college sports
Both teams received byes and are looking for a fresh start, aiming for six wins and a bowl berth.
Boston College wide receiver Louis Bond runs into the end zone and scores during a game against Michigan State. AP Photo/Mark Stockwell
October 17, 2024 | 9:21am
Boston College (4-2, 1-1 ACC) vs. Virginia Tech (3-3, 1-1 ACC), Thursday 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Virginia Tech by 7.
Series record: Virginia Tech leads 20-11.
What’s the problem?
Both teams received byes and are looking for a fresh start, aiming for six wins and a bowl berth. Virginia Tech ended a two-game losing streak with a 31-7 victory over Stanford University on October 5th. Boston College blew a 14-0 lead against the University of Virginia on the same day, but lost 24-14. The Hokies have struggled all season, with all of their losses coming by a touchdown or less.
major matchups
The run game between Virginia Tech and Boston College front seven. The Hokies have rushed for at least 180 yards in four of their six games, with three of those games exceeding 200 yards. Tailback Beischl Tuten ranks second in the ACC with 605 yards, but he and the rest of Virginia Tech’s backs will face Boston College’s defense. They allow just 104.7 rushing yards per game, which ranks fourth in the ACC. The Eagles have allowed only two rushing touchdowns, which is tops in the league.
Featured players
Boston College: DE Donovan Ezeilhak ranks second in the FBS in sacks (9.0) and sacks per game (1.5). He also leads the ACC in tackles for loss (11.5) and leads the team in tackles with 43.
Virginia Tech: RB Beichul Tuten is one of three players in the ACC averaging over 100 yards rushing per game. He leads the league with nine rushing touchdowns and has four games with at least 100 yards rushing.
facts and figures
Boston College may be without top cornerback Amari Jackson, who reportedly tore his ACL in the game against Virginia. … BC ranks 20th nationally in scoring defense (17.2 ppg). …BC QB Thomas Castellanos has scored multiple touchdowns in four games this season. …Four of Boston College’s five starting offensive linemen have started at least 25 games in their careers. …The Hokies are 1-10 in one-score games under head coach Brent Pry. …Virginia Tech’s passing offense ranks 16th out of 17 teams in the ACC with 192.3 yards per game. …Virginia Tech will be making its 37th Thursday night appearance and has won 24 times since ESPN began such broadcasts. … The Hokies’ 21 sacks lead the ACC and are tied for second in the nation. Antoine Powell-Ryland led the team with seven.
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