Hokies visit Eagles for lone October test
AP MegaSports
Virginia Tech plays what figures to be its only difficult game of this month when it visits Boston College on Thursday night for its Big East opener.
The fourth-ranked Hokies (5-0) had one of the nation's most difficult September schedules, playing three straight ranked opponents. They have a much easier October, giving them a good chance to be undefeated heading into November.
Virginia Tech had a bye last week, and faces traditional Big East doormats Rutgers and Temple at home in the next two weeks. Thursday's game figures to be the only thing that could prevent the Hokies from being 8-0 heading into their Nov. 2 game against 5-1 Pittsburgh.
The Hokies shouldn't look past the Eagles, however. Boston College (3-1, 0-1 Big East) suffered its lone loss to No. 1 Miami in a game that was close into the second half.
The Eagles come off their first shutout in 81 games, a 43-0 victory over Central Michigan on Sept. 28.
Brian St. Pierre threw for 314 yards and three touchdowns, while Derrick Knight rushed for 102 yards and a score on 19 carries.
It will be tough to get that kind of production against the Virginia Tech defense, which might be the best in the nation.
The Hokies lead the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 42.2 yards per game, and scoring defense. They have given up five touchdowns in five games and surrender only 7.8 points per contest.
The Hokies also had a shutout in their last game, a 30-0 victory over Western Michigan on Sept. 30. They allowed just one rushing first down and have a combined 10 sacks in the last two games.
"They play tremendous special teams, they play great defense, they get the ball back for their offense," Boston College coach Tom O'Brien said. "They're very sound on offense and they score points."
Since running the ball figures to be difficult, Boston College may try to focus on the passing game.
St. Pierre leads the Big East with 237.8 yards per game and the Eagles are second to the top-ranked Hurricanes in team passing offense.
The key for St. Pierre and the Eagles is to keep the Hokies from pulling away early and take the crowd out of the game. Virginia Tech has outscored opponents 109-3 in the first half this season.
Virginia Tech is 9-0 in Big East road openers. The Hokies have won the last six meetings with the Eagles, and lead the all-time series 7-2.