BC Virginia Tech Preview

BI have already talked earlier this week on the importance of this game for Boston College.  It is also a big one for Virginia Tech Coming off a loss to Tennessee in the Battle at Bristol, in which they outplayed the Vols for most of the game, this will be a bounce back game for them.  The Hokies have barely reached a bowl game in 3 of the past 4 seasons, and could struggle again if they lose on Saturday.

When BC has the ball: BC needs to establish their running game if they have any chance for success.  During the first two games of the season they have had a bad yards per carry average.  However, they have had 2 big plays for touchdowns to help offset this.  Last week Tennessee was able to run for 239 yards against Virginia Tech, and their QB Josh Dobbs ran for over 100.  BC should be able to establish the run, and Patrick Tolwes can find lanes with his feet.  When BC tries to throw the ball, Virginia Tech will come out blitzing.  They will try to get to the Towles and force him to make mistakes.  When Towles played at Kentucky he made plenty of turnovers and under pressure on Saturday, he may continue to do so.  However, last week BC was able to establish the deep passing game, and against the blitz they may be able to take advantage of this.  

When Virginia Tech has the ball:  BC should have the advantage when it comes to their rushing defense against the Hokies offense.  Last week, VT ran for 186 yards, but 70 came on one play. The rest of the game they were held to 116 yards on 45 carries.  BC has shown through two games that a team will not be able to beat them on the ground.  BC, however, has been susceptible to giving up the big play.  Umass’ only touchdown occurred when a receiver went uncovered deep across the middle.  If this happens on Saturday, Virginia Tech will take advantage.  QB Jarrod Evans likes to scramble and make plays with his feet.  This could cause problems for BC when they blitz.  Look for BC to try not to blitz and only rush 4 in order to stop Evans from taking off and running.  Last week, BC was able to get to the quarterback only rushing 4.  This will allow a linebacker to spy Evans, and not let him run.  However, if BC can’t get pressure, they will blitz rather than give Evans all day.  When they blitz, they must get to Evans, or he will make them pay.  A theme for Virginia Tech’s offense all year has been their turnovers.  They lost 5 fumbles last week against Tennessee and it completely changed the game.  BC has an opportunistic defense who will take advantage of this. 

Overall: It is important for each team not to get behind early.  BC is not a team like will be able to just drop back and throw in order to come back and beat you.  Virginia Tech last week crumpled under the pressure of a comeback.  BC’s defense is too strong for a team if they become one dimensional.  BC will be able to get to Evans in this one, and force turnovers.  The Eagles offense will be able to take advantage of the short field, and use deep passing plays in order to put up enough points to beat the Hokies.

Boston College 20 Virginia Tech 13