Virginia Tech vs. Boston College: Game Preview and Prediction

Thursday, October 17th

Boston College (+6.5) @ Virginia Tech (-6.5); o/u48.5

7:30 pm EST

ESPN

Head Coach: Bill O’Brien

Last time out for BC: 24-14 L @ UVa

Offensive Coordinator: Will Lawing

Who’s playing QB?

Under center for the Eagles will be the 5’9” junior Thomas Castellanos. To put it simply. Castellanos is a playmaker. Through six games he has totalled 983 yards through the air to go with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. But Castellanos' true threat is on the ground, despite not putting up crazy numbers thus far. A year ago in 2023, Castellano rushed for over 1,000 yards. In 2024, he has only accumulated 103 yards on the ground. With that being said, and considering Virginia Tech’s struggles with running QBs, Castellanos still has rushed the ball 53 times and has proven to be a threat. Virginia Tech must contain him in the pocket, forcing the Eagles to throw the football. When Catsellanos does throw the football, it usually goes to the 5’11” junior Lewis Bond. Bond leads the team in receiving with 30 receptions for 358 yards. 

Biggest Strength?

When the Golden Eagles have found success in 2024, it has been on the ground through the senior running back tandem of Kye Robicahux and FSU transfer Treshaun Ward. In Boston College’s four wins thus far, Robichaux and Ward have combined for 83 carries for 447 yards – good for an average of 5.4 yards per carry. In their losses, Robichaux and Ward have combined for only 20 carries and 40 yards – a mere 2 yards per carry. Clearly, the Eagles find success when they commit to the run and do it well. Virginia Tech’s ability to stop the run against the Eagles will be the X-Factor on Thursday night in Blacksburg. 

Biggest Weakness?

Boston College's biggest weakness half way through the season has been its ability to score points. Aside from its game against Duquesne, the Eagles have only averaged 21.4 points per game. Luckily, the defense has been consistent for the eagles. But something tells me BC will have to score more than 21 points on Thursday if it wants to beat the Hokies. 

Key Matchup Battle: Virginia Tech D-Line vs. Boston College O-Line: The Battle of the Trenches.

Virginia Tech must get into the backfield quickly to limit big play opportunities for the BC RBs. LB play has been shaky at times for the Hokies – which is why the defensive line must assert itself as the better unit in the trenches – over an extremely experienced BC offensive line. BC’s entire offensive line is comprised of either RS Juniors, Seniors, or Grads.

Defensive Coordinator: Tim Lewis

Who’s the Anchor?

Boston College boasts one of the best edge rushers in the country in 6’3” senior Donovan Ezeiruaku. Ezeiruaku is second in the nation in total sacks with 9. That's two more than the Hokies’ Antwuan Pwell-Ryland who has 7, good for fifth nationally. Plain and simple, Ezeiruaku is a matchup nightmare who will cause havoc. Senior LB Kam Arnold has also been a force in 2024, totalling 35 tackles, two pass deflections, and one interception. 

Biggest Strength?

Overall, this BC defense has been pretty stout in 2024. The Eagles are only giving up 17.2 points per game, good for 20th in the nation. Much of that has been due to a solid rush defense. Aside from its game against ranked Missouri, the Eagles have held opponents to under 150 rushing yards. However, a talented back like the Hokies’ Bhayshul Tuten can certainly find some success, as did Missouri's Nate Noel who ran for over 170 yards on the ground. 

Truthfully, I expect the Hokies to find success on the ground like Missouri did, because I don't think the Eagles have faced a RB of Tuten’s caliber.

Virginia Tech has the opportunity to expose a BC defensive backfield that has not faced a WR unit with as much talent across the board as the Hokies do. It is only a question of if Kyron Drones can get them the ball with comfortable time in the pocket. 

Coming off of a bye week and a convincing win over Stanford, Virginia Tech finally has some sense of momentum. I think the Hokies keep the ball rolling and beat a Boston College team that they should do just that to on a Thursday night game in Blacksburg. 

Virginia Tech 38 - Boston College 16