Boston College Beats Virginia Tech: Images of Victory
By Joe Micik
Nov 1, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Tyler Murphy (2) runs for a touchdown as Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka (54) and cornerback Donovan Riley (2) defend in the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Murphy is having an extraordinary season, perhaps made more extraordinary by doing things that we have never seen a Boston College quarterback do before.
We are beginning to see that he can pass the football, which is a definite qualification for a quarterback — and it helps when your receivers actually catch it — but his ability to run is what has set him apart. Murphy is not afraid to tuck the ball away and run for it himself.
That’s what this whole “dual threat” thing is all about, and Eagles fans are learning all about it. As long as Addazio and his offensive system are here, this is the sort of player we are going to pursue, and that is reason for optimism. Murphy is part of a new dynamic here at Boston College where a quarterback can do damage in several different ways.
Nov 1, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Boston College Eagles linebacker Matt Milano (28) recovers a fumble as linebacker Connor Strachan (13) helps defend in the third quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The defense played a good game as well, though like in the Wake Forest game, it was a good first half (save for a bad opening drive) and a second half where they had to fight to survive.
Of course, the above photograph is not of a defensive play, but special teams. Matt Milano recovered a fumble, the only turnover of the game, on a kickoff in the third quarter. Milano is a defensive player, however, so we’ll give that to him.
Not to gloss over the fact, with the Eagles going plus-one in turnovers against the Hokies and not committing any of their own, Boston College is now back to even for the season in the turnover margin. Their eight lost turnovers is the second-least in the conference, yet their eight gained is the lowest number in the ACC.