Handing out midterm grades to Boston College football

Heading into the fourth quarter Saturday, up 8 points on Virginia thanks to a strong first half, Boston College found itself on the cusp of cementing its first 5-1 start since 2008.

Instead, the Eagles collapsed in stunning fashion, allowing 18 unanswered in the fourth quarter en route to a 24-14 loss.

Now, with the bye week upon them and Virginia Tech on the horizon next Thursday, the Eagles have the opportunity to regroup and shift their focus to the second half.

“About halfway through is always good for a bye,” BC coach Bill O’Brien said. “You never want it too early, never want it too late.”

With a look back at the past, and an eye toward the future, here’s a position-by-position breakdown midway through the season.

Quarterback

The coaching staff has simplified the game for quarterback Thomas Castellanos and put him in position to succeed.

Castellanos has improved his efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. Without his growth, the Eagles wouldn’t be where they are now.

Having said that, he’s struggled in stretches against Missouri and Virginia, turning the ball over in critical moments. If Castellanos (67 for 100, 983 yards, 12 TDs, 4 INTs) can minimize those mistakes, BC will be in an ideal spot.

“He just has to do a great job at taking care of the football and making good decisions for the team,” O’Brien said. “We need to continue to improve things we’re doing around him.”

Backup Grayson James hit his stride as the game progressed when Castellanos was sidelined with a concussion against Western Kentucky.

Grade: B

Running back

The Eagles have an ideal blend of skill sets at running back. Treshaun Ward (50 carries, 283 yards, 2 TDs) is speedy, Kye Robichaux (53 carries, 204 yards, 2 TDs) is powerful, and Turbo Richard (42 carries, 212 yards, TD) combines elements of both.

Richard has been the main surprise so far, carving out a role as a freshman and establishing himself as someone O’Brien trusts.

“I feel like he’s going to be one of the next big, great Boston College running backs,” Robichaux said of Richard.

The Eagles are in the middle of the pack in the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing yards per game (10th, 157.7), but the unit has generally been there when BC needs production.

Grade: B+

Wide receiver

Wide receiver depth is one of the roster’s strongest attributes.

It starts with Lewis Bond, who surpassed 1,000 career receiving yards in the loss to Virginia. Bond (30 catches, 358 yards, 2 TDs) and Castellanos have undeniable chemistry.

Catholic Memorial graduate Jaedn Skeete (17 catches, 188 yards, TD) and Reed Harris (4 catches, 176 yards, 2 TDs) can take the top off the defense, and Jerand Bradley (5 catches, 68 yards, 2 TDs) is a red zone threat.

Grade: A-

Tight end

Kamari Morales (10 catches, 133 yards, 3 TDs) and Jeremiah Franklin (7 catches, 76 yards) have found a rhythm of late.

Tight end is a critical part of O’Brien’s offense, and they excel as blockers, pass-catchers, and problem-solvers.

“They complement each other very well,” O’Brien said. “Tommy definitely has a connection with those guys.”

Grade: B+

Offensive line

The play of the offensive line is often a barometer for the offense.

When Castellanos has time, as he did in the first half Saturday, the operation is typically humming. When he has to make rushed decisions, he sometimes tries to do too much and turns the ball over.

The Eagles are averaging 5.8 yards per play, and have 23 offensive touchdowns compared to eight for their opponents. Consistency is paramount as ACC play ramps up, as it can have a ripple effect throughout the roster.

“We’ve got to take a close look at the film and stay together,” center Drew Kendall said.

Grade: B

Defensive line

One of the main story lines is Donovan Ezeiruaku’s evolution from key contributor to national standout. Ezeiruaku (43 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5 quarterback hits, forced fumble) is tied for tops in the country with nine sacks and has helped BC control the line of scrimmage.

The Eagles have allowed the fewest points per game (17.2), fewest touchdowns (eight), and tied for the fewest rushing touchdowns (two) in the ACC. While that stems from all units working in tandem, the defensive line is a major driver.

Cam Horsley, Neto Okpala, and George Rooks round out the unit. It hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been consistently strong.

Grade: A-

Linebacker

Kam Arnold (35 tackles, INT, forced fumble) is the catalyst, and Daveon Crouch is a dependable sidekick.

Opponents have converted third downs at a 37 percent rate (11th in the ACC) and fourth downs at a 64.3 percent clip down (10th), two areas to clean up moving forward.

Grade: B

Secondary

The Eagles have eight interceptions, which equals their mark from all of last season. Suffield Academy graduate Khari Johnson and CM product Max Tucker have two apiece, and Carter Davis, Amari Jackson, and Jalen Cheek have added one each. The picks have come at key times and spearheaded signature comebacks.

“Any time you can take the ball away, it’s a huge thing,” O’Brien said. “There’s no doubt about it.”

BC has held teams to just five touchdowns in 20 red zone trips, the best mark in the ACC. Getting off the field on third and long is an area of improvement.

Grade: A-

Special teams

The Eagles are near the bottom of the pack in punt return average (14th, 7.1) and yards per punt (15th, 34.8), and they’ve only attempted one field goal.

Special teams is an area to monitor moving forward, as it could potentially cost them down the road.

Grade: C