Boston College +9.5
Virginia Tech comes in playing their 4th non-Saturday game in six contests this year. They easily took care of the competition in those first three but they will not have the comfort of the Hokie faithful for this one. This will be the third straight road game for Virginia Tech, who defeated Texas A&M and Western Michigan in their last two. BC took care of Central Michigan 43-0 in their last game on September 28th. Virginia Tech leads the nation in rushing defense, allowing only 42 ypg and 1.6 ypc. The Eagles rushing game had done a good job this year since they had to replace William Green. They are 62nd in the nation, averaging 149 ypg and 3.8 ypc. The Hokies have three solid defenders listed as questionable - DE Nathaniel Adibi, DE Jim Davis and LB Mikal Baaque. The strength of the BC offense is their passing game with QB Brian St. Pierre. They average 242 ypg and 7.3 ypa through the air. While the Hokies have a strong run defense, their pass defense is their liability. They rank 74th, giving up 226 ypg. Look for the Eagles to try and take advantage of Pierre’s arm and this will be what the Hokies will be keying on. If Pierre can make some early plays, the running game could open up for BC. On defense, the Eagles will try and control the twin backs of Suggs and Jones, who have helped the Hokies to 221 ypg and 4.5 ypc. Boston College has a very formidable run defense of their own. They are ranked 25th, giving up 110 ypg and 3.1 ypc. The Eagles have had a very good week and a half of practice and have been working on the small things defensively, such as filling gaps and staying in position, something they failed to do against Miami. It’s no secret that the Hokies will be coming after them with the run since their passing game has suffered with the absense of QB Grant Noel. The passing game is only ranked 110th, averaging 119 ypg. Feeling here is that BC will be able to control Suggs and Jones just enough to put Virginia Tech in some third and long situations, a big advantage for the Eagles. Virginia Tech will be without starting kicker Carter Warley, who is out with a bad back. Freshman Nic Schmitt will get the start and this will mark the debut for the left-footed Schmitt. In game that should stay around the low 40’s, the over a touchdown head start is a nice advantage.