transforms into Scare Leave starting Oct. 1 through Nov. 3. Back for another year, the theme this year is “Haunted Dolls,” and the tropical bar is kicking events off with a goth-themed drag show. Their other big event is the Halloween Party on Oct. 31, complete with a DJ, costume contest, and more drag. Keep an eye out for drink specials on the bar’s Instagram page, and reservations are already available for dates 30 days in advance. 11 William E. Mullins Way, South End

Time Out Market’s drag bingo and brunch is back, with Big Atlas leading the Halloween-themed bingo on Saturday, Oct. 12. From 1 to 2:30 p.m., play along (and possibly win prizes), eat food, drink cocktails, and come for the free show. On Oct. 20, get any last-minute Halloween-themed goods from the “Spooky Market.” 401 Park Drive, Fenway-Kenmore

An animated pre-Halloween event returns to the Inman Square area on Saturday, Oct. 19. The fifth annual Camberville Zombie Pub Crawl unleashes a swarm of revelers in their most undead attire across eight bars: Look alive and meet fellow inspirited characters at Portico Brewing between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Then follow the living dead onto Remnant Brewing Satellite, across-the-street neighbors New Republik and An Sibin, the Turing Tavern, Trina’s Starlite Lounge and its adjacent sibling Parlor Sports, and finally, the Druid. This is a come-as-you-are, go-as-you-please event, and stops will be about 90 minutes each. There will be food specials at every bar except the Druid and drink specials from sponsors. Families are invited to attend the first bar of the crawl, but after that, the event becomes an adults-only outing. Meet at 101 South St., Somerville

Not every Halloween party needs to lean into the scary. Leave the fake blood at home and instead get your neon spandex on for when this downtown nightclub transforms into a 1980s dance floor. General admission is $33, or guests can splurge on a VIP table with up to 15 guests. 1 Center Plaza, Downtown Boston

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A Halloween bar crawl in Fenway returns on Saturday, Oct. 26. The festivities include stops at Game On, Bleacher Bar, Bill’s Bar, Loretta’s Last Call, Alibi, and Lansdowne Pub. Tickets are $9.99 and include access to all participating bars, half-off drink specials, entertainment, and several opportunities to win prizes and leave with swag. Various locations

Park-9 Dog Bar is a a bar and park for dogs (and people). The park offers indoor and outdoor accommodations for their visitors. Dogs playing in the out door area. ( Jonathan Wiggs /Globe Staff)

Does your dog have a great costume this year? Dress them up and bring them to Park-9, the area’s dog park bar, for a Haunted Halloween Party and Costume Contest. From 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, Everett’s indoor doggo play place becomes a decorated Haunted Dog Mansion (also Beetlejuice-themed) with cocktail specials, treats, spooky decor, and several categories to enter into the costume contest. 48 Waters Ave., Everett

No need to say his name three times. Beetlejuice will appear regardless at this year’s Liberty Hotel Halloween party. The jail-turned-hotel known for hosting over-the-top affairs is taking inspo from the movie of the year on Saturday, Oct. 26, with eerie Beetlejuice decor, a photo booth to capture your supernatural costumes, and live sets from DJ Joshua Carl and DJ Skoolyahd. Tickets start at $95 for access to the party in the lobby and ballroom, or you can get up to eight friends together to splurge on an all-inclusive VIP table on the catwalk ($1,500) or 10 friends in the lobby ($1,850). 215 Charles St., West End

Following a special edition of Drag Bingo earlier in the month, Time Out Market continues the festivities with a wickedly fun Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 26. From 9 p.m. to midnight, a tarot card reader, a live DJ, and Time Out’s resident drag queen Big Atlas will entertain (with the possibility of a Sanderson Sisters appearance). There will also be food specials, an airbrush tattoo artist, and a costume contest with prizes. Oh, and entry is free. 401 Park Drive, Fenway-Kenmore

With dishes like blood sausage, black silkie chicken, and pigeon pie, Harvest’s All Hallow’s Eve dinner takes inspiration from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This eerie menu features the unexpected — including one mystery cocktail hour bite dubbed the “Withered Corpse Game” — from executive chef Nick Deutmeyer, with canapes, four courses, and cocktails. Reserve, if you dare, for Sunday dinner on Oct. 27. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge

Expect a vibe that’s “Paul Revere’s midnight ride meets the Sanderson Sisters” during this prix fixe menu and drag show at the Revere Hotel’s restaurant, Rebel’s Guild. The menu features pub fare, and during the drag performance, stay seated for bewitching performances and spellbinding costumes starting at 6:30 p.m. on Halloween evening. 200 Stuart St., Bay Village

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Nautilus Pier 4 bar. Courtesy Nautilus Pier 4

The Halloween partying doesn’t stop on Oct. 31 because on Friday, Nov. 1, there’s Día de los Muertos to celebrate. Nautilus Pier 4 is hosting its annual Halloween party on the Day of the Dead this year and is encouraging revelers to come dressed for the theme. Besides festive decor and face painting, there will be dinner service, a first-come, first-serve bar with specialty cocktails, and a DJ. The event is not ticketed, but those seeking out dinner at the Seaport spot are urged to make reservations. 300 Pier 4 Boulevard, Seaport





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