The Tech Lunch Pail is excited to announce the launch of the new TLP Insider subscription. Sign up for an account and get the best news, inside scoops, and analysis on the Hokies! Learn more

#16 Virginia Tech at Boston College Picks

HOKIES Flag 1
After a disappointing loss last week, Virginia Tech is looking to respond this Saturday with an ACC road win at Boston College. The Hokies are heavy favorites against Boston College, but the Eagles should be fired up this game and desperate to pick up a big win that could help save head coach Steve Addazio's job. The Hokies should take care of business in this matchup, but also can't afford to overlook the Eagles. With that said, here are our picks for Saturday night's ACC matchup.

Tim Thomas

This is one of the biggest mismatches of the year in the ACC with the league's second-best team facing off against its worst. Virginia Tech is definitely the better team on-paper, but they must have the mental toughness to not get caught coasting into a bye week or stuck on last week's loss. However, the Hokies have proven that they can avoid so far in Justin Fuente's tenure with no back-to-back losses through 19 games. Boston College's pass defense is their strength, but their rush defense, even with Harold Landry, has been atrocious. This is one area where this matchup reminds me a lot of Virginia Tech's game with ECU and though BC is more talented than the Pirates, their rush defense is simply bad and will struggle Saturday night. Expect the Hokies to attack that weakness early and often, and for guys like Deshawn McClease and Travon McMillian to have significantly better games than they did last week. Meanwhile, Josh Jackson will face his second toughest challenge of the season so far, but Cam Phillips has proven it's almost impossible to contain him, helping Jackson out a lot in this game. Phillips does face a tough matchup this week, but expect Phillips to have a productive game to lead the Hokies' passing attack and break Isaiah Ford's career reception record (needs 5 to break it) while keep an eye on Sean Savoy as he continues to solidify himself as the Hokies' second option. The biggest mismatch comes on defense as the Hokies face a Scot Loeffler offense with a QB who has 7 interceptions in 5 games, and a pair of RBs who are both averaging under 4 yards per carry. The Hokies shut Boston College out last season and though it's hard seeing them do that on the road, it's definitely possible. especially with how dominant the Hokies' offense has been and how BC has struggled to establish the run, a staple of past Steve Addazio teams. This game is a huge mismatch, and it's almost impossible to see Boston College keeping it close. Virginia Tech will comfortably take care of their business in a game that they won't overlook led by a strong rushing attack and a dominant defensive performance.

Prediction: #16 Virginia Tech 38, Boston College 6

Evan Hughes

Out of all the games this season I'm most anxious to watch thus far for Virginia Tech, besides Clemson, it's today against Boston College. This isn't because I think it's a terrific match-up, but because I think the Hokies are going to make a statement to its fans and the college football world; a message that shows they bounced back after a disappointing loss, that they truly go 1-0 each week, and that Virginia Tech is still an elite team this year with lots to play for. Looking at the game itself, Boston College doesn't put up a lot of points and that's their style. I think that'll hurt them against an experienced linebacker corps that Virginia Tech has. Expect the running game for Virginia Tech to be much improved from a week ago and help carry the offense. I like the Hokies to prevail, 41-10, against the Eagles.

Prediction: #16 Virginia Tech 41, Boston College 10

David Cunningham

#16 Virginia Tech (4-1, 0-1) travels to Chestnut Hill to face Boston College (2-3, 0-2) in a game where the Hokies should be able to rebound from their loss last week against Clemson. There are a few players that are questionable this week for the Hokies including wide receiver CJ Carroll. Freshman quarterback Josh Jackson has been very composed throughout the season and has thrown for 12 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Boston College’s pass defense has been productive the season, and I think Jackson has an average game, throwing for 220 and a touchdown. The Hokies will get it done on the ground though, and having Travon McMillian, Deshawn McClease, and Coleman Fox available will give the Hokies options at running back. I think Jackson will scramble for 70-plus yards this game and expose the Eagles’ rushing defense. Cam Phillips may not receive as many targets as usual, but I think he will have at least 80 receiving yards by the end of the game. The Hokies’ offense should be able to get it done, assuming they execute. On defense, the Edmunds brothers will lead the team, along with cornerback Greg Stroman who will wear #25 this week. The Eagles’ offense has not been extremely productive this season, with quarterback Anthony Brown throwing 6 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The Eagles are decent at running the ball, but I think the Hokies have a great run defense and will not give up many total yards. Hopefully, the Hokies will be able to force a turnover or two and put the game away early. Jackson looked timid against Clemson, but it’s understandable when you’re playing against the best defense in the nation. The offense will play well against Boston College, and the Hokies will come back to Blacksburg with a victory.

Prediction: #16 Virginia Tech 30, Boston College 10

Dwight Lester

It’s not how you win but how you respond after a loss, my high school coach would say this all the time.
Those words ring true this week for the Hokies. One week removed from their first loss of the season, Virginia Tech travels to Boston College. The Eagles are an interesting challenge for the Hokies as they took Clemson deep into the game before the champs pulled away.
Boston College boasts a fantastic defensive end in Harold Landry. Landry is one of the best in the nation at rushing the passer. The Hokie offense will have to be excellent at protecting Josh Jackson. Jackson will look the lead the Hokie offense well as they attempt to rebound from a less than stellar performance last Saturday.
Look for the Hokies to try to get back to what was extremely successful the first four weeks; establishing the run game and building the offense from there. It will be interesting to see if Coleman Fox plays a bigger role in the offense this week with his success the past two weeks.
The Hokies will need to find other ways to score to help out the offense from a pressure standpoint. This year, special teams hasn’t really come after a punt. Look for the special teams to try to create a few big plays to take the wind out of what will be a loud home crowd. I wouldn’t be surprised if Greg Stroman found his way to the end zone for the second time this season.
All in all, this game, on paper, should go the Hokies' way. However, they don’t play the games on paper. I think the Hokies rebound from their first loss and get the win on the road 31-14. 5-1 and 1-0 for the week, LETS GO HOKiES!!!!!

Prediction: #16 Virginia Tech 31, Boston College 14

Stay up with The Tech Lunch Pail for the latest on the Hokies. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Subscribe to our email updates.

You must login in order to comment on this post.
Loading Indicator