Boston College at Virginia Tech: BC Offense vs. VT Defense
By Joe Micik
Nov 30, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster (left) talks to his players against the Virginia Cavaliers in the third quarter at Scott Stadium. The Hokies won 16-6. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
BC Offense vs. VT Defense: Stat Analysis
Virginia Tech’s calling card in recent years has been their defense, and if one looks at the overall numbers, it’s a fine job the Hokies are doing.
One thing that might give Boston College a bit of cause for optimism is what Miami did to Virginia Tech just last week. The Hurricanes rushed for 364 yards, with Duke Johnson crushing the Hokie defense for 249 of them. Now, the Eagles lack the Andre Williams type who is going to get that many carries, but Boston College has one of the best rushing attacks in the nation, and you can bet they took notice of what Miami accomplished.
Otherwise, it has been a hit or miss year for the Eagles offense. In some games, they have looked extraordinary, and in others, from half to half they are mysterious. Everyone knows Tyler Murphy is going to run with the football, and Jon Hilliman, Myles Willis, et al. are going to pound away at the run. The up-the-middle plays are meeting less success as of late, but Boston College is still running hard.
BC Offense vs. VT Defense: Key Matchup
Boston College offensive line vs. Virginia Tech defensive line. Five seniors against a younger group of players, though one that has been good on average this season. The Miami game was more of an aberration than anything at this point, but the Eagles have one of the better offensive lines in the ACC, which they have to use to their advantage. Whomever controls the line of scrimmage controls the pace of play.
BC Offense vs. VT Defense: Virginia Tech Names to Know
Junior defensive lineman
Dadi Nicolashas gotten to the quarterback more time than any other Hokie, also recording 4.5 sacks.
BC Offense vs. VT Defense: Final Analysis
One immutable rule of Boston College football is that it’s never easy against anyone ever. The Eagles will have their work cut out for them against a team that has done far more on defense this year than offense. They are probably better at what they do overall than the Eagles are, but Boston College should be able to stay competitive, especially if the offensive line plays well.