Boston College at Virginia Tech – Preview and Prediction
VIRGINIA TECH 6 BOSTON COLLEGE (42)
Implied Projected Score: Virginia Tech 24 Boston College 18
MEGALOCKS LINE – Virginia Tech 7
The Game
The Hokies look to recover after the loss at the Battle of Bristol last Saturday night. VT jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and 24 fumbles later it was a loss. Boston College lost a heartbreaker in Ireland in week one and came back with a dominating performance over UMass in week two. The Eagles cannot afford to pick up another conference loss but have a tough challenge ahead.
The Match-Up
Virginia Tech offense vs Boston College defense
We can certainly say at this point that QB Jerod Evans appears to be a nice fit. He has not thrown an INT yet this season and is their 2nd leading rusher. Overall, the biggest problem is getting used to the quicker tempo. With that adjustment, apparently, comes the need to fumble every 3rd play. The Hokies have a potential star at RB (Travon McMillian) and some really nice options in the passing game. Eventually, this offense is really going to click.
Problem. The Hokies face last season’s #1 total defense. The Eagles have started off strong again, against weaker offenses to be sure, but they look like another killer unit. Nine sacks already. Held Georgia Tech to 10 points until their late TD made it 17. Virginia Tech is going to have their moments but nothing is going to come easy this Saturday.
Boston College offense vs Virginia Tech defense.
Just so you know. Boston College does not have the QB GONG SHOW of recent seasons. Patrick Towles is not a star but also appears to be a nice fit for the offense. What he does is force other teams to actually respect the forward pass. It opens up the running game and allows BC to use play-action passing. The Hokies can be had on the ground and BC RB Jon Hilliman is off to a good start. We expect conservative play calling, while at the same time, taking some shots down the field. BC will struggle to get more than 14-17 points unless Virginia Tech keeps gift-wrapping points with turnovers. Then, who knows ?
MEGA morsels
TRENDS GUY will be happy to hear that VT is 37-17-1 to the under in their last 55 conference games whilst BC is 35-15-2 to the under in their last 52 conference games…..The series trend shows 6-2-1 to the over ???….Last year the Hokies won 26-10 at BC….VT has only allowed 18% conversions on 3rd down so far this season.
Summary
The VT offense cannot be trusted to cover 7 points in this one given how sloppy they are currently performing. The spread looks about right. We were hoping for +10 to take a shot with the Eagles but obviously have no chance of getting that number. The under looks a bit tasty. The concern would be the new VT up-tempo offense combined with the new-found ability of BC to throw the football.
Conclusion
Official play: None
Lean: Under any number 41 or better. Still looking further at this one for promotion to official status. Just not sure yet.