Preview and Prediction: Boston College Football vs. Virginia Tech

On Thursday night, the Boston College football team returns from its bye week to take on Virginia Tech during the week! After a hot start to the year, the Eagles fell back to earth two weeks ago against Virginia, losing 24-14 after failing to score any points in the second half. The Hokies will likely prove to be an even greater challenge, but with a week off to work on their game, can BC bounce back with a win?

WHO: Boston College Eagles (4-2) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (3-3)

Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA

When: Thursday, October 17, 2024

Kick-off time: 7:30 p.m. ET

How to watch: This game will be broadcast live on ESPN and streamed live here

Our staff has spent this week putting together some great content to preview this match. Take a look:

How do we feel about Boston College football at midseason?

Back to Black(sburg): Virginia Tech Team Preview

Talk to Gobbler Country about Boston College vs. Virginia Tech!

Boston College DB Amari Jackson is out for the season with a torn ACL

Boston College Football vs. Virginia Tech: Betting Preview and Prediction

What you should pay attention to

• Break down the Hokies' offensive line. BC's pass rush is one of their strengths and VT's OL is one of their weaknesses. If Donovan Ezeiruaku and friends can get to the quarterback early and often, it will be a big step toward a Boston College victory on Thursday night, especially considering VT quarterback Kyron Drones has difficulty making quick downfield passes .
• Get the running backs going again. Despite a strong start to the season, Boston College's running game has been pretty quiet in recent weeks. The Eagles need to start applying more pressure in the trenches, forcing it down their opponents' throats and controlling the clock. VT's run defense is vulnerable enough to allow this, while their pass defense is much stronger.
• Start early. The bye week should have been a good opportunity to collect some thoughts and compete against VT with renewed energy. The Hokies really struggled to open their games with tenacity and that led to losses to Vanderbilt, Rutgers and Miami. Maybe Boston College can do the same.

Tailgate Treat of the Week

October? Night game? In Blacksburg? That's scary. I'll have a Jack O' Pumpkin Ale.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 27 Boston College 17

Unfortunately, I think this will be a midseason low for the Eagles. Virginia Tech is much stronger than their 3-3 record suggests, and I have a feeling the Hokies will try to make a statement. Thomas Castellanos and his team are simply too inconsistent to bet on a BC win at this point.